Union Minister of Shipping G.K. Vasan said the Union Ministry for Shipping was planning to enhance the number of qualified seafarers emerging from various institutions.
He was participating in the passing-out parade of 9th batch of Bachelor of Engineering (Marine Engineering) at Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering (SVCE), Pennalur near Sriperumbudur on Saturday.
There was a high demand for Indian seafarers in shipping industry. However, the country's share in total demand for qualified and efficient seafarers worldwide, hovers around only 7 per cent, he said.
In order to augment the availability of qualified and skilled sailors from India, Mr. Vasan said the Union Ministry was contemplating of encouraging introduction of Marine Engineering courses in more colleges. Mr. Vasan, who distributed degrees to 24 students, also gave away Vasant J. Seth Gold Medal for outstanding student to S. Raghuram and scholarships to three students.
Speaking on the occasion, the college Governing Council chairman, A.C. Muthiah said in all 292 students who had passed out from Marine Engineering department in the last 9 years were absorbed by several reputed shipping companies.
Principal R. Ramachandran, Dean Marine Development S. Selvaraju, Head of the Department Marine Engineering K.V. Sivanarayana and others participated.
