Maritime training institutes play a vital role in preparing the next generation of seafarers and maritime professionals. They must preserve essential values like discipline and resilience while also embracing innovation through advanced simulators, digital learning, and immersive technologies. Equally important are strong global industry partnerships that provide practical exposure, internships, and assured career pathways. This combination of tradition, modern technology and industry collaboration is what makes AMET Institute of Science and Technology stand out as a truly distinctive institution.

Established in 1993 by visionary founder Dr. Naesey J. Ramachandran, AMET has grown from humble beginnings into a world-class institution, shaping thousands of maritime professionals who now navigate the world’s oceans. Dr. Ramachandran strongly believed that “Education without employment is a distressing combination.”

Concerned about educated youth struggling to find jobs, he founded the NAESEY, the New Era Association of Educated Self-Employed Youth, long before skilling became a national agenda, with a mission to integrate education and employability. At that time, maritime education in India was restricted to just two government institutions, Training Ship Rajendra and MERI Kolkata.

Seizing this opportunity, Dr. Ramachandran introduced private maritime training, collaborating with the UK’s Maritime Coastguard Agency and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore to launch groundbreaking programs like the Higher National Diploma in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering. The first batch in 1993 had only 13 cadets, who now hold senior positions globally. From these small beginnings, AMET quickly gained recognition as its graduates were industry-ready and employed immediately.

From Academy to University

A landmark achievement came in 2007, when AMET was conferred the status of a deemed-to-be university under Section 3 of the UGC Act, becoming India’s first maritime university. This recognition allowed the institute to move beyond skill training into research and advanced studies.

Its first Chancellor, Efthimios Mitropoulos, former Secretary General of the International

Maritime Organization(IMO) brought global credibility. Over time, the institute has expanded into Naval Architecture, Offshore Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Mining Engineering, Shipping and Logistics, and MBAs in Maritime Studies, while continuing core seafaring programs.

It also trained over 600 international cadets from 10 different nations, predominantly from Angola, Nigeria, and Djibouti, empowering the nation to independently manage its ports.

AMET’s excellence was recognized with an ‘A’ grade from NAAC and a world No. 3 ranking in research by the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU), underscoring its academic strength and global impact. Having trained over 20,000 professionals, this institute contributes nearly 7 percent of India’s global seafaring workforce, an impressive share in a nation supplying 9 percent of the world’s seafarers.

AMET Institute of Science & Technology empowers students with global exposure, advanced training, & values that shape future-ready maritime professionals

Expanding into Science & Technology

In 2023, they took a bold step forward with the establishment of the AMET Institute of Science and Technology, created in collaboration with global shipping leaders like Maersk, dedicated to merging maritime education with advanced science and technology. Its Maritime Simulation Centre was recently inaugurated by the Honorable Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, along with the Director General of Shipping, Shri Shyam Jagannathan.

The Maritime Simulation Centre is worth to the tune of 13 crore, is hosting world-class full mission Bridge and Engine room simulator, ECDIS lab, AR/VR labs, etc, to serve as South Asia’s premier hub for maritime simulations. It embodies a balance of tradition and innovation, instilling discipline and resilience while preparing students with digital platforms, AI-enabled learning, and immersive training.

The institute offers a comprehensive range of presea programs, including B.Sc. Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, and Electro-Technical Officer programs are all compliant with the Director General of Shipping and IMO STCW standards. For shore-based careers, AMET provides degrees in Marine Electrical Engineering, Naval Architecture, Offshore Engineering, and Shipping & Logistics. Every program is designed to make graduates not just academically competent but operationally ready for the sea.

Industry Partnerships & Global Footprints

AMET has built strong partnerships with leading shipping companies like Maersk, V. Ships, Pacific International Lines, Fleet Management, MMSI, MSI, and many other leading shipping companies for onboard training. Its alumni excel not only at sea, as captains and chief engineers, but also in maritime law, port management, offshore energy, logistics, and consultancy. With a vast and influential network, AMET proudly says, “Name a ship, and there’s an AMETian; name a port, and there’s an AMETian,” reflecting the institute’s global impact and reach.

Looking ahead, AMET continues to innovate. Upcoming specialized programs for cruise catering and deeper research collaborations in biotechnology and marine sciences. The institute is determined to remain a knowledge hub that balances skill, research, and global engagement.

In conclusion, from its beginnings with 13 students in 1993 to becoming a globally respected university today, AMET stands as a symbol of visionary leadership, resilience, and commitment to employment-oriented education. Its journey proves that with the right mix of tradition and innovation, one institution can truly shape the future of an entire industry.