This material has been taken from the book,

'Merchant Navy Entrance Exams: A Guide to CET Merchant

PreparationNavy: An Overview
for Maritime Courses'- Introduction
Authored by: Mukesh Umbarkar, Dr. Vinod Kumar Mangwani, Sachin Vyavahare, and Wallace Jacob

INTRODUCTION

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore” - Andre
Gide

Trade encourages exchange of ideas and encourages new inventions. 90% of the international
trade by volume is due to shipping. The standards of living in the present scenario and the
jobs and livelihood of billions depend on ships and shipping. Of the three basic types of
shipments: land, air and sea, water shipping costs are usually less than land shipment costs
which are usually less than air shipment costs. But at the same time ships happen to be
extremely expensive constructions themselves and some of the largest man-made vehicles
ever made. It is not surprising that the people who handle these enormously complex
vehicles and most sophisticated machinery should be more than ordinary and require a
very rigorous training.
The merchant navy is a non-combatant commercial fleet, which deals with transporting
cargo and sometimes passengers, by sea. The world shipping fleet provides not only transport
connectivity to global trade but also livelihoods to those working in maritime businesses.
Its fleet has vessels (ships) such as passenger vessels (called liners/cruisers), cargo liners (also
called bulk carriers) which carry cargo or oil tankers (called tankers), as well as other special
types of vehicles. The ships are highly sophisticated and technology intensive safety and
efficiency of the ship are crucial and depends upon the professional ability, competence and
dedication to duty, of a seafarer, onboard the ship. The ships may belong to various private
and government shipping companies. Without merchant navy, most of the import-export
business may grind to a halt. In fact, the Merchant Navy, is the backbone of International
trade, carrying mainly cargo across the globe.
It is a mariner’s responsibility to protect the cargo, passengers on the ship, the environment
and ensure the commercial success of the enterprise in which he is engaged. A mariner has
to keep abreast with the ever changing technology, laws of different countries and also the
customs and traditions followed in other countries.

3
Merchant Navy Entrance Exams - A Guide to CET Preparation for Maritime Courses

When a layman thinks of a seafaring job he only thinks of a 6-figure salary, dollar allowances,
foreign travel and other duty-free perks. But the truth is that the 6-figure salary carries
overwhelming responsibilities with it, and demands innumerable sacrifices – staying away
from the home for months together, and, anything can happen due to a trivial mistake of
some other fellow mariner. Mariners face cramped, stark, noisy, and sometimes dangerous
conditions at sea (and at times rough seas) and they invariably confront social isolation or
they may have to work with strangers. At times they have to work in a hot, humid and noisy
atmosphere and sometimes they have to work at sub-zero temperatures. Due to the high
levels of noise in the engine room communication in the engine room may be limited to
hand signals and lip reading only.
A mariner needs to be extraordinary – he has to have extraordinary brain power, heart
power and muscle power – he should have the power to come out of any type of calamity
and even face pirates. While on-board, a mariner may be called for duty anytime. There is
no concept of a 900 hours to 1700 hours job.
Nonetheless, the work on a ship is extremely challenging, satisfying and enchanting. Marine
engineers manage the engines, pumps, boilers, hydraulic and fuel system, and the ship’s
electricity generating and distribution system. There are opportunities galore for people
with the right acumen. The navigator’s role focuses on creating the ship’s passage plans,
cargo operations and ship maintenance operations. They may be required to be adept at
handling Global Maritime Distress Safety System equipment. (Safety equipment includes
Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons, a NAVTEX unit, INMARSAT consoles,
various radios, Search and Rescue Transponders, and Digital Selective Calling systems.)
On the deck site a person might begin as a Deck cadet and gradually rise to the ranks of
Third Officer/Third Mate, then Second Officer/Second Mate and then Chief Officer/Chief
Mate and then the Captain of the ship. On the Engine side a person might begin as an
Engineering Cadet and then move through the ranks of a Fifth Engineer, Fourth/Third
Engineer, Second Engineer and Chief Engineer. There are also the posts of Pumpman,
Oiler and Wiper. And for those who are blessed with the gift of cooking good food, there
are opportunities in the form of Steward’s Assistant, Chief Cook and Chief Steward. And to
add to it the seafarers get a chance to work on cargo ships, container ships, barge carrying
ships, tankers, bulk carriers, refrigerator ships and passenger ships.
In a nutshell:
• Over 90% of world trade is carried by Shipping.
• It is the cheapest and safest and way of transportation.
• It is the most environment friendly way of transportation.
There are approximately 50,000 ships trading internationally, registered in 150
nations and providing employment to over a million seafarers.
•  ue to its global nature, it has many problems. The foremost being to come to
D
agreement within this community of such a large number of nations, who are
essentially competing amongst themselves for a larger share of the pie of global
prosperity.
4
 Merchant Navy: An Overview - Introduction

• But with persistence, the International Maritime Organization (IMO)

has managed to create a relatively effective organisational structure for the
international shipping.
Nature of the job at sea:
To carry cargo from the departure port and deliver it unaltered and undamaged at the
destination port in time and ensuring safety of life, environment and cargo in that priority.
Safety of life, environment and cargo can be best ensured by ensuring safety of the ship.
Earlier, Merchant Navy was considered the 2nd most dangerous profession in the world.
Dangers of drowning, hypothermia, fire, explosion, poisoning by toxic gases, asphyxiating,
bodily injury and loss of health were the main dangers in this profession. Even no trained
medical help was available on board. Now, many changes in technology, laws, regulation,
procedures and practices have made a career in the merchant navy safe, rewarding and
satisfying.
Career Graph
Careers in the merchant navy are chiefly in two disciplines: engineering and nautical
sciences. Marine engineers have the entire responsibility of maintaining ships. This includes
taking care of the engine, pumps, hydraulics, fuel systems, electricity generation plants
and boilers. Deck or navigation officers are in charge of the navigation of ships and safe
handling of passengers and cargo. After the completion of four year marine engineering
course a cadet will be able to join a ship as a fifth engineer and then rise up through fourth
engineer, third engineer, second engineer and eventually become the chief engineer.
It normally requires six to nine years for a fifth engineer to become a chief engineer although
there have been many exceptionally talented engineers who could accomplish the feat in a
little less than six years.
A B.Sc. (Nautical Science) graduate will be able to join as a trainee cadet and then become
a third officer, second officer and ultimately the captain of a ship.
Both marine engineers and nautical specialists have to acquire sufficient sailing experience,
clear examinations at different levels and obtain certifications to be eligible for promotions.
After sufficient sailing experience the seafarers can also become surveyors, claim specialists,
port managers.
Demands of the career:
• Merchant navy is a career for you if you can:
• Live in the middle of nowhere for long periods with stars for company.
•  e able to live with the same crowd for months during working as well as off-
B
working hours.
• Do not mind working 12-14 hours a day under trying conditions.
• Be able to live in limited space, which you may have to share with others whom
you may not like.

5
Merchant Navy Entrance Exams - A Guide to CET Preparation for Maritime Courses

• Do not let boredom affect your work.

In the Merchant Navy, you have to be a professional because big money and lives depend
upon your professionalism. A professional does his job efficiently and effectively. Good
training and practice will make you perfect. But the real catch is in doing your job well
again and again without getting bored or overconfident or without wanting constant
appreciation. To become a good professional, you have to understand the needs of your
profession.

MASTER

Deck Deptt. Engine Deptt.

Saloon Deptt.
Chief Officer Chief Engineer

2nd Engineer
Bosun 2nd Officer Chief Cook

3rd Engineer

Deck Crew 3rd Officer Steward

Electro Technical
Cadet Officer

Engine Crew

Shipboard organization can be broadly divided into three departments with the Master
being the Overall In-charge:
• Deck Department
• Engine Department
• Saloon Department

