PhD award highlights importance of training to the offshore sector

Dr Surender Kumar, principal of our maritime training centre in Mumbai recently defended his thesis on The effectiveness of seafarer’s training using maritime simulators, highlighting the importance of training to the offshore sector. He was awarded his PhD from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies in Dehradun, India.

An influential figure in the Indian maritime training sector, Dr Kumar was part of a duo that spearheaded the introduction of Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) approved courses to the country, with Bibby Ship Management – recently acquired by V.Group. It became the first training centre to offer such courses in India.

Dr Kumar’s experience and expertise in maritime training has been instrumental in leading the training centre to its revered status. It was the first Dynamic Positioning training provider in India to be approved by the Nautical Institute and has trained more than 14,000 delegates since its establishment in 2006.

Simon Pressly, Group Director, Marine Operations Crewing says: “This is a unique training centre of excellence built on the reputations and expertise of Dr Kumar and his team, a valuable addition to V.Group capabilities.”