IMarEST-India Branch to work with global marine community to promote scientific development of marine engineering in Odisha
Bhubaneswar(By Abhishek Mohanty): The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology launched the IMarEST-India Branch in Bhubaneswar.
Captain Gaurav Chhabra gave the welcome address.
In his keynote address, Deputy High Commissioner, British High Commission, East and Northeast Dr Andrew Fleming said, "When we speak of Kalinga, we remember its place in history as a great maritime civilization where the Sadhabas, who were the seafarers of Odisha, once sailed across the Indian Ocean, connecting India with Southeast Asia through trade, culture, and friendship. Today, as global attention shifts to the Indo-Pacific, Bhubaneswar and Odisha are poised to reclaim that legacy. With its strategic coastline, modern ports, and youthful talent, this wonderful state can once again become a maritime hub of innovation and opportunity. Let us honour our past by shaping a future where Bhubaneswar stands as both the temple city and the gateway to the seas. Today, with IMAREST establishing their Indian HQ in Bhubaneswar, is a significant step on that journey."
Dr. Surendra Kumar, Chairman Regional Training Providers, Asia-Australasia Nautical Institute, London, UK was present on the occasion.
A presentation on introduction to IMarEST and Membership was given by Naomi Taylor, Membership and Professional Services Director, IMarEST. London, UK.
Captain Vikas Pandey, Founder & CEO, Shipfinex graced the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Director General of Shipping at the Directorate General of Shipping Deependra Singh Bisen said, "The Government of India and the Directorate General of Shipping at this prestigious IMarEST forum — an organization that has, for over a century, stood at the intersection of science, engineering, and maritime excellence.
This event embodies the spirit of collaboration between nations, academia, and industry — a spirit that propels maritime innovation and sustains the ocean economy upon which our collective future depends.
India’s Maritime Vision – From Legacy to Leadership
India’s maritime journey is as vast and enduring as the oceans themselves.
From being a seafaring civilization to becoming one of the top five suppliers of global seafarers, our story is one of continuity, competence, and courage.
Under the visionary leadership of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and guided by the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) is steering India toward a new horizon — one defined by Training, Transition, and Transformation.
By 2047, India envisions being among the world’s top three maritime nations — a hub for green shipping, digital innovation, and skilled human capital, contributing significantly to the global blue economy. Training – The Core of Maritime Excellence
At the heart of India’s maritime ecosystem lies its greatest strength — its seafarers.
Today, India contributes nearly 12% of the world’s active seafarers, a figure we aim to elevate to 20% in the coming decade.
This ambition rests on a foundation of quality training, transparent certification, and technological integration."
He highlighted that the Training Branch of Directorate General of Shipping has undertaken several transformative initiatives like Digital Examination Ecosystem.
In collaboration with CDAC and NTA, we are building a secure, computer-based competency examination system, ensuring fairness, transparency, and standardization.
Another initiative is the Comprehensive Inspection Programme where every maritime institute undergoes stringent audit and evaluation to uphold global standards and eliminate malpractice.
Our motto is clear — “No compromise on competence. For the first time, simulator-based assessment is being integrated into oral examinations for competency, ensuring evidence-based, data-driven evaluation aligned with STCW standards. Our “Train the Trainer” programmes equip instructors with the latest knowledge in digital pedagogy, AI-based simulation, and competency mapping. Our vision of maritime excellence extends beyond technology — it is anchored in integrity and inclusiveness. Through the INDoS database, every Indian seafarer’s training and certification record is digitally verifiable, ensuring transparency across the system."
Stating that the “Say No to Fraud Institutes” campaign has protected thousands of young aspirants from fraudulent operators — reaffirming zero-tolerance stance toward malpractice, he said, "Equally important is our commitment to gender diversity.
Through initiatives like “Sagar Mein Samman”, the number of registered women seafarers has grown from 1,600 in 2015 to over 14,000 in 2024 — a testament to India’s belief that the future of shipping must be both inclusive and equitable.
Deependra shed light on an event of great significance — the India Maritime Week (IMW 2025), scheduled from 27th to 31st October in Mumbai.
He informed, "With participation from over 100 countries, IMW will bring together global experts, policymakers, shipowners, technology providers, and maritime academies to deliberate on the future of global shipping.
The event will feature high-level dialogues, exhibitions, and technology showcases — including an International Maritime Lounge highlighting innovations in simulation, alternate fuels, MASS, and green technologies."
