MARITIME EDUCATION IN KERALA

EDUCATION IN INDIA:For centuries, India has been a major centre for learning and many popular universities existed here. Even today, the country has some of the best Universities in the world. Besides, it is also facing many challenges in its primary education while striving to reach 100% literacy. Through the Universal Compulsory Primary Education, maintaining the quality of education in rural areas has been difficult and Kerala is the only Indian state to achieve this goal.

IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION:The education is the process of instruction aimed at the all round development of individuals, providing the necessary tools and knowledge to understand and participate in day to day activities of todays world. It dispels ignorance and boosts moral values of the individuals. It is the only wealth which cannot be robbed. It builds character, provides strength of mind and increases knowledge. The education sustains the human values which contribute to individual and collective well-being. It forms the basis for lifelong learning and inspires confidence to face challenges. It provides the skills to individuals to become more self-reliant and aware of opportunities and rights. It also enhances the ability of individuals to manage health problems, improve nutrition and childcare, and plan for the future. The education not only impacts on human development and economic growth, but also is the fundamental requirement of democracy. Through education people become more responsible and informed citizens, and have a voice in politics and society, which is essential for sustaining democracy. It is essential for eradicating poverty and it allows people to be more productive playing greater roles in economic life and earning a better living. The researches have shown that the life expectancy rises by as much as 2 years for every 1 per cent increase in literacy. The education is the key which allows people to move up in the world, seek better jobs, and ultimately succeed in their lives. So, education is very important, and no one should be deprived of it.

MARITIME HISTORY OF KERALA:INDIA is traditionally a maritime nation and has a rich maritime heritage. History documents the trade links of India had with other nations of the world, from the age of Harappan Civilization. With a long coast from the state of West Bengal on the east to the state of Gujarat on the west, India today moves 95% its traded goods by volume to the rest of the world. Ports and shipping from the integral part of the maritime sector, contributing greatly to the economic growth of the country. Two thirds of the worlds goods are moved by sea. Marine industry keeps all nations a float economically strong and stay interconnected. The Coastal Zone in Kerala is the low land fringing the sea extending over 600 km, with a height of less than 8m from the MSL, covers about 15 % of the state's total area of 38,863 sq.km. Kerala is made up of three distinct areas. Kerala is a costal land where the North Malabar is dominated by Calicut (Kozhikode) as far as up the coast as Cannanore, Tellicherry and Kasargod with the tiny pocket-handkerchief scape of Mahe nearby (earlier a French possession, now a part of Pondicherry). The interim space is formed by the princely state of Cochin; whereas the third comprises of Travancore, another princely state of historical importance. Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, was the erstwhile capital of Travancore and is the state capital today.

1. College of Marine Technology:The preamble stone of the College of Marine Technology was laid in 1996 with the noble intention to impart superior quality training and thus groom fine young blood generation of Marine Mechanics / Fitters adept at the profession. The College positioned at the cardinal nerve centre of Cochin is easily accessible by rail and road.

COURSES OFFERED:It offers unique courses in Marine Mechanical Fitter. The syllabus of which is approved by IETS and certified by STED Council Government of India and training facilities certified by ABS IV. ABS IV Certificate, STED Council Diploma Certificate, Course Certificate, X-ray, TIGA and MIG welding certificates will be awarded to the winning students after their final examination.

2. IGNOU:-

COURSES OFFERED:B.Sc. (Nautical Science) Course Duration: 3 years Eligibility Criteria: Candidates should be have Pass in 10+2 examination from a accredited Board/University with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM), with not less than 55% marks in PCM and should have passed with not less than 50% marks in English as a separate subject, at either 10th or 12th standard or in the Degree programme conducted by a accredited Board/University. Admission Procedure:Admission to this programme is offered on the basis of a written test (Entrance Test OPENNET) followed by an interview.