6
 Merchant Navy: An Overview - Introduction

Deck Department:
The Deck Department covers works and equipment related to:
• Navigation and ship handling,
• Cargo loading, discharging, stowage and care,
• Maintenance of main deck and superstructure,
• Looking after the security aspect of shipping, and
• Liaising with shore personnel while in port.
The Deck Department consists of the Chief Officer, Second Officer, Third Officer, Cadet
and deck crew consisting of Bosun and Seamen.
Engine Department:
The Engineering Department covers most aspects of the ship’s maintenance and working,
including the main and auxiliary engines, the generators, boilers, plumbing and sanitation,
electrical systems, water de-salinization systems, air conditioning, heating, ventilation and
refrigeration.
The Engine Department consists of the Chief Engineer, Second Engineer, Third Engineer,
Electrical or Electro- Technical Officer and Engine Crew.
Saloon Department:
On Merchant ships, the Saloon Department is very small consisting of one cook and one
steward only. However, their number will be more on a passenger ship or other specialized
ships. The Saloon Department looks after the food, cooking, general housekeeping in
accommodation and provision related requirements on-board a ship.

This material has been taken from the book,

'Merchant Navy Entrance Exams: A Guide to CET Preparation for Maritime Courses'
Authored by: Mukesh Umbarkar, Dr. Vinod Kumar Mangwani, Sachin Vyavahare, and Wallace Jacob

7
Merchant Navy Entrance Exams - A Guide to CET Preparation for Maritime Courses
This material has been taken from the book,
'Merchant Navy Entrance Exams: A Guide to CET Preparation for Maritime Courses'

2
Authored by: Mukesh Umbarkar, Dr. Vinod Kumar Mangwani, Sachin Vyavahare, and Wallace Jacob

HISTORY OF WORLD SHIPPING

History says that Mediterranean people started sailing before they started to practise
agriculture and ships started sailing from Egypt as early as 2500 B.C. For centuries, Rome
controlled the trade across the Mediterranean. Romans started navigation as far as the
North Sea region. Germans, in the fifth century, reached the Italian peninsula from the
north. Around 10th century, there were rapid changes in the Europe in terms of business
development and urbanization. During this period trade and shipping were focused around
Genoa, Venice and the Adriatic coast. The cities in the Italy saw rapid development during
this period and Italy, as well as the Arabs, got control over large areas of the world.
During 15th and 16th centuries, maritime world experienced a major change due to the
discoveries of new sea routes to the Far East. Columbus sailed across the Atlantic in 1492.
In the 17th century, England and the Netherlands gained a significant share of the sea
traffic that was earlier controlled by Portugal and Spain.
For the shipping industry, the 18th century has a great significance. There was notable change
in the merchant marine. The business expanded greatly in the major part of the world. The
vessels were mainly owned by the ship-owners and the cargo belonged to the businessman.
This period saw a significant change in the merchant shipping in terms of insurance, piracy,
slavery, cargo volume, development of domestic industry and industrialization. At the end
of the century, the Americans started to compete in maritime trade with the British.
The shipping industry speeded at fast speed with the beginning of the 19th century.
Development in the industrialization created new demands in the marine technology. In
the first half of the century, merchant navy got a new line of business i.e. emigrant trade;
earlier the trade was limited to commodities, mainly timber, grain, cotton and coal.
The second half of the 19th century till the early 20th century is regarded as the Golden Age
of shipping. During this time, many commercial, political and technical factors accelerated
the shipping industry. The trading monopolies in the Far East, South East Asia, Canada and
India were ended. In 1850, merchant shipping throughout the world comprised 9 million
net tons; out of which 47% sailed under British flag, 40% under the US flag and the rest

