In response to the Director General of Shipping’s (DGS) order issued on August 1, which banned private training centers from conducting maritime courses without mandatory approval, the Kerala Maritime Board has decided to start approved courses at its facilities in Kodungallur and Neendakara. The DG Shipping’s order was issued due to concerns about meeting strict national and international standards as prescribed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
The Kerala Maritime Board, authorized to conduct these approved courses, will ensure that the training provided aligns with the standards set by the IMO and enforced by the DGS. This move is expected to enhance the quality of maritime education and certification in Kerala, thereby benefiting Indian seafarers who are subject to stringent national and international standards.
The Centre, in its recent political climate, has been moderately supportive of such initiatives aimed at improving the quality of maritime education and training in India. It remains to be seen how this decision will be received by the broader maritime community and whether other states will follow suit in complying with the DG Shipping’s order.
The Thrissur Police Academy, which is under the Kerala Maritime Board, has also been taking proactive steps towards capacity building and upskilling its personnel to meet the evolving demands of the maritime sector. The academy recently announced that it would be conducting a series of workshops and seminars focused on enhancing the knowledge and skills of its staff in areas such as maritime law, safety protocols, and emergency response procedures.
The Kerala Maritime Board’s decision to start approved courses at its facilities in Kodungallur and Neendakara is a significant step towards ensuring that Indian seafarers receive quality education and training, thereby contributing to the growth of the maritime sector in India and abroad. The Copyright – newindianexpress.com will continue to monitor this development and provide updates as they become available.
