Capt Nand A Hiranandani, Marine Consultant, Chevron Shipping Company needs no introduction for those associated with the shipping industry. While interacting with Mrs Farida Miranda regarding 'Careeratsea' at the former's office at Nariman Point, Mumbai, THE MARINE WORLD had the opportunity of interacting with Capt Hiranandani too. But before speaking to us, he categorically made it clear that his views on different issues must be considered as his personal views only and not of his organization. Excerpts of our interaction with the veteran mariner:

TMW: Many in the industry feel this year's IGNOU OPENNET entrance test is a non-starter. Your comments.
Capt Hiranandani: The IGNOU OPENNET was introduced after a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) recommendation. Accordingly the DG Shipping was instructed to conduct a joint entrance examination and thus the entrance test came into being. I am not against the entrance test, but personally I feel the results could have been declared much earlier. Since results of other joint entrance tests were declared long back, so we lost quite a good number of applicants who were ready for a sea career.
Companies like Anglo-Eastern, V Ships, and Fleet Management spent a lot of time and money on choosing their candidates, but ultimately lost them. Of the approximately 2,400 candidates who qualified the entrance test, about 60% had already taken admission in other courses. With so much technology available these days, the OPENNET results could have been declared much earlier.
There are three aspects as I see it. First, if all those candidates selected by the companies are going to appear the tests and qualify too. Secondly, those who qualify, if they can pay the fees demanded by the institutes. Last but the most vital aspect is, if the companies are going to get the candidates they are interested to hire.
The OPENNET result can't be ignored but the sponsored candidates need to be encouraged too.

TMW: Accommodating the INSA, MASSA, FOSMA and MFSWT 'Careeratsea' help desk in your office was a gracious step. Do you feel proud for having taken such an initiative?
Capt Hiranandani: They were struggling with a location and our office being located at Nariman Point is easily accessible. I just let Mrs Miranda operate from here. It's not a big deal. I have been with the industry for last 47 years and if my little help can benefit the industry, it's an honour for me.
TMW: Do you feel the industry needs to create more awareness to meet the challenge of acute shortage of Seafarers?
Capt Hiranandani: Unlike 15 years back, a sea job is not much enticing these days. There are other lucrative choices available in the market and people are going for those options. So, the need of the hour is to entice the youths not only from cities but from villages as well. In that prospective, the initiative taken by INSA, MASSA, FOSMA and MFSWT is a real good effort. But what we need is efforts by the Government.
I would also want the press to play a more active role. We all know the marine press is trying hard, but the major media organizations in this country certainly need to give more coverage to the shipping industry. Let's hope they gear up soon and so does the government.