The seminar, “Maritime Workforce 2030: Pathways, Progress & Preparedness,” hosted by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and the DMET MERI Ex-Cadets Association (DMECA) in Mumbai, focused on addressing the future challenges and opportunities within India’s maritime sector. The primary goal was to discuss how to create a skilled and future-ready workforce, uplift the profile of seafarers, and ensure the sustainability of the industry. The event brought together key maritime leaders, educators, and professionals to brainstorm and strategize for the coming years.
Key Takeaways from the Keynote Address
In his keynote, Arun Sharma, Executive Chairman of the IRS, underscored several critical points:
- Elevating the Seafaring Profession: He stressed the urgent need to raise the status of seafarer careers, positioning them as prestigious and aspirational. He highlighted their critical role in global trade and safety and advocated for viewing a career at sea not as an end, but as a potential stepping stone to leadership roles on land.
- Integrating Marine Engineering into Premier Institutions: A significant proposal was the inclusion of marine engineering programs at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). This was presented as a way to enhance the quality of maritime education and talent, mirroring the high standards of India’s world-class aviation engineering programs.
Panel Discussions & Future Skills
The seminar featured two insightful panel discussions that explored the future of the maritime workforce:
- Beyond the Seas – Career Pathways Post-Seafaring: This panel delved into the creation of structured career transitions for seafarers. It focused on a variety of shoreside opportunities including roles in ship management, classification societies, marine insurance, and technology-driven positions, providing a clear roadmap for life after a career at sea.
- Future Skills for Maritime 2030: This discussion addressed the emerging skillsets necessary to navigate the industry’s future. The focus was on topics like decarbonisation, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digitalisation. The panel emphasized the need for continuous learning and adaptability to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Strategic Vision for India’s Maritime Sector
The seminar’s discussions were aligned with broader national initiatives. The organizers and speakers, including Mudit Mehrotra of DMECA, reinforced their commitment to strengthening India’s position as a global maritime hub. The vision articulated at the event aligns with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, which aim to enhance India’s self-reliance and global leadership in key sectors. The consensus was that by investing in maritime education and talent, India can significantly strengthen its global maritime leadership.
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Source: Indian Register Of Shipping
