The Pilot AECS course (based on International Maritime Organization model course 3.12) was conducted at SCI-Maritime Training Institute by Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) from 18.10.2019 to 27.10.2019 (10 days). This course was conducted first time in the country and has been developed to support the implementation of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended.

The pilot course was conducted by Capt. Ashok Mahapatra who is an eminent personality in the maritime fraternity. Capt. Mahapatra was appointed as Deputy Nautical Advisor to Government of India in 1994 before taking up the charge of Director, Marine Safety Division (IMO) in 2015.

This course covers the legal, administrative, supervisory, and operational frameworks and processes of assessing, examining and certifying seafarers within the context of the convention. SCI-MTI has been appreciated by all the participants and officials of DGS for smoothly conducting the pilot course and subsequently conducted the second batch of AECS course from 01.11.2019 to 10.11.2019.

SCI-MTI is also in process to get approval for conducting AECS course from DGS as the course will be mandatory requirement for faculties involved in internal or external assessment, examination and certification of seafarers.