8
 Merchant Navy: An Overview - History of World Shipping

of the world shared only 13%. During this era, London was the centre of the world trade.
Many countries were financed for industrialization, development of new ports, railways
and buying of merchant ships by Britain’s banks. By the end of 19th century, merchant
shipping throughout the world comprised 26 million gross tons; out of which 52% was
registered under British empire, 9% under the US, 8% in Germany, 6% in Norway and the
rest of the world shared only 25%.
Both the world wars had a major influence on maritime world. The Wilson line, the biggest
privately owned shipping company in the world, was based in Hull which was the third
largest port in the UK in 1914. The First World War had a severe impact on the merchant
shipping industries in the UK mainly the companies operating at Hull, Goole and Grimsby
ports. In order to win the war, it was essential that the allies were able to move troops, food
and equipment by sea.
German submarines were used against British warships and they intentionally targeted
merchant ships. American merchant mariners were risking their lives to carry arms,
ammunition and food to keep the British in the fight. When America formally entered
the war, German U-boats invaded U.S. waters to cut off the supply line at its source.
U-boat action against merchant shipping was condemned by the USA, and ultimately, the
Americans went to war with Germany. There was huge loss for the merchant shipping in
both the world wars. After the Second World War, Germany and Japan completely vanished
from the shipping market. Post war, there were significant changes in the international
maritime policy for the welfare of merchant shipping industries.
The era after 1950 saw a remarkable progression in maritime technologies, shipbuilding
and business ideas. This era saw a structural transformation in the merchant marine world.
Some of the significant incidents in this era are:
1. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was established
in1964 in Geneva.
2. SSTorrey Canyon ran agroundin 1967, spilling an estimated 25–36 million gallons
oil. This was a serious environmental damage.
3. In 1967, due to Arab-Israeli war, the Suez Canal was closed.
4. Oil chaos issue was reported in 1971 when Britain withdrew its military forces from
the Middle East and there was power vacuum in this area. Iran took benefit of this
power vacuum.
5. The Suez Canal was reopened on June 06, 1975.

Merchant navy: Present Scenario

According to the Review of Maritime Transport Report 2017 prepared by United Nations
Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the maritime transport sector in
2016 continued to face the prolonged effects of the economic downturn of 2009. Seaborne
trade remained under pressure owing to continued weak global demand and heightened

9
Merchant Navy Entrance Exams - A Guide to CET Preparation for Maritime Courses

uncertainty stemming from factors such as trade policy and low commodity and oil prices.
Moreover, several trends with relevant implications for maritime transport continued
to gradually unfold and raise attention, in particular digitalization, the rapid expansion
of electronic commerce (e-commerce) and growing concentration in the liner shipping
market.
Reflecting the state of the world economy, demand for shipping services increased
moderately in 2016. World seaborne trade volumes expanded by 2.6 per cent, up from 1.8
per cent in 2015, which was below the historical average of 3 per cent recorded over the
past four decades. Total volumes reached 10.3 billion tons, reflecting the addition of over
260 million tons of cargo, about half of which was attributed to tanker trade.
In 2017, the outlook for the world economy and merchandise trade is expected to improve
somewhat. However, uncertainty and other factors, both positive and negative, continue
to shape this outlook. In this context, UNCTAD estimates that seaborne trade will
increase by 2.8 per cent, with total volumes reaching 10.6 billion tons. Its projections for
the medium-term point to continued expansion, with volumes growing at an estimated
compound annual growth rate of 3.2 per cent between 2017 and 2022. Volumes are set to
expand across all segments, with containerized trade and major dry bulk commodities trade
recording the fastest growth.
The world shipping fleet provides not only transport connectivity to global trade but also
livelihoods to the people working in maritime businesses in both, developed and developing
countries. At the beginning of 2017, the world fleet’s commercial value amounted to $829
billion, with different countries benefiting from the building, owning, flagging, operation
and scrapping of ships.
The top five ship-owners in terms of cargo carrying capacity (dwt) are Greece, Japan,
China, Germany and Singapore; together, these five countries have a market share of 49.5
per cent of dwt. Only one country from Latin America – Brazil – is among the top 35
shipowning countries. The five largest flag registries are Panama, Liberia, the Marshall
Islands, Hong Kong (China) and Singapore; together they have a market share of 57.8
per cent. Three countries – the Republic of Korea, China and Japan – constructed 91.8
per cent of world gross tonnage in 2016; among these, the Republic of Korea had the
largest share, with 38.1 per cent. Four countries – India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and China –
together accounted for 94.9 per cent of ship scrapping in 2016. UNCTAD data confirms a
continued trend of industry consolidation, where different countries specialize in different
maritime subsectors. It also confirms the growing participation of developing countries in
many maritime sectors.
For the fifth year in a row, world fleet growth has been decelerating. The commercial
shipping fleet grew by 3.15 per cent in 2016, compared with 3.5 per cent in 2015. Despite
this further decline, the supply still increased faster than demand, leading to a continued
situation of global overcapacity and downward pressure on freight rates.

