GANDHINAGAR : Gujarat Maritime University (GMU) has successfully concluded a specialised Capacity Building Programme on Maritime Law, Governance, and Administration for Group ‘A’ officers of the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), India. Conducted from September 28 to October 8, 2026, the programme aimed to strengthen professional knowledge and institutional capabilities in maritime legislation, regulatory frameworks, governance and administration.
The programme was conducted under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeevi Shanthakumar, Provost, Gujarat Maritime University, and provided participating officers with opportunities to deepen their understanding of key legal, regulatory and administrative aspects of the maritime sector through expert-led sessions and professional interactions.
The initiative reflects GMU’s continued commitment to supporting capacity development in India’s maritime sector by facilitating specialised learning opportunities for government officials and maritime professionals entrusted with regulatory and administrative responsibilities.
Valedictory Ceremony Marks Successful Completion
The valedictory ceremony marked the successful culmination of the programme, recognising the active participation and engagement of the officers throughout the training period. Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeevi Shanthakumar felicitated the participating officers and acknowledged their contribution to the programme’s discussions and learning activities.
The participating officers represented a range of nautical, engineering, ship-surveying and administrative functions within DGMA, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of India’s maritime regulatory framework. Their participation provided a valuable platform for professional engagement and knowledge exchange on matters relevant to maritime administration and regulatory oversight.
The officers felicitated during the ceremony included:
Capt. S. I. Abul Kalam Azad – Nautical Advisor-cum-Additional Director General of Shipping (Nautical) (I/C)
Capt. Anish Joseph – Principal Officer-cum-Joint Director General (I/C)
Capt. Vikram Singh Manhas – Deputy Nautical Advisor-cum-Senior Deputy Director General (Tech)
Shri Satish Devdas Kamath – Deputy Chief Surveyor-cum-Senior Deputy Director General (Tech)
Shri Gopikrishna Chockalingam – Engineer and Ship Surveyor-cum-Deputy Director General (Tech)
Shri Ubaidu Rehman – Engineer and Ship Surveyor-cum-Deputy Director General (Tech)
Shri Sajendra Oraon – Deputy Chief Surveyor-cum-Senior Deputy Director (Tech)
Capt. Tapesh Ghosh – Nautical Surveyor-cum-Deputy Director General (Tech)
Shri Ash Mohd – Deputy Director General
Capt. P. C. Meena – Nautical Surveyor-cum-Deputy Director General (Tech)
Capt. Nitin Mukesh – Deputy Nautical Advisor-cum-Senior Deputy Director General (Tech)
Shri Nebu Oommen – Deputy Chief Ship Surveyor-cum-Senior Deputy Director General (Tech)
Shri Yogesh Jaisinghani – Ship Surveyor-cum-Deputy Director General (Tech)
Shri Shitesh Ranjan – Ship Surveyor-cum-Deputy Director General (Tech)
Strengthening Maritime Governance and Regulatory Expertise
Maritime law, governance and administration are essential to the effective functioning of the shipping industry, covering regulatory compliance, vessel safety, technical standards, seafarer welfare and the implementation of national and international maritime requirements.
Specialised capacity-building initiatives such as this programme can help strengthen the professional competencies of officers responsible for implementing maritime regulations and supporting effective administration. They also provide an opportunity to exchange institutional perspectives, discuss emerging sectoral challenges and enhance familiarity with the evolving requirements of the maritime industry.
By bringing together academic expertise and the practical experience of senior maritime officials, the programme reinforced the importance of continuous professional development in an increasingly complex and internationally connected maritime environment.
GMU–DGMA Engagement Promotes Knowledge Exchange
The successful completion of the programme highlights the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and maritime regulatory authorities in developing specialised knowledge and professional expertise.
As a university focused on maritime education, research and professional development, Gujarat Maritime University provides a platform for advancing knowledge in maritime law, policy, governance and related disciplines. Engagement with DGMA officers further supports the exchange of expertise between academia and the institutions responsible for India’s maritime administration.
The programme concluded with a gala dinner at Radisson, GIFT City, bringing together DGMA officers, GMU faculty members, resource persons and the organising team to celebrate the successful completion of the initiative and the continued academic engagement between GMU and DGMA.
The successful conclusion of the programme marks another step towards strengthening professional capacity, promoting knowledge sharing and supporting the development of a competent and future-ready maritime administration in India.
