INTRODUCTION:

We introduce ourselves as a premier Maritime Training Academy at Mumbai, approved by the Director General Of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Govt. of India and ISO 9002 compliant. We have been involved in training marine personnel from 1993 in various safety courses mandatory under the International Maritime Organisation regulations.

“Marine Training Academy” was started by their Director, DR. S.G. KOLI in April 1993 at Goregaon in Mumbai, under the name of “Marine Medical Academy” to impart training in First Aid at Sea to seafarers. However, looking at the market demand and the training needs of our seafarers, it was realized that more training facilities were required. Then, the Academy started various other courses that are P.S.T., P.S.S.R., E.F.A., F.P.F.F., R.O.C./ A.R.P.A, M.F.A., O.T.F.C., C.T.F.C., SHIP MASTER’S MEDICARE and other courses. A branch of this Academy was opened in Daman (U.T) to cater to the training needs of the Gujarat boys where Pre-Sea Training for Ratings (G.P.) is being conducted since September 2002.

The name of “MARINE MEDICAL ACADEMY” was changed to “MARINE TRAINING ACADEMY” from 1^st January 2003.

To enhance the safety of ships at sea and safety of the sea from pollution, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has given emphasis on maritime training. The sophistication of vessels and associated equipment has led to a greater importance on a well-designed education system and a structured method of knowledge dissemination. Over the years, this has made maritime education a large industry, with an identity quite independent of the shipping industry it caters to.

IMO has set the convention for Standard for Training, Certification and Watch Keeping (STCW’95), giving the guidelines for maritime education, to be fulfilled by all the signatories in a stipulated timeframe. This has given the incidental or need based boost to the maritime training industry in India.

Efficient transport by sea is an important mode of International trade, particularly for a country like India with a vast coastline and a rich seagoing heritage. The Indian Merchant Marine comprises of Cargo ships, Container ships, Tankers, Passenger Ships, Bulk Carriers and other types of specialized ships. These ships are operated by the public and private sector shipping companies and manned by trained Masters, Marine Engineers, Navigators and Crew. Besides safe and efficient operation, ocean-going merchant vessels are to be manned by competent seafarers who need to be specially trained. Various International Conventions have adopted resolutions to the effect that seafarers manning the merchant vessels must be fully trained for the challenges that this job at sea requires. Marine Training Academy has been established to achieve these objectives.

Indian Officers and crew are renowned the world over for their professionalism, hard work, perseverance and loyalty. However, due to stiff international competition, industry requirements and stringent international regulations, quality training of the finest order is a must for all seafarers.

The Pre-sea Training for Ratings is an integral part of the overall planned and structured training for a Rating forming part of the Navigational or the Engineering watch, and it is only by a regimented and a disciplined training schedule which places adequate emphasis on class room and outdoor activities that a well equipped institute would be able to impart the required training which would assist the rating in achieving the minimum standards of competence as specified in Table A-II / 4 and A III / 4 of the Regulation II / 4 and III / 4 of STCW Code’95 the guidelines have been carefully framed to achieve this objective and hence, only those institutes which fulfill these guidelines will be approved to impart pre-sea training for the Ratings. 

Being a fully residential course, the trainees are required to stay in the Academy campus for the entire training period of 16 weeks. The course training syllabus is so designed as to impart the following to the trainee:

• An understanding of the duties of a rating on board, the ship’s daily routine and operations on the ship.

• Practical knowledge of handling ropes, blocks, tackles, rigging and the basics of cargo work and stowage.

• Basic knowledge of the ship’s compass, steering orders and hints on steering.

• Basic Engineering knowledge, watch keeping duties and maintenance.

• Familiarization with tools, equipment and instruments used on board ship.

• Practical workshop training in basic carpentry, machine shop, electrical shop, diesel maintenance shop and hot work.

• The principles of survival at sea.
  The importance and principles of safety, following safe working practices, accident prevention and prevention of pollution of the sea.

• Elementary knowledge of the principles of fire fighting.

• Knowledge of elementary first-aid.

• The importance of good discipline.

OBJECTIVES
The main objective of MARINE TRAINING ACADEMY is to impart quality training to sailing seafarers and those aspiring for a career at sea in line with the Directorate General Of Shipping, Govt. of India guidelines and meeting STCW ’95 requirements.

