MUMBAI : The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI), India’s premier national shipping company, has further strengthened its commitment to developing a highly skilled maritime workforce by onboarding the second batch of 24 GP Rating and Certificate Course in Maritime Catering (CCMC) trainees onboard MV Swaraj Dweep on 21 July 2026 under the Structured Onboard Training Programme of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
The development follows the successful commencement of the programme with the first batch of 30 GP Rating and CCMC trainees, who began their mandatory onboard training on 15 July 2026. With the induction of the second batch, a total of 54 trainees have now joined the programme onboard MV Swaraj Dweep, marking steady progress in implementing the Government of India’s initiative to strengthen practical maritime training.
The onboarding ceremony was attended by Cdr. Vijaya Kumar from the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), Mr. C. Gopikrishna, Deputy Director General, Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), Mr. V. Azhaghuvel, Regional Deputy General Manager, SCI (Sri Vijaya Puram), and Capt. Kaustuv Dutta, Master of MV Swaraj Dweep, underscoring the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in nurturing the next generation of Indian seafarers.
The Structured Onboard Training Programme has been introduced by MoPSW to facilitate mandatory shipboard training for GP Rating and CCMC candidates, enabling them to gain hands-on operational experience in a real shipboard environment. The programme addresses one of the critical requirements for certification while enhancing the employability of aspiring seafarers and preparing them for careers in both the domestic and international maritime sectors.
During their training, the cadets will receive structured practical exposure to shipboard operations, safety procedures, emergency response drills, maintenance practices, cargo and passenger handling, hospitality services, and maritime regulations under the supervision and mentorship of experienced officers and crew. The programme aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and operational competence, ensuring trainees develop the skills and confidence required for professional service at sea.
SCI has been playing a pivotal role in supporting national maritime capacity-building initiatives by providing quality onboard training opportunities across its fleet. Through this continued collaboration with the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, SCI is contributing significantly to the creation of a competent, globally competitive and future-ready maritime workforce.
The initiative aligns with the objectives of Maritime India Vision 2030, which seeks to position India as a leading global supplier of skilled seafarers by strengthening maritime education, enhancing practical training infrastructure, and expanding employment opportunities for Indian youth in the global shipping industry.
By steadily increasing onboard training capacity, SCI continues to reinforce its role in advancing India’s maritime ecosystem while supporting the Government’s vision of creating a robust talent pipeline for the nation’s growing blue economy.
