Efficient transport by sea is extremely important, particularly for a country like India, which has a long coastline and glorious maritime traditions. Indian Merchant Shipping comprises of Passengers vessels, Cargo liners, Tankers, Carriers, Container vessels and many other types of specialized ships. These ships are operated by public and private sector shipping companies and manned by trained navigators, marine engineers and crew members. To cater to such specialized training, School of Maritime Studies offers an Integrated and comprehensive facility for Navigating Officers and Marine Engineers in the Merchant Navy. Candidates who successfully complete training at this School will be eligible for taking jobs as Navigating Officers or Marine Engineers on board any Ship sailing in the vast oceans of the World.

Navigating Cadets passing out from School of Maritime Studies, on the completion of mandatory sea-time requirements and Competence Examinations, will be responsible for the navigation of ships, proper loading and discharging of cargo, maintenance of ships, safety of passengers and crew and observance of various national and international codes of conduct. The trainees progress to be junior navigating officers and on the completion of successive competency exam, ascend in rank and responsibility until finally taking command of a ship as a Captain.

Marine Engineering Cadets passing out from School of Maritime Studies, on the completion of mandatory sea-time requirements and Competency examinations, will be responsible for the running of the main engine of the Ship and all its auxiliaries. They need to be proficient in the areas of Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineering. The Cadets progress to be Junior Marine Engineers on completion of successive Competency Examinations, ascend in rank and responsibility until finally they become Chief Engineers of Ship.

School of Maritime Studies is situated at Vels Thalambur campus. The School is headed by a Director and amongst its Faculty are highly proficient Lecturers who are ex-mariners, and Instructors, with years of experience on board Ships and ashore, who take meticulous care to train the cadets to be future Navigating Officers and Marine Engineers. The School has three sophisticated workshops, a state-of-the-art "Full-mission Navigation Simulator and three laboratories for providing cadets the necessary training. As a part of the curriculum, cadets are taken on board ships in Chennai harbour for shipboard familiarization.

"School of Maritime Studies - Now Graded A1 by the Ministry of Shipping, and is amongst the Best Maritime Institutions in India"

The Director General of Shipping (DGS) developed a mandatory Comprehensive Inspection Programme (CIP) early this year, for all Maritime Colleges in the country, carrying out Presea Maritime Training. A Grading Scale was specified - A1 Outstanding, A2 Very Good, B1 Good, B2 Average, C1 Below Average, C2 Poor.

The Indian Register of Shipping, a Classification Society, recognized by the Directorate General of Shipping, Govt. of India, was invited to carry out the CIP at the School of Maritime Studies of Vels University. A team of four Auditors carried out an intensive audit, over a period of two days. This audit concluded on the 30th of April, 2014.

At the end of the audit, the grading awarded to the School of Maritime Studies, Vels University was "A1 - Outstanding", reflecting Excellence in Maritime Education and Training.

The School of Maritime Studies, Vels University, now ranks amongst the best Maritime Training Colleges in India.

B.Sc Maritime Operations: This Course is focused towards giving students the necessary knowledge and skills to help them achieve high levels in their career in maritime and off shore industries. School of Maritime Studies is the first Institute in South India to be awarded an ISO 9001:2015 Certification by IRS.

Facilities & Resources

• Full Mission Bridge Simulator from Kongsberg, Norway

• Full Mission Engine Simulator from ARI, India

• All Steel Ship-in-campus

• Computer Labs with high speed internet

• Physics cum Electronics Lab

• Seamanship Lab

• Life saving appliances Lab

• Fire fighting appliances Lab

• Electrical & Electronic Labs

• Strength of Materials Lab

• Applied Mechanics Lab

• Fluid Mechanics & Heat Transfer Lab

• Control Engineering Lab

• Electrical Machines Lab

• Advanced Marine Workshop

• Fitting Shop & Machine Shop

• Swimming Pool with separate Diving Pool

• Four seated Hostel Accommodation

• Sports & Recreational facilities

List of Selected Equipment

• Full Mission Bridge Simulator from Kongsberg, Norway

• Ship in Campus

• Full Mission Engine Simulators

• Fire fighting Mock-up (Steel Containers)