International Maritime Training Centre (IMTC) (formerly the Indian Maritime Training Centre) as it exists today, is an expression of collective desire of its core task team to see the maritime training and education scenario break from the clutches of its conventional passive role; in to a dynamic, forward looking system, giving direction to the industry.
The seeds for what we see today as IMTC were sown in the year 1996 when a few in-house training activities commenced at Barber Ship Management (India) Pvt. Ltd. (BSMI), the local establishment of Barber International, the intelligence arm of the 145 years old international shipping giant, the Wilh. Wilhelmsen of Norway . The parent organization's firm commitment to competence building was largely responsible in motivating the IMTC team to develop more training programmes in the years to come.
With its recognition growing within the industry, IMTC made the major shift in November 2000 to an independent premises, in the peaceful environs of Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, where it occupies 11,320 sq. ft in the building "Sigma". IMTC today offers professional training courses in the areas of Management, Human Resources, Engineering, Cargo, Navigation and Information technology for shipboard staff and shore-based personnel of the maritime industry.
To commemorate its 5th Anniversary in the current premises, IMTC celebrated by hosting a forum in its conference room. Mr. Jarl Kristensen and Ms. Jane Bordal of Wilhelmsen Maritime Services , stressed that IMTC's focus in training was not just limited to developing the competency of sailing staff (both Indian and foreign) but also included shaping their careers. They, along with Capt. Yoshoverman Sharma, the Head of the Training Centre, thanked all the guests for their participation in IMTC's celebration.
Also highlighted were IMTC courses such as ' General Management in Shipping' (in association with Indian Institute of Management - Ahmedabad) that provides a unique platform for executives in the shipping industry to hone their managerial skills.
A Forum entitled "Quo Vadis - Training?" was organized at the Training Centre on the evening of 9th December. Mr. Jarl Kristensen, VP, Crewing, and Mrs Jane Bordal, GM, Competence development, represented W.M.S . Among the attendees was a mix of IMTC's clients and associates, Shipping Ministry Officials, and BSM India staff (afloat and ashore).
The Forum was entirely interactive, and comprised two sessions - the first being a debate and the second a panel discussion. The topics for the debates were:
(1) What is more beneficial for Trainees - more pre-sea training or more sea-time?
(2) What is the best answer for competency development of certified Officers - On-board or shore-side training?
Capt. R.K. Razdan, dean of the Tolani Maritime Institute, opened the debate, speaking for longer pre-sea training for Cadets, and shorter sea-time. Mr. S. Rajagopal, Ch.Off with BSM, put up counter arguments, speaking for shorter pre-sea and longer sea-time. The audience then pitched in with some incisive questions, which both speakers fielded with aplomb. An 'audience' poll conducted at the end of the Q&A showed 76 % in favour of longer sea time, and 22% for longer pre-sea training.
Capt. Pradeep Correa, GM, Great Eastern Shipping, then spoke on the merits of on-board training for competency development of certified Officers, and counter arguments were provided by Capt. Umesh Shedde of IMTC, who maintained that shore-side training was a better option. Similar audience questioning followed, and a poll resulted in 62% in favour of shore-side training, whereas 34% were for on-board training. Everyone agreed that training should be a combination of ship and shore side efforts.
In the second session, Capt. M.C.Yadav (Director, FOSMA) moderated a panel discussion on "Training for Generation-X'ers".
The discussion focused on training for the present generation of seafarers, with an eye to the future.
Specific issues taken up were training methodologies, content, duration, use of training equipment, faculty competence, ratio of theory/practical training etc. Mr. A. Banerjee, (P.O., MMD, Mumbai), Capt. G. Saldanha, (GM Maersk India ), Capt. K. Khambatta, (Training Manager, OMCI), and Mr. Nazir Badiwale, Sr. Supdt, Training, MOLMI), were the eminent panelists. Members of the audience were invited to offer their comments and questions to the views expressed by the panelists.
The general consensus was that there was a greater need of practical training as compared to theory (a 60:40 ratio if not greater) ; a revision of the syllabus for competency certification ; a concern for attracting quality faculty for training ; and in general a greater involvement of the Industry in deciding training needs rather than just the regulatory bodies.
Later during the dinner, the guests commended IMTC's efforts in introducing path-breaking training for the seafaring community.