The International Maritime Federation (IMF) and the Forward Seaman Union of India (FSUI), in association with Srichakra Maritime College, successfully hosted a high-level maritime dialogue on Building a Future-Ready Maritime Workforce at the Andhra Social & Cultural Association (ASCA), Chennai.

The event brought together a cross-section of the maritime community, including Master Mariners, Chief Engineers, Recruiting & Placement Services License (RPSL) representatives, heads of training institutes, and key industry stakeholders. The dialogue aimed to address pressing challenges in seafarer training, welfare, and workforce preparedness in an era of rapid technological change and evolving global regulations.

Dr KVR Srinivas opened the proceedings with a warm welcome that set the tone for collaboration and collective responsibility within the maritime fraternity. The inaugural session featured a ceremonial lamp lighting, stirring patriotic renditions, and a solemn moment of silence in memory of seafarers who lost their lives in recent maritime incidents. The tribute served as a poignant reminder of the human element at the heart of the shipping industry.

In her address, Ms Aishwarya Gupta Pilankar, Vice Chairperson of IMF, emphasized the critical role of maritime training institutes and RPSL agencies in upholding and exceeding global standards. She noted that with shipping becoming increasingly digitalized and decarbonized, India’s maritime workforce must be equipped not just with technical skills, but also with adaptability, safety awareness, and global compliance knowledge.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr Syed Asif Altaf Chowdhury, ITF Representative. He spoke on the current global challenges facing seafarers, including crew change issues, mental health, and the impact of automation. Dr Chowdhury called for stronger industry commitment to seafarers’ welfare and urged all stakeholders to align training and employment practices with international conventions to ensure dignity and security at sea.

Mr Manoj Yadav, General Secretary of FSUI, further highlighted the need for robust social security and support systems for Indian seafarers and their families. He stressed that a “future-ready” workforce must also be a protected workforce, with access to healthcare, insurance, and grievance redressal mechanisms that match global benchmarks.

The core of the event comprised technical sessions led by eminent maritime professionals, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Ms Gupta. The panel comprised Capt. Vinayak Gupta of Sunav Maritime, Capt. J. Manivannan of Indian Maritime University, Mr. Binesh Chandra Varma, Seaman Welfare Officer, DG Shipping, Capt. Lalith Kumar of ICS Chennai, and Mr. Narendra Rao of FSUI Chennai.

The discussion covered training standards, integration of new technologies such as AI and autonomous systems, competency assessment, and the gap between academic curricula and onboard realities.

Panellists agreed that collaboration between RPSLs, training institutes, regulators, and unions is essential to bridge this gap and to ensure Indian seafarers remain competitive in the global market.

A highlight of the evening was a special felicitation presented to Capt. Yashwanth Raj, recognized as one of the youngest Master Mariners. His achievement was celebrated as an inspiration for aspiring cadets and a testament to the quality of Indian maritime training.

The dialogue concluded with a vote of thanks by Capt. Raman Jayaram, followed by the National Anthem and a networking dinner that allowed participants to continue discussions in an informal setting.

The event was well-received by attendees and reinforced a key message: building a resilient, skilled, and future-ready maritime workforce requires sustained partnership between industry, government, unions, and academia. With India aiming to be a global hub for seafarer supply, such dialogues are vital to aligning training, policy, and welfare with the demands of tomorrow’s shipping industry.

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The Central Government has approved the appointment of IAS officer Prashant Jeevan Patil as Deputy Director General at the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Mumbai, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, strengthening the administrative leadership of India’s maritime regulator.

Patil, a Telangana-cadre Indian Administrative Service officer, has been appointed at the Director level under the Central Staffing Scheme. According to the appointment order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), he will serve as Deputy Director General for a period of five years from the date of assuming charge, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. The Telangana Government has also been requested to relieve him at the earliest to enable him to take up his new responsibilities.

The appointment comes at an important phase for India’s maritime administration, as the country pursues an ambitious transformation of its shipping sector under Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The Directorate General of Shipping continues to play a central role in implementing maritime regulations, strengthening shipping safety, supporting seafarer welfare and training, overseeing ship registration and certification, and ensuring India’s compliance with international maritime conventions.