10
 Merchant Navy: An Overview - History of World Shipping

Ownership of World Fleet, 2017

11
Merchant Navy Entrance Exams - A Guide to CET Preparation for Maritime Courses
This material has been taken from the book,
'Merchant Navy Entrance Exams: A Guide to CET Preparation for Maritime Courses'
Authored by: Mukesh Umbarkar, Dr. Vinod Kumar Mangwani, Sachin Vyavahare, and Wallace Jacob

INDIAN MARITIME HISTORY

Indian maritime history begins during 3000 BC when people of the Indus Valley initiated
maritime trading contact with Mesopotamia. As trade between India and the Greco-
Roman world increased spices became the main import from India to the Western world.
The Indian commercial connection with South East Asia proved vital to the merchants of
Arabia and Persia during the 7th–8th century.
The world’s first dock at Lothal (2400 BC) was located away from the main current to
avoid deposition of silt. Modern oceanographers have observed that the Harappans must
have possessed great knowledge relating to tides in order to build such a dock on the ever-
shifting course of the Sabarmati. This was the earliest known dock found in the world.
The empires such as the Pallavas, the Chalukyas, the Kalingas, the Sri-Vijayan Kings, the
Shailendras, the Cheras, the Cholas, the Pandyas, down to the Vijaya Nagar Empire in
the fourteenth century AD, exercised substantial maritime influence in the region. These
empires supported the science of advancement in navigation, instrumentation, mathematics
and shipbuilding.
Indian cartography locates the Pole star, and other constellations of use in navigational
charts. These charts may have been in use by the beginning of the Common Era for purposes
of navigation. Detailed maps of considerable length describing the locations of settlements,
sea shores, rivers, and mountains were also made.
The first clear mention of a navy occurs in the mythological epic Mahabharata. Historically,
as described by Megasthenes (350—290 BC) who was an ancient Greek historian,
diplomat and Indian ethnographer, the first verified attempt to organise a navy in India is
attributed to Chandragupta Maurya who reigned during 322—298 BC. The period under
the Mauryan Empire also witnessed various other regions of the world engage increasingly
in the Indian Ocean maritime voyages.
In India, the ports of Barbaricum (modern Karachi), Barygaza (modern Bharuch), Muziris
(it was an ancient seaport and urban center on the Malabar Coast), Korkai (it is a small village
in the Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu), Kaveripattinam (it is a town in Krishnagiri

