When people mention the maritime sector, what comes to mind?

According to surveys done by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the industry is associated with blue-collar jobs with little room for career growth.

To change this perception, the MPA and other industry partners are launching a series of events to heighten awareness of the maritime sector.

This includes raising the profile of little-known professions, such as maritime insurance, shipping finance and shipbroking.

One of the ways they hope to do this is through the Singapore Maritime Week, which started yesterday and was officially opened by Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan.

The events open to the public during the week include an exhibition at Marina Square, where people can use a simulator to get a feel for what it is like to pilot a ship.

The Singapore Shipping Association will dock two offshore support vessels at VivoCity mall's waterfront from Thursday to Saturday. They will be open to the public for tours.

Seminars on topics such as smart ships and maritime sustainability, as well as networking events, will also take place this week.

The events are expected to draw 30,000 industry leaders, including maritime experts and delegates representing port authorities. "Amidst the global downturn in the shipping industry, Singapore Maritime Week 2016 offers a platform for the industry to jointly address the challenges," said Mr Khaw.

Other events open to the public include the Memoirs of City Port Scenes art exhibition, which will run until April 22 at the Visual Arts Centre in Dhoby Ghaut.