New Delhi: The Government of India is taking several steps to promote skill development and employment opportunities in the maritime sector, with a focus on creating an industry-ready and globally competitive workforce.
Under the Skill India Mission (SIM), the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is providing skill, reskilling and upskilling training through a wide network of skill development centres and institutes across the country.
The initiatives cover various sections of society, including youth in coastal regions and Kasaragod district of Kerala, and aim to equip young people with industry-relevant skills for sectors such as maritime, logistics, shipping and port operations.
The information was provided by Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Skill India Mission Supports Maritime Sector Training
The Skill India Mission provides training through various schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
The mission aims to prepare India’s youth for future employment by providing them with industry-relevant skills. These efforts also cover opportunities in the maritime sector, where skilled manpower is required across shipping, logistics, ports and allied industries.
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PMKVY Offers Training in Maritime and Logistics Job Roles
Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, candidates are being trained in several logistics and maritime-related job roles.
These include:
- Documentation Assistant
- Consignment Booking Assistant
- Consignment Tracking Executive
- Courier Delivery Executive
- Signalman Port Operation
- Vessel Operator Grade-1
- Marine Capture Fisherman
- Protective & Marine Painter
In Kasaragod district of Kerala, a total of 240 candidates have been trained or oriented under PMKVY, of which 197 candidates have been certified.
The training is aimed at improving employability and preparing candidates for job opportunities in maritime, logistics and related sectors.
171 Maritime Training Institutes Approved by Directorate General of Shipping
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has approved 171 Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) across India.
Employment opportunities for seafarers on Indian and foreign ships depend on their training, assessment and certification in accordance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW Convention) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
India is a signatory to the STCW Convention, which establishes international standards for the training, certification and watchkeeping of seafarers.
Maritime Training Courses Aligned with IMO Standards
The Directorate General of Shipping has issued a list of approved maritime training courses. These courses are required to follow the Model Courses issued by the IMO and the STCW Convention, 2010.
The DGS has also issued the Training, Examination and Assessment Programme (TEAP) manual, which provides guidelines and details related to training courses, seagoing services and examinations.
In addition, a common course known as the Vertical Integration Course for Trainers has been introduced for faculty members of Maritime Training Institutes.
These measures are aimed at ensuring standardised and quality-focused maritime training and improving the professional capabilities of India’s seafarers and maritime workforce.
Government Strengthens Maritime Education and Industry-Oriented Skills
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has also taken several steps to promote skill development in the ports, shipping and waterways sector.
The initiatives focus particularly on creating opportunities for coastal youth by strengthening maritime education and training, upgrading the curriculum of maritime institutes and enhancing industry-oriented skill programmes in ports and logistics.
The broader objective is to develop a globally competitive and skilled workforce capable of meeting India’s growing maritime manpower requirements.
11 Shipyards Sign MoUs with 34 ITIs for On-the-Job Training
As part of efforts to strengthen industry-linked training, 11 shipyards have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 34 Industrial Training Institutes across eight coastal States.
The partnerships are aimed at implementing 150 hours of On-the-Job Training (OJT), providing trainees with practical exposure and industry-relevant experience.
Such initiatives are expected to help bridge the gap between classroom-based learning and the actual skill requirements of the shipbuilding and maritime industries.
Training of Trainers Programme Implemented in West Bengal
A Training of Trainers (ToT) programme has also been implemented at two Industrial Training Institutes in West Bengal by the Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS).
The initiative is aimed at strengthening the capabilities of trainers and improving the quality of technical and vocational training available to candidates seeking careers in the maritime and shipbuilding sectors.
Skill Gap Study Conducted Across Nine Shipyards
To identify the workforce requirements of the shipbuilding industry, a preliminary Skill Gap Study has been completed across nine shipyards.
The study is expected to help identify gaps between the skills available among workers and the requirements of the industry. Such assessments can support the development of targeted training programmes and help align skill development with emerging employment opportunities.
Indian Ship Technology Centre Established to Promote Skilling
The Indian Ship Technology Centre (ISTC) has been established as a Section 8 company to facilitate skill development in the shipbuilding sector.
The initiative is intended to support the development of technical skills and strengthen the talent pool required for India’s shipbuilding and maritime industries.
In addition, a Plan of Implementation (PoI) has been signed between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for a skill development project in the shipbuilding sector.
Government Focuses on Employment Opportunities for Coastal Youth
The government has taken several measures to improve employment opportunities for young people, including those living in coastal areas.
These initiatives include providing industry-aligned training through PMKVY and other skill development programmes and offering courses in diverse areas such as logistics, port operations, warehousing, supply chain management and marine-related job roles.
The government is also aligning training courses with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and Qualification Packs developed in consultation with industry stakeholders.
Recognition of Prior Learning to Support Existing Workers
The government is promoting Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to support workers who already possess relevant skills and experience.
Through RPL, individuals can have their existing competencies formally recognised, helping them improve their employability and access further training opportunities. The government is also encouraging stronger linkages between trained candidates and employment opportunities through industry partnerships and placement facilitation.
Skill Development to Meet India’s Growing Maritime Workforce Needs
The government’s combined efforts are aimed at improving the employability of youth in coastal regions and meeting the growing manpower requirements of India’s maritime, shipping, logistics and allied sectors.
By strengthening maritime education, expanding industry-linked training, improving training standards and promoting practical exposure through on-the-job programmes, the government is working towards creating a skilled workforce capable of supporting India’s maritime growth.
The initiatives under the Skill India Mission, along with measures undertaken by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Directorate General of Shipping, are expected to provide more structured career opportunities for youth while supporting the development of India’s maritime and shipbuilding ecosystem.
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