CHARTING THE COURSE A DEEP DIVE INTO MARITIME EDUCATION WITH CAPT GOPAL SRINIVAS, PRINCIPAL OF AMET UNIVERSITY

What motivated you to pursue a career as a maritime educator? Could you elaborate on specific experiences that influenced your decision?

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My chosen path in shipping has played a pivotal role in shaping my current position, and my role as a maritime educator serves as a modest expression of gratitude to the industry. Additionally, I sought to remain actively engaged. During my tenure with the Samsara Group, I actively participated in campus interviews at a logistics institute.

The ensuing interaction with students in the interview and the classes I visited as an observer prompted the realization that I could contribute meaningfully in this capacity. Subsequently, following my tenure in the shipping and logistics industry, I assumed the role of Associate Professor at AMET University.

What are the crucial qualities that a maritime educator should possess, and can you provide examples of how you have demonstrated these qualities in your work?

Beyond the requisite domain knowledge and experience inherent to any profession, effective communication and attentive listening skills are paramount for a Maritime Educator. Staying abreast of the dynamic developments in the shipping industry and imparting this knowledge to students while igniting their interest in the subject is equally vital.

In my experience, linking maritime incidents at sea and relevant case studies to the daily lesson proved to be an effective communication strategy. By presenting case studies on pollution incidents at sea and facilitating discussions on their findings in the classroom, I found it easier to convey the potential hazards posed by tankers. This approach also enabled cadets to comprehend and appreciate the significance of MARPOL regulations.