Inauguration of CMC Maritime Academy Kochi
Inauguration of CMC Maritime Academy Kochi
CMC Group's prestigious Maritime Academy makes its mark in Kochi, Kerala, God’s Own Country - CMC Maritime Academy, Kochi Inaugurated by Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, marking a significant milestone in maritime education.
The CMC Group of Institutions proudly announced the successful inauguration of its new maritime training campus, CMC Maritime Academy, Kochi, on Thursday, 11ᵗʰ December 2025, at Willingdon Island. The ceremony was graced by Shri Shyam Jagannnathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping (DGS), Mumbai, who formally inaugurated the academy and delivered the Chief Guest Address.
The event commenced with the ceremonial ribbon cutting and traditional lighting of the Kuthuvilakku, followed by campus tour and the inauguration of the new swimming pool training facility, established in accordance with DGS guidelines.
The formal function continued at the Merchant Navy Club (Main Hall), Willington Island - Kochi, where C/E. S.I. Nathan, Chairman, CMC Group of Institutions, delivered the Welcome Address. He highlighted that the launch of the Kochi campus marks a significant milestone in strengthening CMC’s mission of delivering world-class maritime education and safety training. Following his address, he felicitated all dignitaries present on the dais.
Dignitaries on the Dais
• Shri Shyam Jagannnathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping (DGS), Mumbai – Chief Guest.
• Shri Satish Honnakkatte, Deputy Chairperson, Cochin Port Authority – Guest of Honour.
• Shri J. Senthil Kumar, Principal Officer, Mercantile Marine Department (MMD), Kochi – Guest of Honour.
• C/E. S.I. Nathan, Chairman, CMC Group of Institutions
• Capt. Ajit Kumar Pillai, Principal, CMC Academy Kochi
Distinguished dignitaries including Shri Satish Honnakkatte and Shri J. Senthil Kumar delivered their Felicitation Addresses, commending the CMC Group and Chairman C/E. S.I. Nathan for their continued contributions to maritime education, training quality, and seafarer development in India.
The other eminent dignitaries off the dais were from officials of Mercantile Marine Department, Kochi, Cochin Port Authority, Kunjali Marikkar School of Marine Engineering, Cochin Shipyard maritime training Institute, Indian Maritime University, also representatives from Various shipping companies including Synergy, MSC, Fleet Management Ltd. And representatives from CMMI, Kochi chapter and IMEA, Kochi chapter attended the grand gala inauguration ceremony
During the Chief Guest Address, Shri Shyam Jagannnathan, IAS, emphasized the need for cultivating a strong safety culture among young seafarers, stating:
“I urge every aspiring and active seafarer to prioritize safety—both onboard and offshore. Safety is not just a regulation; it is a culture that must be lived daily.”
He also spoke about the rapid growth of India’s maritime sector, noting the rising demand for trained mariners and the pivotal role that institutions like CMC play in shaping the future of India’s global maritime workforce using digital technology.
The ceremony also featured the Best Performing Staff Awards of the CMC Group of Institutions, presented by the Chief Guest, followed by the Vote of Thanks delivered by Capt. Ajit Kumar Pillai, Principal, CMC Academy Kochi.
CMC Maritime Academy, Kochi, now operational, offers a comprehensive range of DGS-approved STCW mandatory and refresher courses, supported by advanced training infrastructure, modern classrooms, a dedicated swimming pool, and practical skill-development facilities designed to meet international maritime standards.