3. Euro Tech Maritime Academy:Euro-Tech Maritime Academy, Cochin an institute of national repute, was founded in the year 1997, with the head office at Cochin, Kerala State, India. It was established as an embodiment of vision of maritime self-reliance and academic excellence. It is the largest maritime educational institution in this part of the country, producing world class seafarers out of 22 various tailor made maritime courses to suit the demands of the industry, all with the approval of the Director General of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping & Government of India. This organization has received ISO 9001-2000 certification from an internationally acclaimed certification society, RINA and is being maintained. All the courses here are conducted in compliance with the provisions of STCW 95 of International Maritime Organization as well as Merchant Shipping (STCW for seafarers) Rules 1998 and META Manual of Directorate General of Shipping. Approved by Directorate General of Shipping, Govt. of India

COURSES OFFERED:Residential Courses: B. Tech in marine Engineering. Diploma in Nautical Science. PRE SEA GP Rating Course.

Orientation Course for Catering Professionals. Non Residential Courses: STCW 95 Advance Course. PSF Passenger Ship Familiarisation. ROSC Radar Observer Simulator Course.

4. Cochin University of Science and Technology:Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) is a government owned autonomous university in Kochi (Cochin), Kerala, India. Founded in 1971, the university consists of three campuses, two in Kochi and one in Kuttanad, Alappuzha, 66 km inland. The university awards degrees in engineering and allied subjects at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels. Nearly 2,000 students engage yearly in undergraduate and postgraduate study in this university.

COURSES OFFERED:B Tech in Naval Architecture & Ship Building. M Tech Marine biotechnology. M.Sc Industrial Fisheries. M.Sc Marine Biology. M.Sc Marine Geology. M.Sc Marine Geophysics. M Tech Ocean Technology. MBA (Logistics & Supply chain management as electives).

Kunjali Marakkar School of Marine Engineering (KMSME) :-

It is a marine college located in Cochin Kerala India. Located on the Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT) campus, KMSME started its first batch of 4-year B-Tech marine engineering programme in 2003. It is the only marine engineering training institute that is under the direct control of a government university. Admissions are available through a common admissions test administered by CUSAT. The college offers students a variety of courses in seamanship and shipping with an eye towards pursuing careers as engineers in the merchant marine. They also have departments of Atmospheric Science ,Marine Biology, Marine Geology, Marine geophysics , Chemical Oceanography, Industrial Fisheries, Ship technology etc. conducting seminars & researches on various marine maritime related aspects. The school at first offered only M.Sc. in Industrial Fisheries; Ph.D programmes were initiated in 1979.

Courses Offered:B- Tech in Marine Engineering.

5. Indian Institute of Logistics Kochi:Indian Institute of Logistics is a center of excellence in Logistics & Multi-Modal Transport in the country and overseas in future. Indian Institute of Logistics has been established as a specialized Institute of Logistics - to be built as a center of excellence in Logistics and Multi-Modal Transport in the country and abroad in due course of time.

COURSES OFFERED:1. MBA in Logistics & Shipping. 2. MBA in Logistics & Port Management. 3. MBA in Logistics & Supply Chain Management 4. MBA in Logistics & International Transport 5. Diploma in Logistics & Shipping. 6. Diploma in Logistics & port management. 7. Diploma in Logistics & Supply chain management

8. Diploma in Logistics & International transport

6. Regional Hi-Tech College of Management & Engineering:Regional Hi-Tech College of Management & Engineering was started in the year 1992 with a view of producing trained and efficient manpower matching the requirements in India and abroad. All our courses are recognized by the Kerala Technical Education Society (KTES) and The Institute of Technical Education Society (ITES). The college received ISO 9001:2000 certification recently and therefore committed to provide high quality, skill oriented educational services.

COURSES OFFERED:2 Years Diploma in Marine mechanical engineering.

CERTIFICATES ISSUED:Marine mechanical Fitter Marine Fabrication.

7. College of Ship Technology:This College imparts education and training in the Marine field, more specifically development of Personnel for the Ship Building and Off shore Industry. Scholarships and Grant are offered to the meritorious students and needy from 3rd semester onwards. Hostel facilities are offered at concessional charges. With the Vast and abundant job opportunities available, students completing these three year courses could find gainful employment in India and abroad. Approval from DNV accelerates the employment potential. Institution is manned by professionals drawn from Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Marine related industries with a combined experience of over 250 man years.

COURSES OFFERED:1. Wright Certificate course.

2. Diploma in Ship Building & Repair.

8. Cochin Shipyard Limited:Marine Engineering & Research Institute

Offers Pre-sea Training in Mechanical Engineering/Naval Architecture. Eligibility: Graduate in Mechanical Engg. / Naval Architecture with 65% marks in each of last 2 Semesters and 55% marks in English either in Std X or XII. Age: Not more than 24 years as on January 1. Physical Fitness: The candidates should be certified by a Medical Officer approved by Director General of Shipping. Course Details:Duration:GME (Graduate Mechanical Engineers) 1 year

9. DC school of management & Technology:The DC School of Management and Technology (DCSMAT) is a leading management institution in India located in Vagamon, Idukki, Kerala. Established in September 2002, DCSMAT is one of the few institutions in India approved by the (AICTE).

COURSES OFFERED:MBA in Logistics & Supply Chain Management.

10. Academy Of Marine Studies:60/577, A-4 Judges Avenue, Journalist Road Cochin 682017 (Kerala) Ph: 0484-402428, 401136 Email: brindam@hotmail.com head: Capt. K.N Balakrishnan Nair.

COURSES OFFERED:1. Pre-sea Training for Rating (Deck) 2. Pre-sea Training for Rating (GP)

10.UNIVAN MARITIME TRAINING ACADEMY, KOCHI:Univan Maritime Training Academy, Kochi is a subsidiary of Univan Ship Management Ltd; Hong Kong. Univan Ship Management Ltd was established by Late Capt. C.A. Vanderperre in 1973, widely accepted as the founder father of Ship Management. Univan Maritime Training Academy was started in 1998 at Kochi with a vision to impart training on basic safety and familiarization courses to ship staff. The Univan Maritime Training academy imparts Basic STCW Courses and Tanker Familiarization courses approved by the DG shipping and IMO. The certificates are issued under the authority of Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of transport, Govt. Of India. The Institute is an ISO 9001:2008 organization certified by the accrediting agency RINA.

COURSES OFFERED:

DGS APPROVAL FOR COURSES ARE:

1. Oil Tanker Familiarization Course. 2. Chemical Tanker Familiarization Course. 3. Medical First Aid. 4. Personal Survival Technique. 5. Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting Course. 6. Personal Safety & Social Responsibility. 7. Elementary First Aid.

11.Cochin Port Trust :Willingdon Island, Cochin 682009 (Kerala) Ph: 0484-361181, 366340 Fax 0484-2668163 Email: copt@ker.nic.in Website: www.cochinport.com

COURSES OFFERED:-

1. Pre sea 2 years Training for Diploma Holders (Seats 3) 2. Pre Sea 1 Year Training for Graduate engineers (Seats 6) 3. Advance Fire Fighting (Seats 24)

12.THE INSTITUTE OF MARINE ENGINEERS (I) KOCHI BRANCH:COURSES OFFERED :

MEO Class II (New) Preparatory 4 MONTHS COURSE Course Fee - Rs.20000/MEO Class III (NCV) C/E 4 MONTHS COURSE [Candidates will attend class with Class II (New) Preparatory candidates] Course Fee - Rs.20000/-

13.INDIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY:COURSES OFFERED:1. MBA in Shipping and Port Management. 2. Post Graduate Diploma in Marine Engineering. 3. B.Sc Nautical Science. 4. B.Sc Ship Building & Repair.

CONCLUSION:Kerala being the first state to witness INDIAs first container transshipment Terminal, became a Transshipment Hub for National & International cargo. Kerala needs to take proactive steps to take advantage of Union Budget 2011-12 and create a conducive environment for infrastructure lest it finds itself disconnected with emerging and changing INDIA. Today maritime university is world class, one with all nations top order priority. In India, marine industry has its scope because of the number of shipyards here. Keralas marine industry also has its own significance. More and more job opportunities awaiting for us in the marine sector in Kerala, by the completion of Vallarpadam and Vizhinjam container terminals. This indicates the importance of marine technology in 21st century. Here comes the importance of marine courses.

THANK YOU SOLOMON DAS.