The Directorate General of Shipping’s 75th anniversary conference in Mumbai wasn’t just another maritime gathering. It was a wake-up call for India’s maritime sector to accelerate its T³ agenda: Training, Transition, and Transformation. The event brought together global experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to tackle the hard truths of maritime safety, sustainability, and technological readiness.
Dr. Malini V. Shankar, Vice Chancellor of the Indian Maritime University, set the tone by calling for a future-ready workforce. But the real fireworks came with the launch of the STCW Nautical and Engineering Reports, along with the Comprehensive Inspection Programme (CIP) Report 2025. These aren’t just documents—they’re a roadmap for aligning Indian seafarer training and ship inspections with global best practices. The reports don’t pull punches, highlighting gaps in competency frameworks and inspection mechanisms. They’re a call to action for India to step up its game.
Shri Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping, didn’t mince words. “India’s seafarers are among the finest in the world,” he said, “and our responsibility is to empower them with world-class training, technology, and resilience.” But empowerment isn’t just about handing out certificates. It’s about integrating skills, sensitivity, and sustainability into training programs. It’s about preparing seafarers for a future where digital transformation and decarbonisation are non-negotiable.
The conference’s panel discussions dug into the nitty-gritty of these challenges. The first session, moderated by Ms. Sonali Banerjee of the Indian Register of Shipping, tackled the evolving role of maritime institutions. Capt. Arvind Natrajan of the International Chamber of Shipping stressed the need for a people-centric training ecosystem. Capt. Subroto Khan of the Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies called for greater emphasis on soft skills and sustainability. The message was clear: training must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry.
The second session, moderated by Capt. Abhijith Balakrishnan of Scorpio Group, focused on future-proofing seafarers. Capt. Pradeep Chawla of Maritime Knowledge Limited highlighted the role of technology in enhancing competency and compliance. Capt. Viraf Chichgar of the Fleet Management Training Institute emphasized the need for continuous learning. The discussion underscored the importance of adaptability in an era of digital disruption and regulatory change.
The third session, moderated by Capt. Anish Joseph of DG Shipping, explored career pathways for maritime professionals. Capt. Dhruv Sawhney of ShipsKart and Capt. Gaurav Rana of Sea and Beyond shared insights on the diverse opportunities available to seafarers beyond the bridge and engine room. The discussion highlighted the need for a holistic approach to career development, one that encompasses both traditional and emerging roles.
The conference wasn’t just about talk. It was about action. Delegates left with a clear understanding of the challenges ahead and a shared commitment to building a risk-ready, sustainable, and technologically advanced maritime ecosystem. Capt. Ravi Singh Sikarwar of DG Shipping summed it up best: “This conference marks the beginning of a new chapter where safety, sustainability, and skills will define India’s maritime leadership.”
The question now is whether the industry will rise to the challenge. The T³ agenda isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a blueprint for the future. It’s time for India’s maritime sector to navigate through training, transition, and transformation. The world is watching.