A forum that is completely dedicated to maritime professionals whose only focus on training and development issues related to seafarers, Maritime Trainer’s Guild (MTG) celebrated its 10th Foundation Day on 07^th and 08^th August. To commemorate this auspicious occasion, MTG honoured the maritime Trainers with MTG Awards for accomplishment in maritime education and training.

MTG was created with a vision to create a world class association of Maritime Teaching faculties who would set benchmark for furthering Maritime Training internationally.

Capt Kamal Chadha, General Secretary cum treasurer, MTG gave a warm welcome to everyone. On this day, the theme for deliberations was ‘Futuristic Training and Assessment’.

Within a year, the world has witnessed a complete changeover in the digital sector; the development which could have taken a decade, has changed drastically due to unprecedented pandemic, that forced everything to shift online. The session highlighted the importance of changes that is needed in the cadets training method while moving from traditional training method to modern training method.

Mrs HK Joshi, CMD, The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) was the Chief Guest on 07^th August. She released the MTG souvenir and appreciated Capt Prabhat Nigam, President, MTG for his achievements.

“India being the number one country in supply of seafarers, maritime training becomes most important,” said Mrs Joshi. “The trainers need to keep pace with rapidly changing sector, as the millennial are much smarter than what we think,” she added. She even suggested including some online communication skills of the cadets.

Industry experts like Col (Dr) KK Sharma, Dean, Global Education Program, Chitkara University, and Dr Surender Kumar spoke on Modern Training & Assessment Techniques (FDP). They made a presentation on modern training method like Visual, Audio and Kinesthtic, Online/eLearning, Gamification and simulation, ARVR, 3D Modeling and artificial intelligence.

This was followed by a panel discussion chaired by Dr Suresh Bhardwaj, Resident Director & Principal, MASSA Maritime Academy. The discussion focused on Online training in Pre-Sea & Post Sea courses.

Mr Pawan Kapoor, Founder and Trustee at Inner Search Foundation and Capt Yashoverman Sharma, Director, True North Competency Management and Former Head of IMTC, Mumbai graced day 2 as key note speakers. They both stressed upon Importance of On-Board Training & Mentoring.

The Chief Guest on day 2 was Mrs (Dr) Malini Shankar, Vice Chancellor at Indian Maritime University. Dr Brijendra Saxena welcomed and introduced her. She congratulated MTG for completing a decade in the industry. She stressed on the non-technical aspects of training like communication skills and attitude of our seafarers.

Dr Shankar announced the winners of MTG awards:

Capt Viraf Chichgar, Fleet Management – Innovation in contemporary Maritime Education and Training

Dr Surender Kumar, DP Vessel – Innovation in Developing training and Assessment System

Capt Shoukat Mukherjee, Founder & CEO The Naval Connection – Innovation in Distance Learning Mr T Mohan, Chief Engineer and Faculty at MASSA, Chennai – Innovation in Simulator Training

Mr Garish Jerome, Instructor, HIMT – Innovation in Practical Training and Skill Development

Mr Shravan Rewari, CEO & Managing Director, ARI – Innovation in training aids development

The awardees thanked MTG for giving them the honour. This was followed by a panel discussion that was moderated by Capt Shiv Halbe, CEO, MASSA.

Capt Kamal Chadha proposed the vote of thanks.

Marex Media