AEMA - VISIT By WMU DELEGATION
Welcoming the World Maritime University (WMU) scholars to our campus Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA), Karjat, was both a moment of pride and a valuable learning opportunity.
It was a warm feeling to see like-minded people of the maritime fraternity coming together and having an enriching exchange of information and knowledge – said Principal Capt. Suneel Sule of Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy. He added, being chosen as the representative institute of Indian Maritime Training was a proud moment and that it speaks volumes about its dedicated faculties, state-of-the-art teaching and training facilities and bright cadets, underscoring AEMA’s esteemed reputation in the maritime industry.
On March 19, 2024, a delegation from the World Maritime University in Sweden, headed by Dr. Anish Hebbar along with DG Shipping India representative Mr. Gopikrishna C. (Engine & Ship Surveyor cum DDG (Tech)), paid a visit to AEMA campus. The World Maritime University, established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, stands as a global center of excellence in maritime and oceans education, research, capacity-building, and economic development.
As part of their educational program, the WMU curriculum includes specialized field visits to various maritime establishments and training institutes across the globe.
Upon their arrival, the delegates were warmly welcomed by the AEMA faculties, who hosted them for refreshments, before Principal Capt. Sule delivered a comprehensive presentation about AEMA. Following this, they were divided into two groups and given a guided tour of the campus. They were shown various facilities including the Navigational Bridge, navigational and engine simulators, the Virtual Reality Center, seamanship and workshop areas, two advanced engine workshops, STCW courses training centers such as the fire-fighting center and concluded the tour at the campus library.
They also visited the classrooms, each one of them equipped with the latest interactive flat panel displays alongside the classical style boards. During their visit to the library, they were delighted to learn that alongside with traditional library setup, AEMA is geared up to establish a full-fledged digital library.
The delegates couldn’t hide their excitement and awe as they observed different navigational scenarios displayed on the expansive simulator screens and were given the chance to actively engage in maneuvering them.
In the age where AI and Virtual Reality is booming, AEMA understands that comprehensive teaching can only be imparted by incorporating the latest technologies and innovations. The delegates were familiarized with the virtual reality training where they could learn and understand different parts of a ship and their functions, various ship operations and the like with the help of the VR equipment. The opportunity to visualize a ship in such a realistic manner was met with great appreciation from the guests.
Another highlight in the academy was the 30-seater language lab with an English Language software that targeted language competency of the cadets, with the primary objective to equip the young mariners with English language proficiency, which is vital given their global professional status and frequent interactions with individuals from diverse nationalities.
The guests also took notice of the stunning flora and fauna on campus, meticulously catalogued using QR codes. The evident respect and appreciation for nature serves as a reminder of the immense significance it holds in the lives of seafarers, who spend a significant amount of time surrounded by the sea. This emphasizes the importance of adhering to laws and regulations not out of fear, but rather out of a deep sense of respect.
The day drew to a close as the WMU delegates savoured a delicious lunch and then proceeded to explore the two engine workshops, the STCW training area, and the AEMA library. Leaving with smiles and good memories, the guests bid farewell to AEMA campus.
Ms. Katharina Stanzel, MD – INTERTANKO
Ms. Katharina Stanzel, Managing Director of INTERTANKO, visited Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy on April 11, 2024. Ms. Stanzel, accompanied by Capt. Mayhar, joined AEMA campus for lunch before proceeding to a campus tour.
The campus tour began with a visit to the fire-fighting training centre, where Ms. Stanzel received a briefing on the basics of fire-fighting drills and the various types of fire extinguishers. The next destination was the engine workshop, fully equipped with teaching and training infrastructure relevant to ship engine rooms. Cadets and instructors showcased the engine room, highlighting the tasks and responsibilities associated with it. This included familiarization with the CO2 training room, adherence to mandatory checklists, and training on entering the CO2 room, among other aspects.
A notable feature of the workshop was the Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) model, which can control the pitch of the entire propeller using a hydraulic cylinder. This technology allows the ship to move in both forward and astern directions without needing to change the engine’s rotation direction. Another significant highlight of AEMA is the presence of three BWTS systems (Ballast Water Treatment Systems) supplied by Optimarin, TechCross, and Hyundai-Hi Ballast. These systems are utilized for conducting advanced BWTS courses for maritime professionals.
The guests then proceeded to see the advanced electronic lab, where they witnessed a highly innovative project on the Usage of Thermal Electric Generators to reducing global warming and GHG emissions. The concept of sand batteries was particularly unique, as they have the capability to store heat of almost 600 degrees Celsius for almost six months. One of the most appealing aspects of this concept is the availability of silica sand, which is abundant! This innovative approach has the potential to decrease the reliance on auxiliary engines and consequently reduce fuel consumption. It’s no wonder this project won first prize at an inter-collegiate event!
Cadets who were lined up at the Tanker mock-up in the seamanship area, demonstrated various tanker operations, including loading and unloading of cargo (water was utilized in the live demo), ullaging, gauging, etc., which earned praise from the faculty and guests present. Ms. Stanzel showed a keen interest in engaging with the female cadets, leading discussions on MARPOL, Tankers, and various maritime rules and regulations. Following this, Ms. Katharina Stanzel was warmly welcomed by all faculty members in the conference room, where refreshments were served and an enriching exchange of ideas, recommendations, and information took place. During the discussion, she emphasized the crucial role of human factors and mental well-being in the maritime industry. Topics such as the latest technology, AI, Machine Learning, Autonomous shipping, marine fuels, STCW syllabus, and more were extensively discussed.
Ms. Stanzel introduced SIRE 2.0 Inspection and presented the booklet to the faculties. As the visit to the beautiful AEMA campus came to an end, Ms. Stanzel expressed deep admiration for the academy in her parting words: “Thank you for an inspirational visit. You should be incredibly proud of what you have built here and all the excellent work you do. Learned a lot today and enjoyed every moment! All the very best for the future.”
