Educational Gaps in Indian Maritime Education for Handling Technology-Aided Maritime Operations

Pic: technological advancements

The maritime industry has always been at the receiving end of technological advancements, driving economic growth, global trade, and connectivity. In recent years, the integration of technology into maritime operations has brought about significant changes, leading to increased efficiency, safety, and sustainability. However, the Indian maritime education system is facing critical gaps when it comes to preparing maritime professionals to handle technology-aided maritime operations on board ships effectively. I am trying to delve into the reasons behind these educational gaps and discuss potential strategies to bridge them to prepare the Maritime professionals to take on challenges.
The maritime industry is constantly evolving, with technologies, regulations, and safety procedures are being introduced regularly. This is why it is of utmost importance for maritime professionals to continue their education after obtaining their initial and interim qualifications.
The Technological Transformation of Maritime Operations
The maritime sector has experienced a technological revolution that has transformed every facet of its operations. From navigation and communication systems to cargo handling and maintenance, technology has become an indispensable part of modern maritime activities. Automation, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and IoT devices are just a few examples of the technologies that are reshaping the industry.
This transformation has brought numerous benefits, including enhanced safety, improved operational efficiency, better environmental sustainability, and real-time monitoring and control. However, these benefits can only be fully realized if the maritime workforce is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle these advanced technologies.
Educational Gaps in Indian Maritime Education
While India has a rich maritime history and is home to a vast coastline, its maritime education system is struggling to keep up with the rapid pace of technological change. Several key educational gaps contribute to this challenge:

Outdated Curriculum:
Many maritime education institutions in India offer curricula that are outdated and do not adequately cover the latest technological advancements. Under the name of seamanship the professionals are made to hon skills which are never ever used by them on board. This results in graduates lacking the skills and knowledge required to operate and manage technology-aided maritime systems. The institutes which are not approved by DGs (regulator of Maritime education) do not follow what is being listed in the standard procedures. This needs to have been checked.
Seamanship needs to evolve into a more advanced stage. The case in point of making a pilot Ladder on board. It was a great deal of skill set during my time of sailing and now they are made ashore and supplied to vessel. The whole skill set just got ruined. They stopped teaching that in the seamanship course but did not teach how to check a shore made Pilot ladder.
Lack of Practical Training:
Technology in maritime operations requires hands-on experience to effectively manage and troubleshoot systems. However, the lack of practical training facilities and simulators in many maritime institutions hinders students from gaining practical exposure.
Many seafarers lack in perspective of checking the equipment for practical use as no practical training received. Quality control and checks in supplied equipment is very important from safety as well as security point of view.
Limited Faculty Expertise:
To teach technology-aided maritime operations, educators must themselves be well-versed in these technologies. However, there is a shortage of faculty members with the required expertise, making it difficult to impart relevant knowledge to students.
Inadequate Industry Collaboration:
The maritime industry is evolving rapidly, and close collaboration between educational institutions and industry players is crucial to ensure that the curriculum aligns with industry needs. Unfortunately, such collaboration is often lacking in Indian maritime education.
Regulatory Challenges:
Maritime education is subject to regulatory frameworks that may not always be flexible enough to accommodate rapid technological changes. This can hinder the integration of new topics and technologies into the curriculum.
Bridging the Educational Gaps
Addressing the educational gaps in Indian maritime education for technology-aided maritime operations requires a multi-faceted approach that involves educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies:

Curriculum Modernization:
Maritime education curricula need to be updated regularly to include the latest technological advancements. This includes courses on automation, digitalization, cybersecurity, data analytics, and more. Industry experts should collaborate with educators to design relevant and practical courses.
Investment in Infrastructure:
Educational institutions should invest in modern simulators, labs, and facilities that replicate real-world maritime environments. Practical training is essential for students to gain hands-on experience with technology-aided systems.
Faculty Development:
Training programs should be organized to upskill and update faculty members on emerging technologies. Industry professionals can be invited as guest lecturers to provide real-world insights. The average age of training and teaching faculty in maritime institutes is 60. They cant really connect with millennials and Gen Z students. If we need to create a smart student and maritime professionals for the world then, we need to have equally smart instructors not only experienced instructors.
Industry Collaboration:
Collaboration between educational institutions and maritime industry stakeholders should be strengthened. This could include internships, joint research projects, and advisory boards comprising industry experts.
Regulatory Flexibility:
Regulatory bodies need to adapt to the changing landscape of maritime operations. They should facilitate the inclusion of new technologies in educational programs and provide guidelines for curriculum modernization.
Research and Innovation:
Educational institutions should encourage research and innovation in technology-aided maritime operations. This can lead to the development of new solutions and practices that benefit the industry as a whole.
The Way Forward
In a rapidly evolving maritime landscape, addressing the educational gaps in technology-aided maritime operations is not only a necessity but a strategic imperative. By modernizing curricula, investing in practical training, smart and young instructors, fostering industry collaboration, and adapting regulations, India can develop a maritime workforce that is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern maritime technology.
Furthermore, a concerted effort is needed from educational institutions, industry players, and regulatory bodies to ensure that maritime professionals are not only familiar with these technologies but also capable of harnessing their full potential. Only through such collaborative and forward-looking measures can India’s maritime education system bridge the existing gaps and prepare a skilled workforce capable of driving the industry’s technological transformation into the future.

Marex Media
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