Headquartered in Mumbai, the Directorate is also increasingly involved in India’s wider maritime modernisation agenda, including digitalisation, regulatory reforms and measures aimed at improving the competitiveness and efficiency of the country’s shipping ecosystem.

Patil brings extensive administrative experience from his service with the Telangana Government and will now contribute to the Directorate’s expanding responsibilities as India’s maritime sector enters a period of accelerated growth and regulatory transformation.

His five-year appointment adds further administrative capacity to the DGS at a time when India is seeking to expand its merchant fleet, strengthen its position as a major global supplier of seafarers and develop domestic capabilities across shipbuilding, ship recycling and coastal shipping.

With India’s maritime ambitions increasingly linked to economic growth, global trade and employment generation, Patil’s appointment is expected to support the Directorate’s ongoing efforts towards building a modern, efficient and internationally competitive maritime administration.

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The parade ground at the Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy was filled with pride, anticipation, and emotion as DNS Batch 32 marked the successful completion of its training during the Passing Out and Prize Distribution Ceremony. For the 157 cadets who crossed this important milestone, the event was not merely the end of a course—it was the beginning of a lifelong journey at sea.

Welcoming the gathering, Mr Tejinder P.S. Bhamra, Principal of AEMA, congratulated the graduating cadets and reflected on Anglo-Eastern’s long-standing vision of developing its own pipeline of maritime talent. Pointing to the many academy alumni who today occupy senior leadership positions within the organization, he encouraged the young cadets to dream ambitiously and pursue excellence with determination. However, his central message went beyond technical competence. He reminded the graduates that while skills may open doors, character sustains careers. As he aptly noted, “Today, as you step into the maritime profession, remember that technical knowledge may earn you a position, but integrity will define your career. At sea, trust is your greatest asset. Be honest, accountable, and courageous enough to do the right thing, because reputations built on integrity last a lifetime.”

The ceremony celebrated a batch that began its journey in August 2025 with 160 cadets and completed training with 157 successful candidates. Presenting the course report, Capt. Santosh Pandey, Head of the Nautical Department, highlighted the academy’s comprehensive training model that combined classroom learning, simulator exercises, virtual reality tools, workshops, ship visits, survival training, firefighting, navigation exercises, research projects, and leadership development activities. The batch also excelled in national competitions, technical presentations, sports, and cultural events, while securing impressive performances in IMU examinations.

Adding a personal touch to the occasion, the cadets themselves took the audience on a nostalgic journey through their academy life. Their humorous recollections of military haircuts, demanding physical training, hostel life, inspections, and the occasional “boiler” punishment drew laughter from parents and guests alike. Beneath the humour lay stories of friendship, resilience, discipline, and camaraderie forged through shared challenges. Vibrant musical and dance performances further showcased the talents and spirit of the graduating batch.

The keynote address by Capt. Dishant Seth, Operations Manager at Anglo-Eastern Ship Management and an AEMA alumnus, resonated strongly with the cadets. Returning to his alma mater after 15 years, he shared lessons from his own journey from cadet to Master and eventually a Shore-based Maritime Leader. Reflecting on the realities of life at sea, he reminded the graduates that “The sea will test your skills, your character, and your judgment. Certificates may open doors, but integrity, perseverance, and the willingness to learn from everyone on board are what truly shape a successful mariner and leader.”

Capt Harinder Singh, Nautical Surveyor-cum-Deputy Director General (Technical), Directorate General of Shipping, reinforced the message that graduation was only the first step. Stressing the importance of discipline, professionalism, and continuous self-improvement, he told the cadets that “Your DNS certificate is only the beginning; the real journey starts at sea. Success in maritime life is built on discipline, integrity, continuous learning, and resilience.” He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by seafarers and their families while encouraging the graduates to prioritise both physical and mental well-being.

The ceremony also recognized excellence through eleven award categories, with Cadet Parag Kumar Laskar receiving the Best All-Round Cadet award and Cadet Arshan Ahmad Khan being named Academic Topper of the Batch. Another notable highlight was the release of AEMA deep and Seaward Bound, publications that captured the intellectual, technical, and personal journeys of the cadets while showcasing the academy’s culture of learning and innovation.

As certificates were presented and proud parents applauded, DNS Batch 32 stepped forward ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of a global maritime career. Carrying with them the lessons of discipline, leadership, resilience, and above all integrity, the graduates now embark on the voyage for which AEMA has carefully prepared them—one that will shape them into the maritime leaders of tomorrow.

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Designed as a modern knowledge platform, NEURON enables maritime professionals to quickly locate technical and regulatory information, reducing the time spent navigating multiple documents while supporting ship design, construction, survey, operations and compliance.

The platform serves a wide range of stakeholders, including shipowners, operators, shipyards, naval architects, design firms, equipment manufacturers, consultants, surveyors, regulators and academia. By bringing IRClass’ technical publications into a unified, searchable digital environment, NEURON enhances knowledge accessibility and supports informed engineering and operational decision-making.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. H. V. Ramesh, Head – Technical, Indian Register of Shipping, said: “NEURON provides our stakeholders with a smart, user-friendly platform to access IRClass publications efficiently, improving productivity and supporting better technical decisions. The launch reflects our commitment to innovation and customer-centric digital solutions.”

NEURON is part of IRClass’ broader digital transformation strategy to deliver technology-enabled services and enhance stakeholder experience. The platform reinforces IRClass’ commitment to making technical knowledge more accessible while supporting a safer, smarter and more efficient maritime industry.

Maritime professionals can access the platform through the dedicated NEURON portal at https://neuron.irclass.org.

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The session focused on promoting MFSWT’s welfare initiatives and support programs, including the recently launched CoC Upgradation Examination Reimbursement Scheme. Distinguished representatives from the Foreign Owners Representatives and Ship Managers Association (FOSMA), the Maritime Association of Shipowners, Shipmanagers and Agents (MASSA), and The Maritime Union of India (MUI) were also in attendance.

Prior to the commencement of the programme, attendees observed a minute of silence in honour of seafarers who lost their lives while serving at sea during the recent conflict, paying tribute to their dedication and sacrifice.

The evening commenced with an address by Capt. Navin Passey, Trustee of MFSWT, former Chairman of FOSMA and Wallem Ship Management India Pvt. Ltd., and currently a mentor to FOSMA. Welcoming the gathering, Capt. Passey expressed his gratitude to seafarers and their families for their participation and acknowledged the critical role they play in supporting global trade and national interests. He paid tribute to the sacrifices made by seafarers and highlighted the invaluable contribution of their spouses, who shoulder significant responsibilities ashore during extended periods at sea.

The audience was then addressed by Capt. M. P. Bhasin, Managing Director of MSC Crewing Services, Director of MASSA, and Chairman of the Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI). He spoke about the professional and personal challenges faced by seafarers and their families, emphasizing the importance of sailing with reputable shipping companies that uphold the highest standards of safety and operational excellence. Capt. Bhasin also highlighted the vital role played by MFSWT in supporting the welfare of seafarers and their families, encouraging attendees to explore the various benefits and assistance available through the Trust. He further acknowledged the leadership of Capt. Nalin Pandey, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of MFSWT, and commended his efforts in driving new welfare initiatives for the maritime community. Capt. Bhasin noted that several additional initiatives are currently under development, reflecting the Trust’s ongoing commitment to enhancing support for seafarers and their families.

The final address was delivered by Capt. Savio Ramos, General Secretary of MUI, who discussed the unique demands of a seafaring career and the support systems available to families ashore. He highlighted the assistance provided by MUI and the MUI Women’s Wing, which serve as important resources for seafarers’ families during periods of separation and uncertainty.

Capt. Ramos further highlighted MFSWT’s commitment to the welfare of the seafaring community, providing guidance on the support services available through the Trust. He also apprised attendees of MFSWT’s recently launched initiatives, with particular emphasis on the CoC Upgradation Examination Reimbursement Scheme, encouraging eligible officers to make use of this valuable benefit.

The event was marked by a warm and engaging atmosphere and witnessed the participation of nearly 200 attendees. It provided an excellent opportunity for meaningful interaction, knowledge-sharing, and strengthening connections across the maritime community, reaffirming MFSWT’s ongoing commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of seafarers and their families.

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The Forum brought together the International Labour Organization (ILO), leading seafarers’ trade unions, government representatives, maritime authorities, shipowners, and maritime experts from BRICS nations and partner countries. Delegates from Brazil, Russia, India, Iran, Indonesia, and other nations participated both in person and virtually, united under the commitment: SEAFARERS FIRST.

The Forum was inaugurated by Mr Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Maritime Administration, Government of India. Welcoming international delegates, he underscored the critical challenges confronting the global maritime workforce. “Seafarers remain the backbone of international trade, yet continue to face unprecedented challenges arising from geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, crew abandonment, rapid technological change and the global transition towards a greener maritime future,” he said.

Referring to the Forum’s theme, “Strengthening Cooperation Among BRICS Seafarers’ Unions for Decent Work, Maritime Sovereignty and Peace,” Shri Jagannathan stressed the importance of closer cooperation and dialogue among BRICS maritime nations to safeguard the rights, welfare, safety, and dignity of seafarers. He welcomed the proposed Mumbai Declaration 2026 and resolutions aimed at advancing welfare and protection across BRICS nations.

The Forum gained further weight with the participation of Ms. Beatriz Vacotto, Head of the Maritime Section, ILO, and Dr. Augusto Grieco Sant’Anna Meirinho, Labour Prosecutor and Secretary for International Labour Cooperation of Brazil’s Labour Prosecution Service.

Ms. Vacotto congratulated the organisers and highlighted the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). “The MLC remains a powerful instrument for protecting seafarers through inspections, certification, financial security and insurance mechanisms, and strong social dialogue,” she said. Stressing awareness of rights, she pointed to the 2025 amendments recognising seafarers as key workers and strengthening protections against violence, harassment, and abandonment.

She called for stronger implementation of the MLC, legal reforms, and enhanced global cooperation to ensure effective enforcement of seafarers’ rights.

Extensive discussions covered seafarers’ protection in armed conflicts, crew abandonment, fair treatment, collective bargaining, women in maritime, decarbonisation and Just Transition, AI and automation, cybersecurity, maritime training, cabotage, sovereignty, and occupational safety.

A major outcome was the establishment of the BRICS Seafarers Coordination Network for sustained engagement, alongside a Working Group on Collective Bargaining and Labour Standards to share best practices and strengthen protections.

The Forum’s message was clear: technology must empower seafarers, not replace their rights; decarbonisation must deliver a Just Transition, not job cuts; women must have equal opportunities; and no seafarer should fall victim to war, geopolitics, abandonment, or unjust criminalisation.

M Milind Kandalgaonkar, General Secretary-cum-Treasurer of NUSI, captured the spirit of the Forum: “Ships may sail under different flags and seafarers may come from different nations, but their struggles, sacrifices and aspirations are the same. India has sent a clear message the seafarers of the Global South will cooperate, coordinate and stand together. No seafarer should ever stand alone.”

Building on the foundation laid in Salvador, Brazil, in 2025, the Mumbai Forum marked a decisive step towards a permanent, action-oriented international platform. As delegates affirmed: “From Salvador to Mumbai. From dialogue to action. From cooperation to solidarity.”

The Forum concluded with renewed commitment to strengthen cooperation among seafarers’ unions of the Global South, advancing decent work, dignity, safety, and justice for seafarers worldwide.

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As the shipping industry transitions to decarbonised operations, ammonia is emerging as a promising carbon free marine fuel capable of achieving the IMO’s net-zero-emissions target for 2050. Wärtsilä has played a leading role in developing engine solutions able to operate with alternative fuels, and already in 2023 introduced the marine sector’s first commercially available 4-stroke engine-based solution for ammonia fuel. The ammonia-fuelled engine supports the industry’s transition towards lower-emission vessel operations.

“Wärtsilä has demonstrated industry-leading capabilities in enabling future low and zero-carbon fuels to become viable. By selecting the Wärtsilä 25 Ammonia engine, we expect to dramatically reduce the ships’ environmental impact, while supporting compliance with evolving regulatory requirements,” says Mr. Kaj S. Pilemand, Director of Vessel Operations, Navigator Gas.

The ammonia engine aligns with the shipping industry’s accelerating shift towards decarbonised operations. When running on sustainable ammonia, total greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by at least 90 percent compared to equivalent diesel engines. In addition, the Wärtsilä propulsion system optimises vessel operations by integrating the entire shaft line arrangement. The Controllable Pitch Propeller system is designed to deliver high efficiency, operational reliability, and reduced emissions.

“This project reflects the continued momentum behind carbon-neutral and zero-carbon fuels, with ammonia emerging as one key pathway. It also highlights the growing demand for flexible, propulsion solutions that support new, more sustainable operating models. In short, these vessels have been designed for lower-emission operations, and Wärtsilä’s solutions will support those ambitions,” comments Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply, Wärtsilä Marine.

The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard commencing in June 2027.

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Release By Cision

Capt Kiran Joshi, born in Pune in 1960 and locally raised, joined the mercantile marine immediately after high school as a trainee with SCI. As a first‑year cadet in 1979–80, I had the privilege of serving as his master. He went on to serve the Shipping Corporation of India for over four decades with distinction. The maritime fraternity was deeply shocked by his untimely demise on the night of 9 July due to a severe cardiac arrest — a poignant reminder that life has no fixed goalpost.

Capt Joshi was an exceptionally humble and competent Master Mariner who, in recent years, dedicated himself to assisting seafarers through teaching, mentoring, and examining. His popularity was evident in the large number of colleagues and friends who gathered to pay their last respects on 10 July at Vaikunth.

He will be especially missed in Pune, where he was an active member of the IMF Council, a CMMI Warden, and a committed organiser of National Maritime Day, International Day of the Seafarer, and World Maritime Day events. Even during his sailing days, particularly during my tenure as the first Chairman of CMMI Pune in 2000, Capt Joshi was a keen participant and contributor to the city’s maritime activities.

Capt Joshi leaves behind cherished memories and a loving family — his wife Rajashee, son Rohit, and daughter Riddhi, who is soon to be married in January 2027.

We at Marex join the maritime fraternity in prayers, seeking strength for his family and friends to bear this untimely loss.

RIP Capt. Kiran Joshi. You will be deeply missed.

Submitted by Capt Sudhir Subhedar

From a Bold Vision to a Maritime Ecosystem
In the maritime industry, success is rarely measured only by years in operation. It is measured by trust earned, relationships built, challenges overcome, and the value delivered to clients navigating an increasingly complex global shipping landscape.
As Prudence Marine Services Pvt. Ltd. celebrates its 10th Foundation Year, this milestone represents far more than a decade in business. It marks ten years of transforming challenges into opportunities, building enduring partnerships, embracing innovation, and creating a maritime ecosystem designed to support the industry’s evolving needs.

Today, Prudence Marine stands as a trusted services partner to clients across multiple jurisdictions and flag administrations, known for professionalism, reliability, and operational excellence. Yet the journey began with a simple observation.
Seeing a Gap Others Accepted

For Founder & Managing Director Glen Mendonca, Prudence Marine was born not from ambition alone, but from firsthand experience. After two decades in the maritime sector, including leadership roles in offshore and chartering, he repeatedly encountered inefficiencies in vessel documentation, regulatory processes, and service delivery.

“There was often a disconnect between what was promised and what was delivered,” recalls Mr. Mendonca. “Clients needed more than vendors. They needed a dependable partner capable of quick turnarounds, transparent communication, and comprehensive support under one roof.”

Recognizing this gap, Prudence Marine Services was established in 2016 with a clear mission: to become the single point of contact for maritime stakeholders seeking reliable, efficient, and professional support. What began as a focused vision soon evolved into an enterprise built on one principle – Dependable Execution.

The Challenge That Defined the Company
Every successful organization has a defining moment that tests its character. For Prudence Marine, it arrived during the COVID-19 pandemic. As maritime operations faced unprecedented disruption, traditional documentation stalled and physical movement was restricted.

