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The Alternate
Training Scheme (ATS) to become a Marine Engineer was designed
and developed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
under its Model course 7.04. This course covers the mandatory
requirements of Regulation III/1 of STCW ’78 (Standards
of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping), as amended
in 1995 for the training requirements of engineer officer in-charge
of a watch in manned engine room or designated duty engineer
in a periodically unmanned engine room. |
The formation of ATS was derived
to overcome the huge demands of the shipping industry, where
shortage for adequately trained manpower, was observed. Finding
the right person of the job is the main problem that many shipping
companies face. The biggest problem being experienced by the
Shipping industry today is attrition. The solution to solve this
problem can be achieved better by better education and training
with period specific, i.e., short-duration and job-oriented training.
While the other streams to become a marine engineer provide theoretical
and practical knowledge imparted inside campus, IMO has structured
the training curriculum of ATS with nine months documented training
on-board thus providing the candidates aspiring for a sea career
through marine engineering, with immediate job opportunities
on completion of the course. ATS is conducted in three-phases
as follows: |
| Phase – 1 (1st year) |
: |
12 months in campus |
| Phase – 2 (2nd year) |
: |
9 months on-board (in Indian or foreign vessels) |
| Phase – 3 (3rd year) |
: |
9 months in campus |
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| Therefore, it is needless to
say, but to clear the minds, that ATS carries the students across
the Sea with full recognition and high repute. |
| Responding to IMO, the D.G.Shipping,
Government of India, had spent no time to implement the ATS in
India and floated an invitation to all the Maritime Training
institutes in India to absorb ATS. Fascinated by the training
curriculum and the invitation from the Government of India, CSSM
proposed to conduct ATS and submitted its project for approval
to DGS. CSSM’s proposal was meticulously scrutinized by
DGS and accorded approval to CSSM. |
| ATS is unique in many ways such
as .. |
- The duration of the training
is very short, i.e., 30 months, to become a marine engineer.
- Standards and syllabus of training are similar throughout
the world.
-
The training includes nine months training on-board under
Phase-2 with stipend and opportunity to see the world in
young age. This nine months training provide job opportunities,
and in fact, the same company absorbs the candidates after
they complete the training.
- No interaction required with any University or Board.
- Exams conducted and certified by D.G.Shipping, Government
of India
- Career commencement as Junior Engineer Officer (5th Engineer)
at 20 years of age, with good salary.
-
Promotions are based on passing the subsequent
exams conducted by D.G.Shipping – Promotion leads to further levels of
4th Engineer, 3rd Engineer, 2nd Engineer & Chief
Engineer. Beyond Chief Engineer level, option is available
to become Extra I Class.
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| Why ATS? |
When you aspire for a career
at sea, degree is not essential because of the fact that university
certificate is not a pre-requisite anywhere in the shipping industry,
to become a marine engineer. The shipping industry always looks
for candidates, who possess correct knowledge and skills to deliver
the goods as and when required. |
Soon after
the completion of 30 months training under ATS, the candidates
become eligible to write the M.O.T. Class-IV Part “A” examination
conducted by D.G.Shipping. The examination consists of four
papers, namely, Marine Engineering Drawing, Marine Heat Engines,
Applied Mechanics and Mathematics. Passing this exam, they
enter the sea as a professional marine engineer as 5th Engineer.
The flow-chart depicted below clearly shows the procedures
to become a Chief Engineer right from joining ATS. |
Therefore, it is needless to
say, but to clear the minds, that ATS carries the students across
the sea with full recognition and high reputation. |
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