Delphine Estibeiro –
On a warm Saturday, 2nd August, Maritime Trainers Guild (MTG) held its 14th Foundation Day at beautifully designed India Habitat Centre, New Delhi with a seminar titled Empowering Trainers for a Future-Ready Maritime Industry. The event was hosted with the leadership of our North Cardinal Head, Ms Naomi Rewari.
The seminar was well presented by cadets, faculty, government officials, companies and associations. Gracing the event as Chief Guest was former Director General of Shipping, Mr Amitabh Kumar, IRS and Guest of Honour was Mr GL Meena, Engineer & Ship Surveyor-cum-Deputy Director General of Shipping (Technical), MMD, Noida.
Warmly welcoming the esteemed gathering of mentors, colleagues, trailblazers, and friends, Capt Prabhat Nigam, Founder & President, MTG; & Vice President (Marine), Chitkara University School of Maritime Studies said “Today marks not just the 14th foundation day of the MTG—it marks the 14th chapter in a story that began with a single belief: that maritime trainers—the silent catalysts of every successful seafaring career—deserve a voice, a platform, and above all, a community.”
Elaborating on the theme that serves as a rallying cry for adaptation and innovation, he mentioned that artificial intelligence, digitization, green shipping, competency reframeworks—everything is evolving. But the heart of maritime education is still the trainer, the motivator, the mentor. Expressing his gratitude to every mentor, every founding member, faculty and supporter, he said, Thank you. You didn’t just walk with me; you carried this dream forward. Your dedication is the silent strength behind MTG’s success.”
On looking ahead, he expressed, “14 years! It’s been a journey of heart, of belief, of commitment. And I promise you, the road ahead is brighter than ever. Because now, we are not just walking towards a better future—we are building it together.”
In his keynote address, Mr Deependra Singh Bisen, Deputy Director General of Shipping (Training Branch) expressed a note of appreciation for Maritime Trainers Guild, as a platform dedicated to advancing excellence in maritime training and pedagogy.
Mr Bisen highlighted India’s active participation in international train-the-trainer programs – aiming to develop pedagogical strategies and guidelines for alternative fuel handling and safety; India’s Role in STCW Revision; Shipbuilding and Naval Architecture; Learning Management System; Simulation-Based Training; Digital Modules; and Digital Tar Book to name a few.
On Are Our Trainers Future-Ready?, he emphasized the urgency of preparing maritime educators for the evolving demands of global shipping, aligning with India’s engagement in the IMO Just Transition Framework.
A compelling panel discussion – Enhancing Faculty Capabilities through Development Programmes spotlighted the urgent need to enhance faculty capability in maritime education. Mr David Birwadkar, Director, HIMT, Chennai & Chairman, IMEI Mumbai Branch moderated the session with panellists Mr Arun Gulati, Associate Director (Engineering), Applied Research International, Saket, Delhi; Capt Manoj Hirkane, Sr Vice Principal, Tolani Maritime Institute; and Mr Jasjeet Suri, Professor & QHSSE, Chitkara University School of Maritime Studies explored the widening gap between technological innovation and academic preparedness, the systemic challenges in recruiting and retaining top-tier educators, and the pedagogical shifts required to engage Gen Z learners. From wage disparities and rigid certification pathways to the limitations of traditional teaching methods, the dialogue underscored that faculty development must go beyond regulatory compliance—it must be strategic, human-centric, and future-ready.
The panel emphasized active learning techniques such as role play, flip classrooms, and the fishbowl method, alongside the integration of emotional intelligence, mentorship, and cultural sensitivity into faculty training. Platforms like NPTEL, DigiShipping’s EXOP, and global e-learning academies were highlighted as vital resources, while institutes were urged to invest in experiential faculty development programs and foster institute–industry collaboration. The resounding message: maritime educators are not just trainers—they are lifelong learners and architects of transformation. The cost of inaction is measured in lost student potential; the time to act is now.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping maritime education, as highlighted in a dynamic panel – Leveraging AI for Maritime Training Innovation featuring Capt Ruchin Dayal, CEO, eDOT Solutions as the moderator alongside Kirtan Vakil, Business Development Manager, HIMT Group; Capt Gaurav Bajaj, Product Lead Simulation, Wartsila Voyage Limited; and Dr Sushil Kumar Narang, Dean, Department of Artificial Intelligence, Chitkara University, Punjab. From biometric EEG devices that quantify stress and attention during high-stakes training to smart assessments that adapt to individual performance, the conversation revealed how AI is not just enhancing pedagogy—it’s humanizing it. Faculty resistance to new tools like Gamma and Canva is being overcome through cadet-led peer learning and structured development programs, signalling a cultural shift toward curiosity and collaboration. Suggestive AI is emerging as a co-creator in simulation design, helping trainers build realistic exercises based on vessel data, operational history, and behavioural analytics.
Yet the panel didn’t shy away from deeper reflections. Dr. Narang emphasized the importance of deploying small language models on-premise to protect data sovereignty, while the moderator urged the audience to consider why global corporations are investing billions in AI and offering tools for free. With declining youth populations in the West and increasing automation across industries, AI is being positioned as the backbone of future infrastructure. The maritime sector—responsible for 90% of global trade—must prepare not only for technological transformation but for a redefinition of human roles within it. The future is not just automated—it’s strategic, and the time to shape it is now.
The Chief Guest, Mr Kumar drew parallels between maritime and medical education, highlighting the urgent need for competency-based learning and meaningful faculty development. With vast disparities across institutions, he emphasized that issuing circulars alone is insufficient—educators must be equipped to interpret and implement modern teaching methods. “Train the trainers” must evolve beyond compliance to foster empathy, adaptability, and student-centred instruction. He urged platforms like MTG to step up with actionable modules that help faculty connect with learners using relevant tools and language, while setting aside personal biases.
Turning to the role of AI, he cautioned against blind reliance on technology. Quoting Sam Altman, he reminded the audience that AI “will hallucinate if it has to” and lacks awareness of truth, context, or consequence. While AI can enhance education, it must be deployed with expert oversight to avoid misinformation. “We don’t need perfection—we need progress,” he said, advocating for the adoption of better models even if they’re not flawless. He concluded with a call for collective responsibility: to rethink pedagogy, regulate AI wisely, and ensure that human judgment remains central to shaping the next generation.
The MTG Foundation Day wasn’t just a celebration—it was a call to action. As technology reshapes the maritime world, trainers must evolve too. From AI tools to new teaching methods, the future of shipping depends on educators who are ready to lead change. The message was clear: progress starts with people, and the time to invest in our trainers is now.
Marex Media