Have been a member of the "Institute of Marine Engineers(I)" right since its inception in 1982, joining as a "Student member" during my "4 year Marine Engineering apprenticeship course" at Mazagon Dock(Mumbai).This association with the "Institute of Marine Engineers(I)" has lasted during my entire shipping career upto the present day in 2011. Have attended numerous "Technical Seminars" and have managed to come into contact and get a glimpse of some of the shipping Industry's celibrity fraternity, people whom   employed sea-sailing marine engineers would have to seek "protocol permission" to just express a thought or suggestion normally   interacting with these powerful shipping bureaucrats and owners  only during  routine "M.O.T Examinations" or "Job placement selections". On Saturday(19-2-2011) attended a technical session at M.C.Ghia Hall(Near Kala Ghoda)on the subject of  "Coastal Infrastructure" organised by "IM.E.I" and the "Institute of Naval architects". I was first hesitant to attend the seminar as having  quit sailing since 2006 and at present involved in a total different occupation of "Personal portfolio management", although, my shipping background does make a difference in my present vocation.

Some of the top  technical managers and shipping entrepreneurs were present at the seminar with just a handfull of young floating staff marine engineers.

The chief guest was bureaucrat MR L.Radhakrisshnan, chairman  of "Jawaharlal Nehru Port trust".

The topics discussed  and speakers were

1) "The role of coastal engineering in developing and protecting coastal infrastructure"- by Mr Matt.Campbell from M/S Coast and Harbour Engineering,Austin,Texas(U.S.A).

2) "Modern Bolting Technology as applied to drive shafts"- presented by Mr Peter.Jones,General manager of Auxano Technologies Ltd(U.K).

3) Construction of "Bandra-Worli Sea link" -presented by Col S.G.Diwanji of "Hindustan Construction Company(India).

Although these technical sessions are more of a salesmanship drive for captains and chief engineers of the Shipping Industry, its definitely helpful for budding mariners climbing up the shipping ladder of success.

As for me. having worked on "J.N.P.T tugs"  as C/Eng for 2 years between 1999 to 2000, it was nice seeing the present  chairman of "J.N.P.T" personally as also other important shipping fraternity members.Refreshed a bit of my technical knowledge as well as memories of some wonderful, tough as well as sad years in the shipping Industry. Sea-Employment, especially engineers is considered one of the World's toughest jobs, both physically as well as mentally and hence few retire at age 60 unlike shore based jobs , most preferring  "Voluntary retirement' and seeking a "Shore establishment job".In India,"Shipping" has been the only Industry  that was always International in its management and outlook , long before the "1992-Economic  Liberalisation " of Indian economy.Tragically, post "1992- Indian Economic liberalisation" , the "Shipping Industry" has  become less glamorous as a profession for  professional students  since shore based jobs are more highly paid  for lesser qualifications and stress, compared to rough seas and top physical condition of the "Shipping Industry".Hence,  most of the post "1992 Economic liberalisation " generation joining ships always have future plans for quitting sailing at a young age and seeking a "Shore based " employment, either in India or other country's.Any profession or vocation is not always a bed of roses and the good co-exists with the bad, a part of human living.

My sincere advice to sailing marine engineers is to become members of the "Institute of Marine Engineers(I)" and make it a point to attend the Institutes seminars when ashore, a chance to get accustomed to "Shore Employment opportunities" as well as  meet shipping acquaintainces.