Navigating global careers through Maritime Education

from ancient chola trade routes to today's global shipping lanes, india has long held a distinguished place in maritime history. in today's world, with over 70% of international trade relying on sea transport, maritime education is not just relevant—it's transformative.the national education policy 2020 emphasizes skill-driven and globally relevant education. maritime studies, such as b.sc. nautical science and b.e. marine engineering, embody this vision by opening doors to high-paying, international careers. graduates in these fields can earn salaries as high as ₹4 lakh per month as sailors or marine engineers. as these professionals work across international waters, their income is often exempt from taxation, offering a unique financial advantage.what was once a male-dominated industry is now evolving. thanks to initiatives by the international maritime organization, more women are being welcomed into the shipping sector. leading companies like maersk, cma cgm, and v-ship actively encourage female participation, breaking long-standing barriers.admission into these prestigious programs requires approval from the directorate general of shipping. students must also meet strict physical standards, including good eyesight and the absence of color blindness, as their roles involve extended periods at sea.academically, aspirants must have scored at least 60% in physics, chemistry, and mathematics, and a minimum of 50% in english. admission is through the imu-cet (common entrance test) conducted by the indian maritime university.maritime education offers not just employment, but empowerment—enabling indian youth to navigate a future of limitless horizons.— muthezhilan radhakrishnan, educationist