Rather than retreat, Prudence Marine innovated. The company proposed and implemented digital documentation processes with major flag administrations, moving critical procedures away from legacy paper-based systems. The initiative ensured uninterrupted client service and accelerated modernization across key maritime processes.

“The lockdown challenged us like never before,” says Mr. Mendonca. “But it taught us resilience. It showed us that if you stay focused on solutions, challenges become opportunities.” That period became one of the company’s most transformative chapters, shaping a culture rooted in adaptability, innovation, and problem-solving.

Building Trust Beyond Transactions
Over the last decade, Prudence Marine’s growth has been driven by a simple belief: sustainable success is built on relationships. Trust, transparency, responsiveness, and accountability remain central to every client interaction.

Whether supporting vessel owners, operators, charterers, or maritime professionals, the company has consistently delivered value beyond contractual obligations. This philosophy has earned Prudence Marine long-term partnerships across the maritime ecosystem and a reputation as a dependable industry ally.

As the company celebrates ten years, its leadership acknowledges the role of clients, partners, flag administrations, associates, and well-wishers. Their confidence has been instrumental in shaping this success story.

The People Behind the Progress
Behind every milestone stands a team united by purpose. At Prudence Marine, people have always been at the heart of the journey. The company has built a culture of commitment, collaboration, and shared responsibility.

When asked what emotion best describes his thoughts about the team, Mr. Mendonca answers without hesitation: “Pride—without a doubt. Our team has stood strong through every phase. Their dedication and belief in the company have never wavered.”
This people-first philosophy continues to distinguish Prudence Marine as it enters its next chapter.

Technology as a Competitive Advantage
While trust remains the foundation, technology is shaping the future. Recognizing the importance of digital transformation, Prudence Marine has invested in systems that improve efficiency, accessibility, and decision-making.

Under its technology team’s leadership, the company has developed integrated platforms, custom digital tools, and process automation that support both internal operations and client services.

The goal is simple: create smarter systems that simplify maritime operations while enhancing customer experience. From digital documentation to operational intelligence, technology has evolved from support function to strategic enabler.
Expanding the Maritime Ecosystem

Prudence Marine’s evolution extends beyond traditional services. To address broader industry needs, the company has launched ventures designed to strengthen critical operations.

Maribridge – Your Course to the Sea
India’s first dynamic marine training course aggregation platform. Maribridge simplifies course planning for seafarers with:
• Live course availability
• Institute locations & batch schedules
• Cost comparisons
• Direct booking capabilities

By connecting training institutes and maritime professionals on one platform, Maribridge reflects Prudence Marine’s commitment to practical innovation.

Saffrix – Safety Built by Sailors, for Sailors

Safety remains the industry’s highest priority. Saffrix is Prudence Marine’s premium safety wear brand for seafarers, offering customized boiler suits, helmets, parkas, and protective gear. Built by professionals who understand life at sea, Saffrix combines safety, durability, functionality, and branding flexibility. More than a product line, it represents the company’s commitment to raising safety standards worldwide.

Charting the Next Decade
As global shipping evolves through digitalization, sustainability, and regulatory complexity, Prudence Marine’s roadmap is clear: deepen digital capabilities, expand the maritime ecosystem, strengthen client partnerships, and deliver tailored solutions that blend technology with human expertise.

The tools may evolve. The principles will not: Integrity. Reliability. Commitment. Service Excellence.

These values guided Prudence Marine through its first ten years and will shape the next.

Beyond the Milestone
The celebration of Prudence Marine’s 10th Foundation Year is a celebration of people, partnerships, perseverance, and purpose. It is the story of a company that identified a gap, embraced challenges, built trust, and evolved into a respected global partner.
Ten years is a milestone. For Prudence Marine Services, it is only the beginning.
It is the foundation for the next chapter of growth.

IN CONVERSATION

Glen Mendonca, Founder & Managing Director, Prudence Marine Services
With over 20 years of maritime industry expertise, Glen Mendonca has held major leadership roles at top-tier firms, including Global Offshore. He leveraged his deep commercial shipping background and international trade experience to establish Prudence Marine. Currently, Glen steers the company forward by successfully navigating evolving modern regulations and delivering premium maritime solutions.

