With the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) tightening regulations on unapproved maritime training and certification courses, the Kerala Maritime Board (KMB) has announced plans to start DGS-approved training programmes at its facilities in Kodungallur and Neendakara.
On August 1, the DGS issued an order banning private training centres from conducting maritime courses without mandatory approval, citing violations of Indian law and international conventions. The directive followed reports that certain foreign governments and maritime administrations had authorised private centres within India to run courses leading to Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates without DGS approval.
The order emphasised that no training within India will be recognised unless it meets national and IMO standards, and has prior written approval from the DGS. It also warned that violators would face legal action, blacklisting, and a ban on collaborations with unapproved foreign providers.
“Some institutes, in tie-up with foreign agencies, are issuing certificates of competency in just six months for courses that require four years of mandatory training. This undermines safety, violates international conventions, and contributes to maritime accidents,” said Mercantile Marine Department Principal Officer J. Senthil Kumar.
In response, the KMB has begun the approval process to offer certified courses. “We have tied up with the Thrissur Police Academy for swimming training and with Cochin Shipyard for practical fire-fighting sessions. The Kodungallur facility is expected to start basic courses within three months, while Neendakara is planned as an international maritime training hub within six months,” said KMB Chairman N. S. Pillai.
The STCW convention, established by the IMO, sets minimum global standards for seafarer training, certification, and watchkeeping—critical for ensuring safety and competence in the maritime sector. The DGS has made it clear that it will not tolerate substandard or unauthorised training within Indian waters.
