The Captain of Ports has inked a concessionaire agreement with Ganpat University to transform the dilapidated Britona Maritime School, built in 1972, into the Goa Institute of Maritime Excellence. As part of the public-private partnership agreement, Ganpat University will invest Rs 15 crore to redevelop it over 18 months, after which new maritime courses will be offered to Goan students.
While the state govt will not spend any money on the project, it will hand over 5,000 sqm of land at Britona for a period of 30 years to Ganpat University for the Goa Institute of Maritime Excellence.
At present, the building structures that house the maritime school are over 50 years old and in dilapidated condition. Over the years, the courses offered by the school have also become outdated.
Once the new building comes up, Ganpat University will offer short-term as well as long-term specialized courses in seamanship and marine engineering, vessel and small craft operations, training for personnel seeking employment or working in inland waters, and other categories of mechanized vessels. While initially around seven courses will be offered to students, the captain of the Ports Department has proposed introducing additional courses in the future. These may include shipping and logistics management, shipping and finances, scuba diving, yacht deck crew, fishing trawler navigation, and open sea sailing.
The state govt, through the department of Public-Private Partnership (PPP), decided to handhold the Captain of Ports department in redeveloping the existing Maritime School at Britona on a PPP basis.
“Ganpat University will have to create a detailed project report for the project within six months. The construction has to be completed in 18 months, which includes smart classrooms for 50 students, workshops, a simulator, and other mock-ups of the engine room, wheelhouse, and navigation equipment,” said an official.
“100% of all the jobs at the project are to be allotted to bona fide Goans. If at all suitable candidates are not found, candidates from other states will be allowed to fill the vacancies,” said an official.
The department gave Ganpat University an option to create a business centre, sailor’s clubhouse, oceanarium, and conference facilities to generate revenue for the institute.
