Delphine Estibeiro –
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Mumbai branch hosted its Annual Students Awards Ceremony on July 26th at Celebrations Sports Club, Mumbai, a grand celebration of academic excellence and industry achievement. The event was attended by esteemed guests, industry professionals, and students, all coming together to recognize and honour outstanding performance.
Capt Ashok Gogia, FICS, and Capt Anupam Raizada, MICS, were lauded for their exceptional leadership in organizing the event, which featured a stellar lineup of industry experts and sponsors. Mr Ramesh S Ramakrishnan, Chairman, Transworld Group, a towering personality in the shipping industry, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, adding to the prestige of the event.
The ceremony was marked by inspiring presentations from sponsors such as Shipfinex and MLA College, which provided valuable insights into the latest industry trends and innovations. The event also saw the participation of other ICS branches, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among professionals and students.
The ICS Mumbai branch has made significant strides in the past year and a half, under the guidance of Krishnan Subramaniam, FICS. The branch’s EXCO is becoming increasingly active, and the event was a testament to the team’s dedication to promoting excellence in the shipping industry.
The interactions between students and professionals at the event were truly uplifting, filling attendees with hope and optimism for the future of the Institute, particularly in the Indian Subcontinent. As the region continues to play a crucial role in the global growth of the shipping industry, the ICS is well-positioned to make a lasting impact.
The event concluded with a sense of pride and accomplishment, as students and awardees were recognized for their hard work and dedication. The ICS Mumbai branch’s commitment to fostering excellence and promoting industry growth is truly commendable, and the future looks bright for this dynamic community.
Marex Media
The ICS Advantage
In an exclusive interview, Capt Ashok Gogia, General Secretary of ICS Mumbai, sheds light on the Institute’s mission and opportunities.
Why ICS?
At sea we are mainly involved in operations related to ships. Upon coming ashore however, a large part of our duties and experience at sea cannot put bread on our tables. So, I had to get myself educated with qualifications which would be commercially oriented and suitable for a job and/ or self-employment.
Thus, I cleared my ICS exams way back in 2006.
What value has ICS added to your knowledge as a seafarer after coming ashore?
Basics and in-depth knowledge of Shipping Business, Interdepartmental dependence, connections and structure of all verticals of Commercial shipping, have been some of the key add-ons for me.
Is it an academic qualification or does it have practical utility?
Initially it is a qualification that raises your standards of knowledge to employment levels; however, it’s only later at a job that the basics are implemented.
What are the chances of employment post ICS qualification?
It is similar to any other profession where one has to hustle for employment. However, we at Mumbai Branch are trying to change this by counselling and advising the type of opportunities currently existing.
Can a prospective candidate be employed abroad and what are the benefits of ICS Membership?
Yes, you can. With ICS Qualification you have instant recognition worldwide. Such opportunities are not limited to local markets but globally so, since ICS is well recognized through its 28 branches across the world.
ICS membership is attained only by clearing the exams, and any shipping company of repute and recognition will have ICS qualified executives worldwide.
ICS has been dormant in Mumbai since the late 1900s, and yet we had a crowd of 225 at the recent Awards function. How did you manage to change the ICS Status of Mumbai branch so rapidly?
I have been an entrepreneur in the shipping industry since early 2000. I have been involved in Representation of Shipping Companies and Training academies, a Visiting Faculty at Global shipping Companies, and done Manning, Chartering, Agency work, etc., as also attending various seminars online/offline and networking socially and officially, which have resulted in valuable professional and social connections.
The support of stalwarts of the industry was indeed very invaluable in achieving our goals.
What next? What are your goals for the future?
The sky is the limit- we at Mumbai branch will be having regular counselling and awareness sessions (Online and offline).
Digital documentation and examination are in the pipeline which will result in wider coverage and larger membership for the Mumbai branch. We are also working on reinstating dormant members. The next seminar, function, or gathering will be scaled up to a higher level with the support of the industry.
OUR WORD OUR BOND