Former Secretary to the Government of India, Mr. Deepak Shetty, Visits IMI Greater Noida

Mr. Deepak Shetty, IRS (Retd.), former Secretary to the Government of India and former Director General of Shipping, visited IMI, Greater Noida and had an engaging and insightful interaction with cadets, post-sea trainees, and faculty members. His visit offered valuable perspectives on the future of the maritime industry and the evolving role of India in the global shipping ecosystem.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Shetty highlighted India’s growing prominence in the global maritime sector. He noted that under the Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the industry is set for significant growth and transformation, creating vast opportunities for aspiring seafarers. He encouraged cadets to stay future-ready by continuously upgrading their knowledge and skills. With rapid advancements in digitisation, artificial intelligence, and automation, adaptability and lifelong learning are essential for sustained success.

Mr. Shetty discussed the role of blockchain and AI-enabled tools in improving transparency and efficiency in maritime operations. He advised cadets to maintain digital professional records on secure platforms, enhancing their global employability. Emphasising the importance of seafarer welfare, he acknowledged the strong global demand for Indian seafarers, attributing it to the credibility of the Indian Certificate of Competency (CoC). He also appreciated initiatives by DG Shipping in promoting greater participation of women in the maritime sector.

A key focus of the session was cybersecurity. Shri Shetty highlighted risks such as cyber-attacks, digitally enabled vessel hijacking, and vulnerabilities in connected ship systems. He stressed the need for awareness and training to handle these evolving threats effectively. Introducing the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), he encouraged cadets to uphold integrity and familiarise themselves with global anti-corruption practices. He also recommended integrating MACN training modules into maritime education.

Highlighting the realities of seafaring, he pointed out the importance of teamwork, cultural awareness, and communication skills in multinational crew environments. He stressed professionalism, integrity, and accountability as essential qualities.

Looking ahead, Mr. Shetty spoke about the shift towards autonomous vessels and digitally connected operations. He encouraged cadets to embrace technological advancements with confidence and responsibility. Concluding his address, Shri Shetty reminded cadets that seafaring demands both technical competence and emotional resilience. He emphasised the importance of developing both IQ and EQ to thrive in a challenging yet rewarding profession.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, followed by valuable takeaways for all participants. The visit reaffirmed IMI Greater Noida’s commitment to nurturing competent, future-ready maritime professionals.