<p data-path-to-node="5">Addressing a critical bottleneck facing pre-sea maritime graduates, the <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="88">Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW)</b> has launched a six-month <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="163">Structured Onboard Training Programme</b> tailored for General Purpose (GP) Rating and Certificate Course in Maritime Catering (CCMC) trainees. The program directly targets the widespread industry shortage of mandatory sea-time berths required for junior ratings to complete their sea service certifications.</p><p data-path-to-node="6">The practical training program commenced on <b data-path-to-node="6" data-index-in-node="44">July 15, 2026</b>, onboard the passenger vessel <b data-path-to-node="6" data-index-in-node="88">MV <i data-path-to-node="6" data-index-in-node="91">Swaraj Dweep&nbsp;</i></b>owned by the Andaman &amp; Nicobar Administration and operated by <b data-path-to-node="6" data-index-in-node="166">The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI)</b>.</p><h3 data-path-to-node="8"><b data-path-to-node="8" data-index-in-node="0">Funding Support and Multi-Agency Coordination for Workforce Readiness</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="9">The training initiative bridges the gap between pre-sea classroom instruction and active commercial sea duty:</p><ul data-path-to-node="10"><li><p data-path-to-node="10,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Multi-Agency Operational Framework:</b> The program is being executed by SCI in close coordination with the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) under the overall policy guidance of MoPSW.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Financial Backing via Maritime Training Trust:</b> Funding support for the onboard training modules is provided by the <b data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="115">Maritime Training Trust (MTT)</b>, with SCI overseeing planning, onboard supervision, administrative compliance, and candidate monitoring.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Overcoming the Sea-Time Bottleneck:</b> Pre-sea trained youth frequently encounter extended waiting periods to secure mandatory onboard berths needed to earn their Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) sea-time endorsements. This initiative ensures structured placement to fast-track career entry.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,3,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,3,0" data-index-in-node="0">Alignment with Maritime India Vision 2030:</b> Designed to expand India’s global market share of certified ratings and officers, the program strengthens the domestic maritime talent pool to meet growing crew demand across national and international merchant fleets.</p></li></ul>