Marine Logisticians: Indians are in demand the world over
Call 8585951111
Which industry/ businesses in India employ the services of marine logisticians?
The entire spectrum of the shipping sector employs people trained in marine logistics. Organizations working in third party logistics service need them. All heavy industries needing to transport either raw material or finished products in bulk over long distances using the sea route need them.
The mining industry needs them for export and import of products. The oil and gas industry needs them for their offshore oil exploration and production programme. The growth in trade due to globalization has fuelled the need for marine logistics personnel.
All the marine logistics and cargo-forwarding operators use the services of marine professionals in marine logistics. Marine, like air, is a totally different field than on-shore logistics. Professional management is all about cutting down on the cost and faster and safer operations.
Today's terminal managers operate in a demanding environment. They have to balance processes and demands to ensure that terminals operate safely. Efficiency and profit are all-important. The focus is on terminal operations, leadership, security, environmental management, productivity and particular operating environment of a terminal handling sea borne trade.
Are there adequate numbers of skilled personnel in the field of marine logistics in the country today?
India has been a good source of excellent skilled manpower. The recent growth in the industry has given rise to a lot of specialized training institutes coming up in the private sector though more needs to be done by the government.
India's shipping industry is facing a shortage of trained marine officers due to wage difference with foreign companies. Mariners take up shore jobs after a career in sailing. Their salaries are very high. Moreover, services in foreign companies come with a tax-free salary. The difference in the salary between Indian and foreign companies is quite substantial.
Who are the leading employers - in India and globally?
There are many marine logistics companies in India as well as abroad. Indians are preferred globally for their sound educational and training background, superior professional skills and knowledge of English.
What are the challenges facing the profession? What have been the landmark developments, in the field of marine logistics?
Challenges being faced in the field of marine logistics:
- Inadequate port infrastructure.
- Shortage of skilled manpower.
- Quality of training.
With increasing level of automation and use of software, one has to keep oneself updated on modern technologies. Various simulator-based courses should be introduced in this regard. Though dynamic positioning (DP) vessels are being extensively used in the offshore field, we do not have a certified DP course in India. Similarly, there is a need for ship handling simulator courses for safe maneuvering of vessels offshore.
Containerization of cargo is a landmark development in the marine field. It is a faster and safer mode of transportation of cargo. Except for liquid, gas and bulk, all cargo is transported in containers now. Limited quantities of even liquid, gas and bulk are also transported in containers.
Author: Pranab Ghosh (HT Horizons)
Date: 27th September, 2010
For further details about related courses and colleges please click below:
