Japanese Delegation Explores Collaboration Opportunities for Indian Seafarers
Mumbai, November 8, 2025:
A high-level delegation from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) visited the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in Mumbai on Friday, marking a significant step toward enhancing maritime cooperation between India and Japan.
The visit was aimed at gaining an in-depth understanding of India’s maritime education and training ecosystem — particularly the Examination System, Maritime Courses, the Comprehensive Inspection Programme (CIP), and the overall competency framework for Indian seafarers. The Japanese officials engaged in detailed discussions with senior DGS officers to assess how India’s maritime administration ensures global standards in seafarer certification, training quality, and compliance with international conventions.
During the interaction, the delegation expressed keen interest in exploring opportunities to employ more Indian seafarers in Japan’s shipping industry. Japan, known for its advanced shipping technology and rigorous safety standards, has increasingly looked toward India as a reliable partner for maritime manpower, given the high level of professionalism and competence demonstrated by Indian seafarers globally.
The Japanese officials also visited key maritime training institutions and simulation centers to observe firsthand how India integrates modern technology, international regulations, and practical skill-building into its maritime education framework. Their discussions further revolved around identifying leading Indian maritime institutes that could collaborate with Japanese stakeholders on research, training, and seafarer welfare initiatives.
Officials from the Directorate General of Shipping presented an overview of India’s Comprehensive Inspection Programme (CIP), which ensures that maritime training institutes maintain global benchmarks through regular audits, quality control mechanisms, and performance evaluations. They also elaborated on India’s robust Examination System — a cornerstone of seafarer certification — which guarantees the competence and readiness of Indian seafarers for international operations.
The visit underscored India’s growing recognition as a global hub for skilled and competitive seafarers. With a strong emphasis on quality training, safety standards, and international compliance, Indian seafarers have earned the trust of major shipping nations and companies worldwide.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation under existing frameworks and exploring new pathways for joint initiatives. Enhanced collaboration in maritime training, technology exchange, and employment opportunities is expected to create a win-win situation — helping Japan address manpower shortages in its shipping sector while providing Indian seafarers with broader global exposure and employment avenues.
As global shipping continues to evolve with technological advancements and environmental regulations, partnerships between maritime nations like India and Japan are crucial for maintaining safe, sustainable, and efficient maritime operations.
India’s Directorate General of Shipping reaffirmed its commitment to supporting international collaboration that uplifts the quality and global employability of Indian seafarers, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the global maritime workforce.
The visit by Japan’s MLIT delegation serves as yet another recognition of India’s pivotal role in global shipping and its steadfast commitment to excellence in maritime education, training, and seafarer competency.
Author: shipping inbox
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