Shri Sonowal inaugurates Remote Competence Examination for Seafarers; Says, India is emerging as a world leader in the maritime sector

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has said that the Government is striving to improve the quality of Indian Seafarers and make their life comfortable. Speaking at the release of Navik Jeevan and launch of Online Competency based Examination through VC mode in New Delhi today, he informed that this is happening for the first time in the world, and assured to work for development of shipping, ports seafarers training, and ultimately emerging as a world leader in the maritime sector. The Minister recalled the vision of the Prime Minister, which has been embodied in the Maritime India Vision 2030 launched by him in March 2021.

Shri Sonowal said, India is one of the largest seafarer supplying nation and our seafarers are in great demand internationally. He said, Navik Jeevan - A Survey on the life of Indian seafarers and Pre-sea students is a very good endeavour to understand the Indian seafarers and their issues. He expressed hope that the stakeholders will take appropriate measures to address these issues.

The Minister noted that the Directorate General of Shipping has taken proactive and innovative steps including introduction of three tier mechanism which included e-learning, virtual classes, on-line video sessions, on-line exit examinations and generation of digital course completion certificates. Now, in continuation of that effort, by launch of online certificate of competency examination, a pioneering step has again been taken in conducting written examinations for seafarers through first of its kind digital remote proctoring mechanism. He said, we are charting a new course in our development of Indian Shipping and Indian Seafarers. This is in line with our vision to be recognized globally as a highly effective, efficient, responsible and progressive maritime nation.

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