ACTIVITIES
The following D.G.S. approved courses are being conducted at this Academy:

1.                  Personal Survival Techniques (P.S.T).
2.                  Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (P.S.S.R).
3.                  Elementary First Aid (E.F.A.).
4.                  Medical First Aid (M.F.A.).
5.                  Ship Master’s Medicare.
6.                  Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (F.P.F.F.).
7.                  Refresher & Updating Training For Basic Courses
8.                  Oil Tanker Familiarisation Course (O.T.F.C.).
9.                  Chemical Tanker Familiarisation Course (C.T.F.C.).
10.                 Pre-Sea Training for Ratings (G.P.)- At DAMAN.

 ACHIEVEMENTS
Since our inception we have trained over six thousand seafarers in various courses. Starting with only one course in 1993 we have expanded and our currently running with 12 different courses.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
We have been to achieve the above goals due to the contribution from our sincere and dedicated faculty members and staff.

FUTURE PLANS
In near future, we propose to conduct the following courses and also maintain and further improve the quality of training in all respects.

1.      Liquid Petroleum Gas Familiarisation Course (L.P.G.).

2.      Passenger Ship Familiarisation Course (P.S.F.).

OUR DAMAN BRANCH
Marine Training Academy, Daman is located amidst lush and scenic surroundings about 150 metres from the Daman coast and opposite to Mirasol Water Park on the Kadaiya- Bhimpore road in the Union Territory of Daman. The Academy is easily accessible by road/ rail, the nearest main railway station being Vapi, with frequent train services.

At our Daman Academy, we conduct the Pre-Sea Training Course for Ratings (G.P.), which is a residential course with a duration of sixteen weeks plus eleven days for the mandatory STCW’ 95 courses, namely P.S.T., P.S.S.R., E.F.A. and F.P.F.F. courses

Trainees are roused at 0530 hrs. and physical/ parade training is conducted. Classes commence at 0900 hrs. There is a lunch break of one hour and classes continue in the afternoon. There is a 15 minutes tea break in the fore noon and afternoon sessions. Practical and workshop training is conducted to familiarize trainees with the various equipment they will be working with on a ship.

A 50 feet high ship type mast has been provided within the Academy premises to practice mast and rope climbing.

After academic session, trainees play indoor/ outdoor games. A gymnasium is provided within the Academy campus.

MAIN BUILDING
The main building consists of ground plus two floors and terrace.
The ground floor comprises of the Reception and Waiting Area, Principal’s office, Two classrooms (40 trainees each) for the Pre-Sea Training for Ratings (G.P.) Course, P.S.T./ E.F.A. classroom (20 trainees), Library, Faculty room, Dining Hall and Galley. Adequate toilet/ washroom facilities are provided. The classrooms are equipped with white board, O.H.P. projector and screen, video cassette player and Television set. The library is equipped with the books and publications required for the course and a computer with internet facilities for trainees. Transparencies and videocassettes are provided for the course.

The first floor comprises of 5 hostel rooms for 40 trainees, storeroom, Showers and toilets for trainees, Staff accommodation and recreation area for trainees. Recreation facilities for trainees include cable television, Volleyball, football, indoor games- chess, carom board, draughts, Magazines, newspapers etc.

The second floor comprises of 5 hostel rooms for another 40 trainees, Showers and toilets for trainees, Staff accommodation and recreation area for trainees.

HOSTELS
Trainee hostels are located on the first and second floors of the main building with accommodation for 8 trainees to a hostel. The hostels are provided with double bunk beds and lockers for the trainees.

Classroom and Library facilities are provided for self study to the trainees during their free time.

WORKSHOP BUILDING
The workshop building consists of two floors and terrace.

The ground floor houses the Machine shop, Electrical and Diesel maintenance shop and Hot work shop.

The first floor houses the Seamanship workshop, plumbing and Carpentry workshop.

First-Aid facilities are provided on campus for trainees and hospital facilities are available on demand round the clock.

Facilities have been provided for boat work, swimming/ life saving and outdoor sports.

Telephone with S.T.D. facilities is provided within the campus for the convenience of the trainees.

FACULTY
Our Faculty consists of well experienced Masters, Chief Engineers, Doctors and Instructors with a Naval background

CATERING FACILITIES
We have our own in house catering facilities with a full time Galley staff and meals are prepared in the campus itself, with an aim to provide a balanced diet with nutritious food to the trainees and staff.