THE COMPLETE PAPER –
TAPPING THE HIGH-SCHOOL CURRICULA ROUTE.
The maritime industry remains beyond doubt a vital pillar of global trade and commerce. But there is a widespread lack of awareness about the maritime sector within the nation, especially in the interior tier-2 and tier-3 cities, which poses a serious hindrance to getting suitable talent to consider the sector for a career.
This paper therefore aims to identify some of the key challenges posed by the lack of awareness, as well as to study proposed solutions.
Perception vs. Reality
More often than not, the only press coverage the industry gets is negative. The media predominantly portrays maritime incidents such as maritime accidents, piracy, and pollution incidents, which paint the industry and the potential employment opportunities negatively, which in turn dissuades youth from considering careers within the sector.
The reality however, as the industry leaders will tell, is far from it. The maritime industry is integral to global trade and commerce, and offers a vast array of career opportunities beyond seafaring.
Employment Opportunities
The maritime industry, considering all its verticals, collectively provides the highest number of jobs globally. These jobs span various sectors, including but not limited to, maritime commerce, port operations, coastal and inland shipping, intermodal logistics, oceanography, etc. to name a few.
The sector plays a pivotal role in the global supply chain, ensuring the smooth flow of goods.
To effectively dispel any false perceptions that may stem from ignorance we need to approach this challenge in a structured manner.
Integrating Maritime Education in High School Curriculum
47% of the Indian population is below the age of 25, of which 24% is below 15. Perhaps the easiest way to create awareness about the sector then would be by introducing the maritime sector’s significance in high-school curricula.
- Highlight how the maritime industry is integral to our daily lives
- Emphasize the role of maritime transportation in the delivery of goods.
- Showcase the importance of ports in trade and commerce.
- Explain coastal and inland shipping’s contribution to regional development.
- Introduce intermodal and multimodal opportunities within the sector.
The list can be endless.
AWARENESS SPARKS’ INTEREST… By educating students at the school level about the maritime sector’s importance, we generate curiosity and interest. Encouraging students to explore career opportunities in maritime commerce, logistics, and related fields will create awareness of the opportunities and dispel the negative perceptions that stigmatise the possibilities.
Integrating maritime education into high school curricula is the first step toward rectifying this issue. Social media is a powerful tool, and influencers should be engaged to further generate interest in it.
Expanding Maritime and Environmental Studies
Once awareness is created, the seed is sown. As the next stage, introduce maritime and environmental studies as an elective in higher secondary syllabi.
This would invariably encourage students to delve deeper into maritime-related subjects. With growing unemployment in other industrial sectors, students can make informed choices to consider this highly lucrative seafaring profession, along with a career path beyond sailing.
By fostering awareness and interest in maritime careers, and a coherent road map beyond, we can ensure a steady supply of talented individuals to sustain the industry’s growth and development. India has this great opportunity to develop a skilled workforce equipped to address the sector’s evolving challenges.
Proper education, applying a structured approach, including a high-level understanding of the environmental concerns, will fuel the growth potential for serving the industry globally.
With the above foundation, career counselling sessions at school completion stage will garner far better traction with more students making informed choices aligned with their interests.
Key Takeaways:
- Awareness: Promote the importance of maritime trade, ports, logistics, and environmental sustainability.
- Employment: Highlight diverse career opportunities beyond traditional seafaring roles.
- Education: Integrate maritime and environmental studies into school curricula.
- Skill Development: Create a skilled workforce through education-industry partnerships and vocational programs.
- National Policy Alignment: Align efforts with India’s maritime policies and global environmental standards.
By taking these steps, India will have a distinct advantage to position itself as a leader in maritime manpower, providing a workforce with valuable skills that contribute to the growth and sustainability of the sector.
II. Detailed Action Plan for Engaging the Ministry of Education on Introducing Maritime & Environmental Studies
Objective
The primary objective is to make a strong case for integrating Maritime & Environmental Studies into the secondary and higher secondary education curricula in India, focusing on creating awareness about the maritime sector, its career opportunities, and the importance of environmental sustainability within the sector. Led by Ministry of Shipping this initiative would should involve collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Ministry of Labour, and the Ministry of Education.
Key Areas to Address
- Raising Awareness About the Maritime Sector
- Highlighting Employment Opportunities
- Introducing Maritime and Environmental Studies into Curricula
- Building a Skilled Workforce for the Sector
- Aligning with National and Global Maritime and Environmental Policies
1. Raising Awareness About the Maritime Sector
Action Steps
Stakeholder Engagement:
Collaborate with the Ministry of Shipping and Ministry of Trade & Commerce to understand the role of the maritime sector in India’s economy and its global significance. Present data on the economic impact, employment opportunities, and the need for skilled professionals in the industry.
Public Awareness Campaigns:
Launch a national campaign to address misconceptions about the maritime sector. Use multimedia platforms (TV, radio, social media influencers) to highlight the importance of the maritime industry in global trade, regional economic development, and job creation.
Engage Industry Leaders:
Bring in maritime industry leaders and experts to speak at school and community events, focusing on the diverse career paths available in the sector. Partner with the Ministry of Labour to highlight the diverse job roles in the sector beyond seafaring—such as port operations, logistics, supply chain management, marine engineering, etc.
