Now, London’s nautical institute in city

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 21

The Nautical Institute, India-North West branch, was inaugurated today in Chandigarh by Deputy Director General of Shipping Cdr Sanjay Anchalwar. The Nautical Institute is a nongovernmental organisation (NGO) representing professionals both ashore and at sea with consultative status at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and has over 83 branches worldwide.

The Chandigarh branch of the institute has the mandate to cover seafarers residing in six states—Punjab, Haryana, Himachal, Uttarakhand, J&K and Rajasthan. This branch will promote and coordinate the development of nautical excellence by facilitating the exchange and publication of information and ideas on nautical science, co-operating with government departments by promoting a high standard of qualification, competence and knowledge.

Capt Rohit Bhatia, vice-chairman of the institute, said: “This branch will work to provide a local professional focus, networking opportunities, technical and social 

meetings, seminars and professional development assistance.” Capt MS Kahlon, chairman, stated that their aim was to represent seafarers’ and practical maritime professionals’ views at the highest level and ensure that professional opinion and advice was fed back to the industry’s decision making bodies.