Capt KN Deboo, general manager and principal of Anglo-Eastern Maritime Training Centre, who is the co-ordinator appointed to put the CET examination process in place, said, "This is likely to be introduced shortly for all new entrants wishing to enrol as nautical cadets, marine engineers or even as ratings. CET will ensure that there is transparency in the selection process and candidates coming into the profession have a minimum level of competency. It will also be in line with the supreme court's order to maintain transparency in the selection process."

A spokesperson for the directorate said, "Sealed requests for expression of interest (EOI) are to be called for from eligible and competent service providers to conduct the CET for the purpose of conducting countrywide common standard selection of trainees as nautical/engineering cadets who serve as officers onboard seagoing ships.

Selection of the service provider will be on the basis of his capability to conduct CET, both on-line and through OMR modules, at specified centres, according to specified number of occasions but not less than six in a year."

There have been several cases of seafarers giving up sea life and seeking on-shore jobs within 10 to 15 years. In some cases new entrants having entered the profession realise that they are not cut out for marine life. The CET being made compulsory for all freshers prior to their joining an institute, whether on nautical or engineering side or as ratings, will eliminate such setbacks.

"Sponsored candidates who qualify will go directly to the institute chosen by the concerned company," said Capt Deboo. "Direct candidates with sponsorships, who have secured a high rank, could select an institute of their choice. Exit exams for all ratings are already being conducted by the board of examination for seafarers' trust (BEST) set up jointly by the Company of Master Mariners and Institute of Marine Engineers. With regard to deck cadets and marine engineers, the exit examinations are conducted by IGNOU, Bombay University, etc., according to the courses."

There have been frequent complaints about candidates being made to cough up hefty sums for admissions into pre-sea training institutes even though the standard in some such institutes has been below par. To ensure all institutes maintain a high level of standard, the directorate has introduced more frequent inspections by the academic council and directed all institutes to get themselves benchmarked by rating agencies such as ICRA, CRISIL.

Source Economics Times India