You founded Prudence Marine in Mumbai a decade ago. What milestones and challenges shaped it into the global provider it is today?
When I took the leap in 2016 after two decades in the industry, the goal was simple: bring dependable execution to a market lacking structured service delivery.

Our toughest challenge became our defining milestone—the global lockdown. While it impacted initial performance, it forced us to adapt. We proposed digital documentation to major flag authorities and successfully moved them away from legacy physical processes. That period shaped our DNA. Staying solution-focused taught us to stop “chasing work” and start building permanent value.

How has Prudence Marine evolved its flag-state and safety systems amid changing international maritime laws?
The idea for Prudence Marine came from the chartering desk, where I struggled to get vessel documentation on time. To keep clients compliant, we engineered a system where everything is streamlined under one roof. By pioneering digital documentation with flag authorities during the pandemic, we made our systems inherently adaptable. Clients now get a single point of contact, clear communication, and rapid turnarounds—eliminating the gap between promise and delivery.

Clients appreciate you for “zero downtime.” What internal frameworks guarantee seamless, cost-saving execution?
Zero downtime comes down to one philosophy: People matter more than plans.

Technology helps, but execution depends on a committed team. Alongside leaders like Capt. Ashok Maharana, Mr. Ketan Salvi, and Mr. Lyndon Williams, we’ve built a culture rooted in grit and trust. Our internal framework is simple—collective resilience and the commitment to be the dependable partner clients need.

You’ve built strong relationships across documentation, travel, and allied operations. How do you leverage them for client advantage?
Trusting the right people, and earning their trust, is key. My chartering background helps me understand the operational pressures in this high-stake industry.

We leverage these relationships to act as a single desk for end-to-end services. Whether facilitating S&P inspections or accelerating flag-state approvals, our credibility helps cut through red tape, minimize delays, and keep operational costs in check.

As you enter your second decade with maritime tech and green shipping rising, what’s your strategic roadmap?
If Prudence Marine were a ship, it wouldn’t just sail—it would lead the way.

Our roadmap focuses on deepening digital capabilities while maintaining foundational reliability. We’ll keep building state of the art, paper minimal, tech infrastructure for modern compliance, but the core strategy remains unchanged: tailored, tech-enabled solutions without losing the human element. The next decade will demand adaptation, but it will still be built on trust, growth, and grit.

Capt. Sanjay Prashar, CEO – VR Maritime Services Pvt Ltd
“From the beginning, when Glen founded Prudence with the vision of streamlining flag-state documentation, I partnered with him. That decision proved invaluable. Today we operate 260+ ships with Prudence managing all flag-state documentation, backed by Glen’s unwavering commitment and 24/7 availability.”

Mr. Maneesh Pradhan, MD – Synergy Marine Group
“From the moment we began working with Team Prudence, we knew we’d made the right choice. Their service is efficient, honest, and highly professional. What stands out most is Mr. Glen himself-his ethics and commitment to client service set both him and Prudence apart.”

Capt. Aniket Pradhan, MSC Crewing Services Pvt Ltd
“Our association with Prudence dates back to the very beginning. Over ten years we’ve witnessed remarkable growth from early days to becoming the exceptional leader Glen is today. We’re immensely proud of his progress and confident he’ll achieve his goal of becoming a ship owner.”

Mr. Ketan Salvi, COO/Executive Director
“The maritime industry operates without pause. At Prudence Marine, 24/7 readiness is central to how we serve clients. As compliance, sustainability, and technology reshape the sector, we’ve focused on building a resilient, future-ready organization. By investing in people and digital transformation, we’ve improved efficiency and freed teams to focus on strategic problem-solving. Our commitment remains: reliable, high-quality solutions that evolve with industry needs.”

Capt. Ashok Maharana, Director – Strategic Initiatives
“At Prudence Marine, our focus is strengthening operational excellence while supporting sustainable growth. Long term success is built on trust, reliability, and practical solutions. With a client first approach. continuous improvement, and adaptability, we strive to create lasting value while upholding the highest standards of quality, compliance, and service.”

