In a major initiative to strengthen India’s maritime workforce and improve employment prospects for aspiring seafarers, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has launched a six-month Structured Onboard Training Programme for General Purpose (GP) Rating and Certificate Course in Maritime Catering (CCMC) trainees.
The programme commenced on 15 July 2026 aboard MV Swaraj Dweep, a passenger vessel owned by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration and managed by The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI).
The initiative has been launched to address a long-standing challenge faced by pre-sea trained youth who often struggle to secure the mandatory onboard training required for certification and employment. By providing structured sea-time training, the programme aims to bridge the gap between classroom education and industry requirements.
The programme is being implemented by SCI in collaboration with the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) under the guidance of MoPSW, with financial support from the Maritime Training Trust (MTT). SCI will oversee the planning, execution, administration, and monitoring of the programme to ensure its successful implementation.
According to the Ministry, the initiative will significantly enhance the employability of eligible GP Rating and CCMC trainees by providing them with the essential onboard experience required to qualify for careers in the maritime sector.
The programme is expected to strengthen India’s pool of skilled maritime professionals while creating greater employment opportunities in both the domestic and international shipping industries. It also supports the government’s broader vision of developing a future-ready maritime workforce in line with the objectives of Maritime India Vision 2030.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reaffirmed its commitment to working with maritime stakeholders to generate sustainable employment opportunities for India’s youth and further enhance the country’s competitiveness as a global maritime nation.
