Chennai, Nov. 17: Though traditional mariners have inconsistent opinion about women, Indian Maritime University (IMU) reports that there is a major increase in the number of women candidates who are applying for maritime-related courses for the past two years.

“Though women have seen limited role in the maritime industry so far, of late more women are being recruited for maritime jobs. Also, the government is encouraging women candidates to pursue maritime studies by providing Rs 75,000 fee concession a year,” said Dr P. Vijayan, vice chancellor of IMU.
“Compared to previous years, we have received more applications from women candidates in this academic year and majority of them are from Tamil Nadu. About 20 women candidates are studying at IMU Chennai campus itself. As there is a shortage of trained mariners in the industry, women who take seafaring profession are essential and India would be one of the major contributors of trained marine professionals for international maritime industry in the near future,” he said. Besides regular maritime courses, IMU will soon launch a programme on Maritime Law at IMU Chennai campus. “The programme will get faculty support from the International Maritime Law Institute, Malta. We are also planning student-faculty exchange programmes with leading international universities,” said Dr Vijayan. The IMU Chennai campus has recently received Rs 250 crore from the Union government.