Pratik Bijlani –
On June 27, the Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA) in Karjat celebrated the graduation of DNS Batch 30 with a remarkable ceremony at the AEMA Auditorium. The event was graced by Mr. Mark Cameron, Executive VP and COO of Ardmore Shipping, as the Chief Guest, and Mr. Robert Gaina, Senior VP (Commercial) at Ardmore Shipping, as the Guest of Honor. Also in attendance were industry stalwarts, including Capt. Yadu Bassi, Marine Personnel Manager at Ardmore Shipping; Mr. Tejinder P.S. Bhamra, Principal of AEMA; Capt. Aalok Sharma, Group Director (Training) at Anglo-Eastern; and Capt. Sudhir Rai, Vice Principal of AEMA.
Established in August 2009, the DNS course is a 12-month residential program culminating in a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Nautical Science, which paves the way for cadets to become Deck Officers in the Merchant Navy. The curriculum is aligned with the STCW Convention of the IMO and the Directorate General of Shipping, ensuring that cadets meet the necessary competencies to serve as Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch.
The ceremony commenced with a heartfelt address by Mr. Bhamra, who congratulated the cadets on their significant achievements and praised their resilience during rigorous training. Highlighting the challenges of maritime life, he emphasized the importance of embodying values such as honour, discipline, and professionalism. “Dedication is more important than designation, and mindset is more important than marks,” he reminded the cadets, inspiring them to face future challenges with confidence and perseverance.
Mr. Cameron, co-founder of Ardmore Shipping, delivered an inspiring speech reflecting on his own journey in the maritime industry. Drawing from four decades of experience, he shared three guiding principles: “Have fun, be a professional, and ask questions. With this, trust me, you will do well.” Emphasizing the transformative nature of a maritime career, he urged cadets to embrace resilience, adaptability, and lifelong learning. “Carry yourself with dignity and pride, knowing that you represent the spirit of excellence cultivated here,” he said, encouraging cadets to navigate their careers with humility and professionalism.
Mr. Gaina, in his address, celebrated the cadets’ accomplishments, highlighting the discipline and determination they demonstrated throughout their training. “Today is a day of celebration. It’s your celebration, marking the end of a year of dedication, discipline, and determination,” he remarked. Reflecting on the evolution of the maritime industry, he urged cadets to embrace technological advancements while holding steadfast to irreplaceable values such as judgment, integrity, and leadership.
The cadets showcased their diverse talents through cultural performances, including musical renditions, dance acts, and a captivating Bhangra performance, symbolizing the unity in diversity at AEMA. These vibrant displays underscored the rich cultural heritage of India and the inclusive environment at the academy.
The event also featured a course report by Capt. Gourishankar Hiremath, who highlighted the cadets’ journey from novices to maritime professionals, emphasizing the institution’s role in shaping industry leaders. The highlight of the ceremony was the distribution of awards, recognizing the cadets’ exceptional achievements, including Cadet Karan Pratap Singh for Best Officer-Like Quality, Cadet Ishaan Sharma for Best Academic Performer, and Cadet Ayush Lohar for Best All-Round Cadet.
The ceremony concluded with the release of AEMA’s magazines, “Seaward Bound” and “AEMA Deep,” a vote of thanks by Cadet Vansh Suri, followed by a group photograph of the dignitaries with the faculty. The national anthem and a celebratory lunch marked the end of an unforgettable day, leaving cadets and attendees with a sense of pride, inspiration, and optimism for the future.
Marex Media