Learning from Leaders: IMI Cadets at Fleet Management’s India Officers’ Conference

On 15 October 2026, International Maritime Institute (IMI) cadets attended Fleet Management’s India Officers’ Conference in Mumbai, joining officers, shipowners and industry partners for discussions centred on customer expectations, operational excellence and the future of maritime talent.

For the cadets, the conference offered a valuable opportunity to hear directly from industry leaders, gain practical insights into the profession they are preparing to enter and better understand the evolving realities of the global shipping industry.

From discussions on customer centricity and regulatory developments to inspiring personal journeys and leadership lessons, the event provided a deeper understanding of the skills, mindset and professionalism required for a successful maritime career.

Customer Centricity: Understanding What Shipowners Expect

In his opening address, Mr Angad Banga, Group CEO of The Caravel Group, highlighted the importance of understanding and delivering on shipowners’ expectations. Beyond keeping vessels operational, shipowners rely on their managers to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, crew readiness, reliability and consistent performance.

Dr Harry S. Banga, Founder and Executive Chairman of The Caravel Group, shared his experiences during a session titled My Journey in Maritime. Reflecting on his early days as a deck cadet and the milestones that shaped his career, he emphasised the value of pride in one’s work, personal accountability and maintaining professional standards, especially during challenging situations.

For IMI cadets, the session reinforced that successful maritime careers are built on more than technical knowledge. Professionalism, accountability and sound judgement remain equally important throughout a seafarer’s career.

Understanding the Regulatory Landscape

The conference also featured Capt S. I. Abul Kalam Azad, Nautical Advisor-cum-Additional Director General of Shipping (Nautical), who shared insights into current regulatory developments and initiatives affecting the maritime sector.

The session highlighted the importance of staying informed about evolving regulations and understanding how compliance translates into safe and effective shipboard operations.

For cadets preparing to join the industry, it served as a reminder that regulations are not simply requirements to study for examinations, but essential frameworks that guide decision-making, operational practices and safety at sea.

The Shipowner’s Perspective: Safety, Reliability and Performance

Moderated by Capt Raja Subramaniam, CEO, Fleet Management, the owner-perspectives session provided valuable insight into the commercial realities of the shipping industry.

Industry representatives from Tufton Asset Management Ltd, IS Containers Pte. Ltd., Hansa Tankers AS and MOL (Asia Oceania) shared their perspectives on safety, reliability, vessel performance and operational excellence. The discussion highlighted how decisions made onboard directly influence a vessel’s performance, customer confidence and long-term success.

For future officers, the message was clear: good seamanship today extends beyond technical competence. It requires situational awareness, professional responsibility, operational efficiency and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance.

Resilience at Sea: Lessons from Lt Cdr Dilna K

One of the most inspiring sessions featured Lieutenant Commander Dilna K of the Indian Navy, who shared her experience of completing Navika Sagar Parikrama II alongside Lieutenant Commander Roopa Alagirisamy aboard INSV Tarini.

Together, they sailed approximately 25,600 nautical miles over 238 days, navigating some of the world’s most demanding ocean conditions. Their journey was supported by years of preparation that included navigation, weather assessment, emergency response and equipment maintenance training.

Through her account, Lt Cdr Dilna highlighted the realities of operating in remote waters, where challenges such as unpredictable weather, equipment failures and physical fatigue demand resilience and sound judgement.

Her experience offered IMI cadets a valuable lesson: resilience is developed through preparation, discipline, teamwork and the ability to make informed decisions under pressure.

IMI Cadets in Conversation with Mr Angad Banga

A key highlight of the conference was a fireside chat featuring four IMI cadets in conversation with Mr Angad Banga.

The session provided senior officers, shipowners and industry partners with an opportunity to hear directly from the next generation of maritime professionals. It also created a valuable platform for cadets to engage with industry leadership beyond the classroom environment.

The discussion demonstrated Fleet Management and IMI’s commitment to giving young maritime professionals a voice while helping bridge the gap between maritime education and real-world industry expectations.

For the participating cadets, the interaction offered valuable perspectives on career development, leadership and the opportunities that lie ahead within the maritime profession.

Representing IMI with Pride

IMI cadets also played an active role throughout the conference. They welcomed distinguished guests and industry leaders through ceremonial manning and a band presentation, reflecting the discipline, tradition and professionalism that form an integral part of maritime training.

The evening concluded with a high-energy cultural performance by IMI cadets, showcasing their teamwork, enthusiasm and talent beyond the classroom and training environment.

Their participation reflected the broader objective of cadet development: building confidence, discipline, communication skills and the ability to represent the Institute and the profession with pride.

Key Takeaways for Cadets

The conference provided cadets with a practical understanding of the industry they are preparing to join and reinforced several important lessons:

• Professionalism matters – technical competence must be supported by accountability, integrity and sound judgement.
• The industry is evolving – changing regulations, sustainability requirements and technological advancements continue to shape modern shipping.
• Learning never stops – successful maritime careers are built on continuous development, adaptability and leadership.

For IMI cadets, the conference offered more than insight into current industry challenges. It provided a clearer understanding of the standards, responsibilities and leadership qualities expected of the next generation of maritime professionals. As they prepare to begin their careers at sea, these lessons will remain relevant long after the conference concluded.