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The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) is embarking on a major revision of its Maritime Training Manual, originally released in 2018, as part of its commitment to enhancing the maritime training landscape in India. Recognizing the evolving nature of the maritime sector and its importance to the global economy, DG Shipping has thoroughly revised the manual, now expanded into four comprehensive volumes.
These updates aim to ensure that India’s Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) continue to meet global standards of seafarer education and certification, in line with international frameworks such as the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 1978).
A Comprehensive Overhaul
The revised Training Manual has been expanded into four volumes to provide clearer, more structured guidelines for both pre-sea and post-sea training. The revised volumes are:
- Volume 1: Pre-Sea Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs)
- Volume 2: Post-Sea Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs)
- Volume 3: MTI Module for E-Governance
- Volume 4: Compendium of Training Orders & Circulars
Each volume has been designed to offer more detailed, streamlined guidance for MTIs, focusing on best practices in maritime training, technological advancements, and regulatory compliance. The goal is to foster an ecosystem that consistently produces highly skilled and globally competent seafarers.
Alignment with International Standards
The revision of the Training Manual is a significant step in ensuring that India’s maritime education remains at the forefront of global standards. By aligning closely with the STCW 1978 and subsequent amendments, the DG Shipping aims to bolster the competency of Indian seafarers to meet the ever-changing demands of the global maritime industry. The integration of e-governance modules reflects a push toward modernizing the oversight and management of training institutes, ensuring a transparent and efficient governance model.
Stakeholder Engagement: Call for Feedback
In keeping with its objective of fostering an inclusive approach, DG Shipping is calling for feedback from all maritime stakeholders—including MTIs, seafarers, shipowners, and other related organizations—on the draft volumes of the revised Training Manual. This participatory approach will ensure that the perspectives and insights from the ground are incorporated into the final document.
Stakeholders are encouraged to thoroughly review the draft and provide their feedback by 15th October 2024 to the email address training-dgs@nic.in. By involving the maritime community, DG Shipping aims to create a robust, future-ready framework that meets the needs of both national and international maritime industries.
Driving India’s Maritime Future
This revision is part of a broader strategy by the DG Shipping to modernize the maritime sector and ensure the development of a skilled and competent seafaring workforce. The inclusion of a comprehensive Compendium of Training Orders & Circulars is designed to streamline the numerous guidelines that have been issued over the years into a cohesive document, simplifying the process of compliance for MTIs.
The Importance of Training in a Changing Maritime Landscape
The revision of the manual reflects DG Shipping’s acknowledgment of the rapidly evolving shipping landscape, driven by technological innovation, stricter regulatory environments, and new safety protocols. As the global maritime industry faces challenges ranging from decarbonization to digitalization, the need for a well-trained workforce is critical. This revised manual aims to bridge the gap between current training standards and the future needs of the industry.
Through this effort, DG Shipping reaffirms its commitment to remaining an effective and progressive maritime administration, ensuring India’s seafarers are not only competitive but also capable of leading the industry forward.
With the revised Training Manual, DG Shipping is setting the stage for a more structured, transparent, and future-oriented approach to maritime training in India. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, having a solid foundation in training is crucial for India to maintain its status as a leading source of competent seafarers. This is an open opportunity for all stakeholders to contribute toward shaping the future of maritime education in the country.
To ensure a well-rounded update, DG Shipping is requesting feedback from all maritime stakeholders. Suggestions and comments can be submitted via email to training-dgs@nic.in by 15th October 2024
