Maritime career awareness needs a push: industry professionals

“Passion and attitude are the prerequisites for joining merchant navy. Many look at this profession as the means to earn money within a span of 8-10 years. But what we need is responsible individuals who can handle pressures,” said Bhalchandra Chandakkar,director,Vishwakarma Marine Institute. “Like all the other careers,the English language is something we can capitalise on even in this field,” said Abhiram Wakankar,course- in- charge,Samudra Institute.

Captain A C Dixit ,president CMMI said,“It is time for aspiring students to get over the mental block that seafarers have to stay away from the family. In reality,though away for six months,one can also spend quality time with the family for next two-three months when he/she is on shore.”

The Seminar,that took place at the Institution of Engineers on Friday saw an overwhelming response from standard XI and XII students and covered topics like careers in the merchant navy,information of pay scales,perquisites,opportunities in seafaring profession,courses available and so on. Also present on the occasion were Direndra Bihari,principal,Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education and Training,Sanjeev Ogale,chairman,Institute of Marine Engineers (India) Pune Branch and others.

A special musical program of Marathi songs- Dariya ke kinare by Narendra Bhide and his team was organised on Saturday evening. Eminent singers like Hrishikesh Ranade,Swapnaja Lele,Jitendra Abhyankar and others performed at the event. On Sunday,a special awareness rally and a marathon starting from Suvarna Smruti Mangal Karyalaya near Good Luck Chowk,Deccan Gymkhana has been planned which will be flagged off by Nitin Kareer.