Prisilla Nadar

[Mumbai, 03rd December] On 2 nd December, Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways launched the world’s first ever online competency based examination and released Navik Jeevan – exhaustive research conducted among seafarers from Delhi virtually in an event organised by Directorate General of Shipping.

“This occasion is the first step in achieving our honourable Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi’s dream, which has been embodied in the Maritime India Vision 2030 launched by him in March 2021,” said Mr Sonowal.

India is one of the largest seafarer supplying nations and is in great demand globally. Mr Sonowal stated that the government is doing everything possible to improve the quality of seafarers by assuring to work for the development of seafarers training, and
ultimately emerging as a world leader in the maritime sector. He also instructed the stakeholders to look into the issues faced by seafarers highlighted in Navik Jeevan.

“Happy to know that Directorate General of Shipping has taken several initiatives, and in continuation of this effort the launch has become the pioneer in digital examination,” said Mr Sonowal.

Appreciating the works of DGS, Dr Sanjeev Ranjan, Secretary, Ports, Shipping and Waterways said, “In past years’ there were number of initiatives to develop high quality manpower to meet the global maritime requirements. We have made substantial
progress and now we have around 17% of Indian seafarers working globally. Our vision is to have 20% or more seafarers by 2030.”

“The release of Navik Jeevan has given us insights in what more we need to do in terms of improving the training and to do their best,” stated Dr Ranjan. He complimented the entire workforce who worked hard for the development of online examination for
Certificate of Competency as it has been a long journey; in order to make sure it meets the requirements of the industry.

A live example of Online examination was given during the launch.

The Director General of Shipping, Mr Amitabh Kumar, opined, “Navik Jeevan- is a core of Human element in shipping.” This survey which was conducted in association with Indian National Ship Owners Association and Maritime Training Trust is one of its kind which tells us where to focus our improvement in terms of training and welfare measures etc. This study online examination is a major initiative, that the government has identified for training and competency examination system and part of Maritime vision 2030. “We are certainly amongst the first in the world for any leading maritime nation to introduce such a system,” stated Mr Kumar.

“This inauguration is an achievement certificate for all those worked towards digitalization. With Prime Minister and Union Minister of Shipping Mr Sonowal’s blessings, our vision to be recognized globally will be true one day,” said Dr PK Rao, DDG
during his closing address.

Marex Media