Jagdamba Prasad Pandey –
Hon’ble Minister, Port, Shipping and Waterways, Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the newly renovated campus of Mangalore Marine College & Technology (MMCT) on November 13. The event marked a significant milestone in MMCT’s journey toward maritime education and excellence.
Established in 2010, MMCT holds the distinction of being Karnataka’s first and only DGS-approved Marine College, dedicated to shaping competent maritime professionals for the global shipping industry. The MMCT 2.0 campus is a symbol of the institution’s commitment to continuous growth and technological advancement.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by distinguished dignitaries, including Capt Brijesh Chowta, Member of Parliament; Dr Bharat Shetty, Member of Legislative Assembly; Mr Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping; Mr Sushil Mansingh Khopde, IPS, Additional Director General of Shipping; Dr Venkata Ramana Akkaraju, Chairperson, New Mangalore Port Authority; and Capt MP Bhasin, Managing Director, MSC Crewing Services Pvt Ltd.
Mr SI Nathan, Founder and Chairman, CMC Group of Institutions, stated, “The launch of MMCT 2.0 marks a new chapter in our journey to elevate maritime education in India. With modern facilities and global training standards, we aim to create future-ready seafarers who uphold India’s maritime legacy with pride and professionalism.”
Hon’ble Minister Mr Sonowal said, “India is aiming to become the third largest economy in the world by 2029 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” “The government has given two visions: India Maritime Vision 2030 and India Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. We will invest at least 80 lakh crore rupees in the maritime sector for modernization, mechanization, and digitization. India has the solution to every problem of the world, and we need to harness our maritime power.”
A formal ceremony was held to launch the ‘Sagar Mein Yog’ Wellness Programme, graced by Mr Sonowal.
On this occasion, the Minister felicitated 13 dedicated staff members of CMC & MMCT, recognizing their tireless service and commitment to the organization.
Capt Chowta said “Mangalore is a hub for education, and this institution will contribute to the region’s growth. We want to make Mangalore a hub for maritime education and technology. I thank the Hon’ble Minister for blessing this occasion and starting a new chapter in Mangalore’s journey of education and growth.”
Dr Shetty said “Mangalore has more than 10 medical colleges, 30 engineering colleges, and 8-9 dental colleges, making it an education hub. The newly renovated campus will contribute to the educational hub and produce quality students. I wish the institution all the best and hope it will make Mangalore proud.”
Mr Jagannathan said “India is emerging as a leading maritime nation, and we are working towards achieving the milestones of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Vision Amrit Kaal 2047. We aim to increase India’s share in global shipbuilding and become a global leader in sustainable, safe, and smart shipping. The Mangaluru Port Authority is playing a significant role in the economy and export-import growth story of the region.”
Mr Khopde said “Yoga is essential for mental wellbeing, and we have launched a course on Yoga for seafarers. The course will help seafarers develop intuition, intellect, and consciousness. I hope the cadets will take advantage of this course and progress in their future life.”
Dr Akkaraju said “The Hon’ble Prime Minister has given a clear vision to increase maritime ratings and seafarers to 20% by 2047. We need to encourage female power in the maritime sector and create research and skilling opportunities. I wish the institution all the best and the young boys and girls a bright future.”
Capt Bhasin said, “MSC has a vision to develop professionals who can navigate seas and lead the global maritime economy. We aim to create skilled seafarers who understand sustainability and technology. MSC has a huge workforce from India, and we are proud to employ Indian seafarers on our vessels.”
The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Mrs Clarissa I, Managing Director, CMC Group of Institutions, and a token of appreciation presented to the Hon’ble Minister and other dignitaries.
The evening event was part of a heartwarming get-together at The Ocean Pearl Hotel, bringing together staff, faculty, family members, and management staff. It also marked the inauguration of the renovated MMCT 2.0 campus, making it a memorable evening of celebration.
Spread over 1,50,000+ sq ft, the MMCT campus integrates world-class training infrastructure, including fully functional Ship-in-Campus training, world-class simulators, advanced marine workshops and laboratories, smart classrooms, computer labs, digital library, and fully renovated hostel accommodations.
MMCT offers a range of Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)-approved programs that prepare students for rewarding maritime careers: Graduate Marine Engineering (GME), Electro Technical Officer (ETO), Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS), and General Purpose (GP) Rating Course.
Marex Media
BOX
In an in‑depth conversation with Jagdamba Prasad Pandey of Marex Media, S.I. Nathan, Founder and Chairman of the CMC Group of Institutions, outlined his vision for modernizing seafarer training and strengthening industry ties.
Why Mangalore…
I was inspired to start this institution due to my personal connection with Mangalore, where I began my career as a chief engineer in 1993. The city’s rich maritime history and infrastructure, combined with the lack of a maritime institute, motivated me to take the initiative. Mangalore has a coastline and is one of the oldest ports in India, making it an ideal location for a maritime institute.
CMC Group Placement Criteria and Percentages…
We’re proud to have 100% placement for our students, thanks to our partnership with MSC. They select students through online exams and interviews, and we train them as per DGS norms. We’re looking to collaborate with other companies to provide specialized training and enhance our infrastructure. We want to increase our course strength and intake strength to support the growing maritime industry.
Expansion Plans…
We’re committed to providing quality education to our students, and we’re planning to expand our programs to meet the growing demand of the maritime industry. Building on our existing MBA and BBA courses in shipping and logistics, we’re introducing new courses to cater to the industry’s evolving needs.
Assurance and Support from the Authorities…
We’re getting support from the authorities and ministries, and we’re grateful for their encouragement. We’re looking forward to expanding our programs and collaborations to benefit the maritime industry.
Advice to Young Aspirants…
As per our Prime Minister’s vision for the Maritime sector and as per the Hon’ble Minister, we are the fastest-growing nation in terms of manpower supply. An institution like this can help build the skills required, so students should choose their institute wisely and opt for a reputed institute. I can see huge opportunities waiting for them.