The Seventh Edition of the GNLU International Maritime Academy marked its commencement in GNLU on March 17, 2018. The themes which were on the agenda for the seven day academy (17-24th March) were: Indian Ocean Region- Ports Security; Preventing, Reducing and Controlling – IUU Fishing and Marine Environment Pollution.
The first day was marked by the presence of Rear Admiral Sanjay Roye, Vice Admiral A.K. Chawla, AVSM, SVM, NM, Lt Col Alan L. Schuller, DG Prabhakaran Paleri, PTM TM ( Retd ) and Prof. Dr. Bimal N Patel, and other members of academia from various countries, students, officers and professionals.
The ceremony began with the address of Rear Admiral of Indian Navy who considered the academy as a great collaboration under the stewardship of the Director, GNLU and emphasized on the key concepts such as Coastal and Port Security, Protection of Marine Environment and Regulation of illegal and unrestricted fishing.
After the felicitation of guests by Prof. Dr. Bimal N Patel, he delivered the welcome address. He considered the academy as a flagship program and spoke about how this has developed into the idea of Sustainable Development and resolving internal legal disputes. He applauded the measures taken by the Government of India such as establishment of a chair under the Gujarat Maritime Board, organizing Maritime India Summit and the support extended by the Indian Navy.
Lt Col Alan L. Schuller addressed the audience, stating that they should not to be “passive recipients” of knowledge but must try to define answers for the questions instead which will be a great add on, owing to the different backgrounds they come from.
Other issues referred were: Maritime Terrorism, which is not independent but is interrelated with the investment and socio-economic development as well. Hence, the concept of Blue Economy and Sustainable Development Goals arise. It was also discussed that adherence to protocols is expensive and the issue of fishing disputes is not an easy road to tread upon as it involves job prospect of hundreds of fishermen.
