By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM| Mumbai, October 24th, 2025: Vadhvan Port Project Ltd. (VPPL), the 13th major port of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Shipping
Corporation of India (SCI) Maritime Training Institute (MTI) to jointly conduct the “GP Rating Pre-Sea Training Course, on Friday, October 24th, 2025. The MoU was signed by Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairperson, JNPA and CMD, VPPL and Capt. Binesh Kumar Tyagi, CMD, SCI. The MoU aims to establish a joint initiative under which SCI-MTI will conduct the course for candidates sponsored by VPPL, focusing on imparting essential maritime skills and knowledge to prepare them for careers at sea. SCI Maritime Training Institute has been established to meet the training and re-training requirements of its shore and fleet personnel. The same services are also extended to external participants in line with vision of the company and Government of India to become an advanced seafaring nation. Speaking on the occasion, Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairperson, JNPA and CMD, VPPL, stated, “VPPL is desirous of providing skill-based livelihood training to the local youth residing in the villages around Vadhvan Port, enabling them to explore employment opportunities in the shipping sector. Through this collaboration with the SCI Maritime Training Institute, we aim to create a pathway for these young individuals to build rewarding maritime careers, while contributing to the growth of India’s maritime ecosystem.” SCI-MTI has the approval from the Directorate General of Shipping to conduct, for the GP Rating Pre-Sea Training Course. The duration of the training course is six months. The training course shall be residential in nature. Upon successful completion of the training and qualifying the Exit Examination conducted by the Board of Examination for Seafarers Trust (“BEST”), a certificate shall be issued by BEST. As part of the initiative, VPPL has introduced a dedicated chatbot to simplify the registration process and provide real-time information about upcoming courses and opportunities. So far, the program has received an encouraging response, with over 38, 000 registrations from enthusiastic youth across the surrounding villages.