The last millennium witnessed a sea change in the character of shipping, of which the salient features are as follows: -

1. The long battle between the sailors and the cruel sea, gave way to power propulsion. The saga of courage at high sea passed into the annals of history gradually.

2. The phenomenal advancement made in propulsion systems, starting from simple steam engine to steam turbine, diesel and gas turbine propulsion, even use of nuclear power; ushered a new era in the World of Shipping.

3. Steel replaced wood as the main material for shipbuilding and the advancement made by technology, resulted in construction of bigger and faster ships, considering safety of personnel and property at sea.

4. The availability of efficient navigational and communication devices made it all possible for more and more trade routes to open up and shipping was well recognized as a safe and dependable mode of transportation for men and material.

5. The 20^th century’s worst sea disaster occurred when RMS TITANIC sank, the unsinkable ship, which went to Davy Jone’s lockers on her maiden voyage.

6. United Nations by a charter constituted International Maritime Organization, to regulate on maritime safety and issues of maritime importance, thus improving the quality of life at sea, making ships safer, and avoiding loss of life and property at sea.

7. Pollution control became a buzzword and laws enacted to preserve the marine life and environment for future generations.

8. Seafaring, which was considered purely an adventure and perilous profession at the turn of the 19^th. Century, emerged as a respectable and safe career by the close of 20^th. Century, attracting younger generation in its folds.

About Ourselves

This site has been hosted by Captain V.K.Agarwal, I.N. (Retd.), who has been associated with marine and shipping world since 1953. He served in Indian Navy for 22 years and mercantile marine for 20 years in various capacities. Captain Agarwal is a graduate from Benaras Hindu University, DMET graduate (1957), graduate from Naval Engineering College, Post graduate in Industrial Management from Mumbai University, Lead auditor in ISO 9000 (LRQA), and has numerous professional courses to his credit, besides being Fellow member of Institution of Engineers (India) and Institute of Marine Engineers (India).

Associates:

1. Mr. B.R.K.Gupta, Chief Representative for India & SriLanka, Senior Principal Surveyor for India, LRS - Retired.

2. Mr. P.N.Mehrotra, Principal Officer, MMD, Mumbai -Retired, Faculty Member - TS Rehman.

3. Captain Arun Prasad, Principal Officer, MMD, Mumbai - Retired, Faculty Member - National Institute of Port Management, Chennai.