India launches maritime skills training program in Kolkata

Details: Category: Enseñanzas náuticas, formación, cursos; Published on Tuesday, 26 August 2025 16:23; Written by Administrator2; Hits: 115

The Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS) and the Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) have launched a skill development program in Kolkata, India.

The Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS) has opened a new training centre at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) as part of GRSE’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. The centre was launched at GRSE’s Taratala unit by its Chairman and Managing Director, along with officials from the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and CEMS.

CEMS is a skill development initiative set up by the Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways in partnership with the IRS. As announced, the initiative will focus on training and creating a skilled workforce for India’s maritime sector.

As explained, together, CEMS and GRSE will offer a special skill development program to train young people for jobs in shipbuilding and related industries. The six-month program will train 100 students in four key areas: welding, electrical, structural fittings and pipe fittings.

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Furthermore, it will include three months of hands-on training at GRSE workshops, followed by three months of real-world at GRSE facilities.

Credit: IRClass

This partnership with GRSE marks an important step in our mission to bridge the skills gap in the maritime industry.

…said Cdr Gopi Krishna Sivvam IN (Retd.), Chief Operating Officer, CEMS.

The latest developments have shown India’s commitment to modernising maritime laws and improving the standards and welfare of its maritime workforce.

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), recently announced a ban on maritime training within India by foreign administrations and entities without prior approval, citing violations of Indian law.

Furthermore, the DGS also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) to enhance the welfare, training, safety and overall wellbeing of Indian seafarers.

On 11 August, the Indian Parliament also passed the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, replacing the outdated Merchant Shipping Act of 1958, placing strong emphasis on seafarer welfare by reinforcing standards for training, certification and dispute resolution, in line with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).