“Shipping is the backbone of international trade. Every fabric of your life is weaved by the shipping industry,” said Captain K Karthik, AMET University at the 22nd edition of The Hindu EducationPlus Career Counselling Fair 2025 held in Chennai on Sunday.
Speaking on ‘Career Pathways in Marine Engineering: From Ports to Offshore Platforms’, he said the merchant navy is commercial while the Indian Navy is combat shipping. “India is the third largest supplier of seafarers in the world after China and Philippines. We are more sought after in the industry.”
Listing the reasons for the demand, he said it was because of proficiency in English, educational and technical competency, availability of senior officers, cultural adaptability and cost quality balance.
Pointing out the courses a student can take up to enter into the shipping industry, he said there are seven different programmes available such as B.Sc Nautical Science, diploma in nautical science, B.E Marine Engineering, certificate course in catering among others.
He said shipping as a profession was lucrative and offered travel opportunities and authority. “You are ready to risk and for that you’re being paid. You will be on the sea for four months. When you’re on the shore you upskill yourself,” he added.
Stating that the career would demand sacrifices he said, “You will need to be away from your family, favourite food, festival thrills and friends. Then you will get a fortune and a future.”
Highlighting the eligibility criteria, he said that there were minimum academic requirements, common entrance test, personal interview, medical fitness and finally the selection for the programme. “There are scholarships for women as there is encouragement for them to join the industry. The government is giving ₹1 lakh as scholarship per year for women,” he added.
Published - April 06, 2025 07:50 pm IST