Mr. Lyndon Williams, CTO / Head of IT
“Prudence Marine believes in going beyond just delivering services we build lasting partnerships through operational excellence, reliability, and innovation. With 30+ years of cumulative maritime experience, we believe sustainable growth comes from understanding client needs, embracing improvement, and maintaining the highest standards. Our goal is to create long-term value and strengthen Prudence Marine as a trusted partner to the global maritime industry.”

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The spirit of seafaring was celebrated with pride, gratitude and reflection as Marine Management Services (MMS) Group commemorated the Day of the Seafarer 2026 on 25 June at Garware House, Mumbai, with a programme that celebrated the people, values and vision that have shaped the organisation for over five decades. Bringing together employees, seafarers, industry veterans and maritime leaders, the event highlighted MMS Group’s continued commitment to technical excellence, innovation, wellness and the welfare of seafarers.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by CEO Capt Sudheer Naphade, who applauded the dedication of MMS employees, many of whom have spent decades with the organisation, helping establish it as one of India’s leading maritime service providers. A corporate film then traced the company’s journey from its establishment in 1971 by the late marine engineer Suresh Godbole as Martek Engineering Works to its evolution into a global provider of ship management, crew management, voyage repairs, technical consultancy, offshore services, digital marine solutions and maritime training.

Managing Director Mr Aniruddha Godbole reflected on the company’s remarkable journey, crediting its growth to the vision of founder Suresh Godbole and the dedication of generations of employees. Highlighting the company’s expertise in executing complex repairs on operational vessels, he said, “Our journey began with the vision of my father, Mr Suresh Godbole, in 1971. Today, that vision thrives because of our people.”

Promoting seafarer wellbeing formed another key aspect of the celebrations. Yoga expert Mr Dileep Dauneria conducted an interactive session demonstrating stretching exercises, pranayama and meditation techniques aimed at preventing common physical ailments while reducing stress and improving mental health. Participants were encouraged to incorporate simple daily wellness practices into their routine to maintain long-term physical and psychological fitness.

One of the most emotional moments of the programme came during a tribute to Mrs. Veena Godbole, wife of the late founder Suresh Godbole. Her remarkable contribution to the organisation’s early years was recognised, recalling how she sailed alongside her husband, gained hands-on engineering knowledge in the engine room, and later managed technical documentation and commercial operations ashore. Reflecting on her husband’s legacy, she said, “My Husband,

Mr Suresh Godbole never saw challenges as obstacles—he saw them as opportunities to innovate. His vision, discipline and passion for excellence laid the foundation of MMS Group and continue to inspire every one of us.”

The event also marked the launch of Seva Vritta (Onboard Work Reporting Portal – OWRP), a web-based application developed to simplify onboard work reporting through real-time digital documentation. The platform enables personnel to record daily activities via mobile devices, eliminating manual paperwork while improving operational transparency and recognition of employee contributions.

Recognising excellence remained a major highlight as MMS Group presented its Super Achievers Awards and introduced a new Young Achievers Seafarer category to encourage emerging maritime professionals. Although many awardees were serving onboard vessels, colleagues accepted the honours on their behalf, symbolising the teamwork and shared commitment that define the profession.

Chief Guest Capt Mohan Naik, Managing Director of Dynacom Tankers, emphasised that a strong safety culture is built through vigilance, learning and accountability. “Safety at sea is never achieved by chance. It is built through discipline, reporting near misses, learning from every incident, and having the courage to act before a small hazard becomes a major accident”, he remarked.

The celebrations also featured an insightful session by Dr Radhika Vakharia on mental health, highlighting the importance of resilience, mindfulness and open communication in addressing the unique psychological challenges faced by seafarers. Blending wellness, technology, recognition and inspiration, MMS Group’s Day of the Seafarer 2026 served as a fitting tribute to the resilience and dedication of the men and women who keep the global maritime industry moving.

The post-lunch session featured team-building activities and interactive discussions, encouraging seafarers to share their experiences and engage with the Management. The celebrations concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr Sagarika Damle, Executive Director, MMS Group, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to the welfare and growth of its seafarers.

Marex Media