Pratik Bijlani
On July 31st, 2024, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Mumbai Branch, in partnership with the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), hosted a critical maritime industry meeting titled “Insight on Continuous Education” at SCI’s office in Mumbai. The program emphasised the necessity of ongoing education for seafarers and how being an ICS member may substantially advance their careers.
ICS, founded in 1911 and headquartered in London, is a prestigious professional organisation that fosters the growth and advancement of shipbrokers, ship managers, and agents worldwide. It provides maritime professionals with education, certification, and networking opportunities while maintaining high standards of professional behaviour and knowledge in the shipping business. For seafarers, ICS membership provides recognised qualifications, lifelong learning opportunities, and a strong network of professional contacts, giving them the skills they need to flourish and pursue new opportunities in the maritime industry.
The event witnessed excellent participation from Senior Representatives from SCI, IMU, Capt Rajesh Tandon (FOSMA) Capt Vivek Bhandarkar, Secretary General, CMMI; Capt Girish Phadnis (Ex-MASSA), Mr Sanjeev Mehra (IMEI), Mr Anand Tripathi (AMET), Mr Niladri Bandyopadhay, Senior VP of Mackintosh Management Services; Dr Deepti Mankad, Professional Development Trainer & Consultant at Mindspeak and Industry Stalwarts.
Capt Ashok Gogia, FICS, Chairman of the ICS Mumbai Branch, launched the ceremony with a speech about ICS’s history and global renown. He emphasised ICS’s active participation in the maritime world, the high quality of its courses, and the unequalled networking opportunities it provides.
“Additionally, it provides fantastic networking opportunities. Any shipping company you go to around the world, you’ll almost certainly find someone from ICS,” he said. He also expressed excitement about the digitisation of ICS courses and encouraged guests to join the prestigious institute.
Mr. Krishnan Subramaniam, FICS, International Vice Chairman of ICS, spoke next. He discussed his journey to becoming ICS’s board member, emphasising the institute’s member-driven character. He emphasised the value of teamwork and mentioned ICS initiatives and exemptions for graduates of certain programs. He gladly acknowledged the industry’s involvement in his career, expressed gratitude, and looked forward to future interactions.
Capt BK Tyagi, FICS, Chairman & Managing Director of SCI, followed, thanked ICS for his election as Fellow member of the Institute membership. He discussed the courses he had completed and his experiences, emphasising the possibilities for ICS cooperation. He also discussed the Indian government’s aspirations to expand the shipping industry and encouraged the marine community to work with ICS.
Mr. Ajay Reshamwala, Managing Director of Reshamwala Shipbrokers, discussed the history of his family’s broking business and the founding of the company in 1948. He emphasised the essential function of shipbrokers, who facilitate 90% of global trade, and the value of ICS certification for aspiring shipbrokers. He provided internships to top ICS students, emphasising the need of actual experience in this subject.
Ms Meera Kumar, FICS, President and CEO of Diabos spoke about her experience in the marine business and her discovery of ICS. She appreciated the quality of ICS’s courses and networking possibilities, which had a big impact on her career. “I thoroughly enjoyed the high-quality instructional materials I received. “I’ve never had anyone go to such lengths to provide me with such good material since I graduated from school,” she stated. She also mentioned Diabos’ technology breakthroughs in the maritime sector, which aim to achieve cost-effective digitisation.
Finally, Mr. Dinesh Kutty, FICS, Deputy General Manager and heading the Tanker Desk at SCI, addressed the crowd. He talked about modern marine technology advancements as digitalisation, green fuels, and renewable energy sources. He foresaw future challenges for Indian shipping and emphasised the value of collaboration through strategic alliances, mergers, and acquisitions. He asked ICS to expand its alumni network and interact more with SCI, thereby contributing to the country’s maritime destiny.
This event not only highlighted the importance of continual education in the maritime industry, but also demonstrated ICS’s substantial contributions to advancing seafarers’ careers. It emphasised the importance of teamwork and creativity in dealing with the maritime industry’s future difficulties.
ICS Mumbai branch awarded Mr Bharatiraman Raghavan, MICS, as he gained the Highest Marks in Ship Operations & Management in the ICS Exams.
Mr Ashok Jain, FICS spoke from his .heart and he has been an active member of the ICS.
Capt. Anupam Raizada, MICS , Co-Founder and Director of Offing Group, host of the event kept the afternoon in high spirits and expertly led the session.
The event was followed by refreshment and excellent networking which was highly evident.
Marex Media