July 11 marks the 16th Maritime Day of China. The "Let’s go sailing" the Science Outreach Event and Sailing Invitational Race were held at the Linghai Campus of Dalian Maritime University. This event was co-hosted by China Institute of Navigation and Dalian Maritime University. With the theme of "Promoting the Silk Road Spirit and Inheriting the Culture of Navigation ", the event aimed to promote and popularize navigation knowledge, showcase the beautiful coastal city of Dalian, popularly known as the "Romantic City", showcase the school-running characteristics and advantages of Dalian Maritime University, "the cradle of navigators", and contribute to the "One Belt One Road" Initiative and the strategy of building a maritime and transportation power.
At the launch event, Zheng Shaonan, Secretary-General of the Party Committee of Dalian Maritime University, stated that key to building a shipping power is the regular training of new personnel, continuous and world-leading innovation in the field of nautical science and technology, and continuously inheriting the excellent Chinese culture of navigation. The University has a key responsibility and public service duty to develop Chinese navigational techniques and to support public understanding of the ocean.
Yan Xiaobo, Secretary-General of the China Institute of Navigation, said that the Chinese Institute of Navigation serves as a ‘bridge’ to implement national strategy, promote maritime culture and develop China’s shipping industry. The purpose of the "Let’s go sailing", the Science Outreach Event and Sailing Invitational Race on China Maritime day 2020 is to promote the stability and smooth flow of international logistics supply chains, advance the One Belt And One Road Initiative, develop the construction of maritime power and transportation power, and increase the impact and popularity of Maritime Day.
It is reported that this event includes two parts: navigation science outreach event and sailing race
In the navigation science outreach event, teachers of Dalian Maritime University explained in detail the history and development of sailing sports, the rules of sailing competitions; knowledge of unmanned ships and research progress in the field of unmanned ships; Haida Zhilong VR yacht pilot System；the development history, classification and application of knots; the principle of sextant astronomical positioning; the identification of survival signals on board and the knowledge of fire escape, etc. In addition, they also demonstrated the operation process of sailing ship on the spot; experiencing sailing in the unmanned boat ( named Blue), and VR experiencing, such as pushing, towing, encountering, fire fighting, rescuing of people overboard and other scenarios. They also demonstrated the knotting method on the spot and made knots crafts, and they demonstrated how to use sextant, how to put on a life jacket, and how to release and operate life rafts, etc.
The Sailing Invitational Race was held in Xinghai Bay. The participating teams included representatives from Dalian Mingdao Sailing Club, Dalian Yunshan Sailing Club, Ocean Blue Water Sailing Club, Dalian Tuoen Sailing Club, Dalian Maritime University and other units. Liaoning Provincial Sailing and Windsurfing Water Sports Association adjudicated
"This event was very interesting. We learned a lot of practical knowledge of navigation and knots, and experienced advanced VR yachts and unmanned ships. Many students enjoyed them and hoped that they can pursue a career in this field " Said Song Jicheng, a student at the Affiliated School of Dalian Maritime University,
"This event has been an inspiration. Others’ enthusiasm has strengthened my determination to devote myself to the maritime industry. As a student of maritime studies, I will go to sea after graduation and make my own contribution to the shipping industry of my country." Said Cao Youbing a student of Marine Engineering at Dalian Maritime University.
News Background
Navigation is the guarantee for inheriting human civilization, protecting marine rights and interests, and promoting international trade exchanges. July 11, 2005 is the 600th anniversary of Zheng He's Expedition. On April 25, 2005, with the approval of the State Council, July 11 of each year was established as "Maritime Day of China", which is an important national festival and which also serves as "World Maritime Day" in China. The establishment of "Maritime Day of China" is conducive to carrying forward and cultivating the great national spirit of unity, peace loving, hard-working, courage and self-improvement with patriotism as the core, enhancing marine consciousness and marine land concept, forming an atmosphere in which the whole society cares and supports the development of port shipping, and promoting the development of marine culture, science and technology and economy. And it is conducive to popularizing the knowledge of nautical science and forming an atmosphere that the whole society cares and supports the development of navigation, and vigorously carry out maritime scientific research activities; it is conducive to promoting the fine traditions of justice, peace, good neighborliness and friendship of the Chinese nation overseas, promoting world peace and common development, and building a maritime community of shared future for mankind.
The " Maritime Day of China " has run 16 times since 2005.". "Maritime Day of China" is a public event day organized by the government and participated by all citizens. It has become China’s largest and most important maritime festival.