Focus on Environmental Sustainability:
Highlight the growing intersection between maritime operations and environmental concerns, such as reducing carbon emissions, sustainable shipping practices, and coastal protection. Collaborate with the Ministry of Environment and Forests to emphasize the environmental aspects of the maritime industry.
Expected Outcome
- Increased general awareness about the maritime sector.
- Positive media coverage that highlights career opportunities and the importance of the maritime industry to national growth.
- Positive shifts in public perception of the industry.
2. Highlighting Employment Opportunities
Action Steps
Mapping Career Paths:
Create a comprehensive guide for students and parents, detailing the variety of career paths within the maritime sector, including port operations, logistics, marine technology, environmental management, marine engineering, etc.
Data-Driven Insights:
Provide data that demonstrates the number of jobs the maritime sector generates globally and the specific employment opportunities in India. Highlight the growing demand for skilled professionals due to expanding trade and the need for port infrastructure development.
Engagement with Industry Partners:
Partner with maritime companies, trade organizations, and international bodies to provide internships, scholarships, and mentorship programs for students interested in the sector.
Expected Outcome
Enhanced understanding of the diversity of jobs in the maritime industry.
Increased interest in pursuing maritime-related careers among students.
More students opting for maritime career paths due to clearer, well-supported opportunities.
3. Introducing Maritime and Environmental Studies into Curricula
Action Steps
Develop Curriculum Framework:
Collaborate with the Ministry of Education to design a curriculum that introduces maritime and environmental studies at the secondary and higher secondary levels. The curriculum should cover both basic maritime knowledge and environmental sustainability within the maritime context.
Pilot Program:
Roll out a pilot program in select schools, especially in coastal and hinterland areas, to introduce basic maritime education in subjects like geography, economics, and environmental studies. This pilot can include modules on shipping logistics, port operations, marine pollution, and maritime safety.
Elective Courses in Higher Secondary Education:
Introduce elective subjects related to maritime and environmental studies in higher secondary education. This could be part of the sciences, social sciences, or vocational courses, where students can specialize in the maritime sector or environmental protection.
Workshops and Training for Educators:
It is extremely essential that the Teachers & Educators are themselves familiarised with the sector and its importance. Conduct workshops for teachers on how to incorporate maritime and related environmental education into their teaching. Provide materials, expert speakers, and digital resources to support their teaching efforts.
Use of Technology:
Develop an online platform or mobile app in collaboration with educational institutions, where students can access e-learning modules on maritime topics, such as marine ecology, shipping technology, sustainable port practices, etc.
Expected Outcome
A structured introduction of maritime education in schools, creating long-term awareness and interest.
Establishment of maritime and environmental studies as formal electives, giving students the opportunity to specialize.
Improved teaching standards with trained educators equipped to deliver maritime-related content.
Building a Skilled Workforce for the Sector
Action Steps
Industry-Education Partnerships & Vocational Training Programs:
Create a partnership framework between maritime industry players and educational institutions to bridge the skills gap. This could include tailored programs for maritime engineering, logistics, port management, environmental management and seafaring etc.
This could include development of vocational training programs, say in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour tailored for maritime engineering, logistics, port management, environmental compliance management, the list is endless.
Internship and Apprenticeship Programs:
Facilitate internship and apprenticeship opportunities for students within the maritime sector, beyond traditional sea-time for seafaring jobs. These could be arranged through collaborations with shipping companies, port authorities, and environmental NGOs working within the maritime industry.
Skill Development Initiatives:
Work with the relevant authorities to design courses that train youth in critical maritime skills such as navigational operations, marine engineering, maritime law, supply chain management, and environmental protection.
Expected Outcome
Development of a well-trained, industry-ready workforce.
Increased number of skilled professionals entering the maritime sector.
Reduction in skills gaps within the maritime industry, leading to improved efficiency and competitiveness.
5. Aligning with National and Global Maritime and Environmental Policies
Action Steps
National Maritime Policy:
Align the initiative with India’s National Maritime Policy and make a case for including maritime education as a key component of the policy’s implementation. Ensure that the policy supports and incentivizes educational institutions to develop specialized maritime programs.
Environmental Commitments:
Ensure that maritime education integrates with national and international environmental commitments, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations on sustainability. This would make students aware of their responsibilities in driving eco-friendly maritime practices.
Promote Global Opportunities:
Highlight the global nature of the maritime industry and ensure that the educational framework prepares students for international opportunities. Emphasize India’s role in global shipping and trade, which will make Indian youth competitive on the world stage.
Expected Outcome
Alignment of educational initiatives with national and global maritime and environmental policies.
A more globally competitive maritime workforce.
Convergence of national interests in trade, labor, and education for economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Conclusion
The introduction of Maritime & Environmental Studies at secondary and higher secondary levels will not only create awareness of the sector’s importance but also prepare the youth for a growing and dynamic industry. By educating students early on about the vast opportunities within the maritime sector, dispelling misconceptions, and providing career pathways, India can develop a highly skilled, sustainable, and globally competitive maritime workforce.
Marex Media