12
 Merchant Navy: An Overview - Indian Maritime History

district in the northern part of Tamil Nadu) and Arikamedu (near Pondicherry) were the
main centres of this trade. Traces of Indian influences are visible in Roman works of silver
and ivory, or in Egyptian cotton and silk fabrics used for sale in Europe.
The Chola dynasty (200—1279) reached the peak of its influence and power during the
medieval period.At its peak, the Chola Empire stretched from the island of Sri Lanka in the
south to the Godavari basin in the north.The Cholas excelled in foreign trade and maritime
activity, extending their influence overseas to China and Southeast Asia.Towards the end of
the 9th century, southern India had developed extensive maritime and commercial activity.
The Cholaswere in possession of parts of both the west and the east coasts of peninsular
India.
The seafaring scenario of Peninsular India changed totally with the arrival of the Portuguese.
On May 20, 1498, after 207 days of voyage from Lisbon, Vasco DaGama, the Captain-
Major of a Portuguese fleet, specially assigned by King Manuel ofPortugal discovered the
all-sea route to India, when he anchored off the medieval Calicut.
In the eighteenth century, the rulers of Travancore and Mysore attempted to control
overseas trade by taxation and locked horns with the European East Indian companies. But
the overall developments severely disrupted the trading structure of maritime India. Indian
shippers and seafaring merchants were conquered. The casualties of the eighteenth century
crisis were Indian shippers and merchants who found their way blocked by the European
fleet in their own waters.
The British East India Company shipped substantial quantities of spices during the early
17th century. In 1830 ships of the British East India Company were designated as the
Indian navy. However, in 1863, it was dispersed when Britain’s Royal Navy took control of
the Indian Ocean. About thirty years later, the few small Indian naval units were called the
Royal Indian Marine (RIM). In the wake of World War I, Britain, exhausted in manpower
and resources, opted for expansion of the RIM. Consequently, on 2 October 1934, the
RIM was reincarnated as the Royal Indian Navy (RIN).
Technological revolution transformed the British trade into a higher position in India and
the Indian Ocean in the nineteenth century. The introduction of steamships, development
of telegraphy, and the opening of the Suez played a major role in the development of
shipping industry. The Peninsular and Oriental Company, and the British India Steam
Navigation Company came to dominate India’s overseas trade and coastal shipping.
The Indian rulers weakened with the advent of the European powers. Shipbuilders,
however, continued to build ships capable of carrying 800 to 1,000 tons. The shipbuilders
at the Bombay Dockyard built ships like HMS Hindostan and HMS Ceylon, inducted into
the Royal Navy. The historical ships made by Indian shipbuilders included HMS Asia, the
frigate HMS Cornwallis and HMS Minden.
In 1947, the Republic of India’s navy consisted of 33 ships, and 538 officers to secure
a coastline of more than 4,660 miles (7,500 km) and 1,280 islands. The Indian navy
conducted annual Joint Exercises with other Commonwealth navies throughout the 1950s.
The navy saw action during various of the country’s wars, including Indian integration of

13
Merchant Navy Entrance Exams - A Guide to CET Preparation for Maritime Courses

Junagadh, the liberation of Goa, the 1965 war, and the 1971 war. Following difficulty in
obtaining spare parts from the Soviet Union, India also started a substantial indigenous
naval designing and production programme aimed at manufacturing destroyers, frigates,
corvettes, and submarines.
As mentioned on the website of Ministry of shipping Govt. of India, maritime sector in
India has been the backbone of the country’s trade and has grown manifold over the years.
India has 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways and
strategic location on key international maritime trade routes.
Stakeholders of Indian Maritime World:
The main stakeholders in Indian Maritime Sector are:
• Navy
• Coast Guard
• Fisheries
• Marine Customs
• Offshore operators
• Shipping community
• Ship surveyors
• Ship builders
• Ship breakers
• Hydrographers
• Marine underwater operators
• Research organizations
• Space applications
• Air applications
• Ocean miners and technologists
• Ocean communication
• Coastal community
• Maritime NGOs

The Sagarmala Project:

To harness India’s 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways
and strategic location on key international maritime trade routes, the Government of India
has embarked on the ambitious Sagarmala Programme which aims to promote port-led
development in the country. The concept of Sagarmala was approved by the Union Cabinet
on 25th March 2015. As part of the programme, a National Perspective Plan (NPP) for
the comprehensive development of India’s coastline and maritime sector has been prepared
which was released by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, on 14th April, 2016 at the Maritime
India Summit 2016. India has 12 major ports. Under the National Perspective Plan for
Sagarmala, six new mega ports will be developed in the country.
14
 Merchant Navy: An Overview - Indian Maritime History

Ports of India:
India is one of the fastest growing large economies in the world with a GDP growth rate of
7.5% in 2015-16 and ports play an important role in the overall economic development of
the country. Approximately 95% of India’s merchandise trade (by volume) passes through
sea ports. Many ports in India are evolving into specialized centres of economic activities
and services and are vital to sustain future economic growth of the country.
Major Indian Ports:
1. KOLKATA
2. PARADIP
3. VISAKHAPATNAM
4. KAMARAJAR (ENNORE)
5. CHENNAI
6. V.O. CHIDAMBARANAR
7. COCHIN
8. NEW MANGALORE
9. MORMUGAO
10. MUMBAI
11. JNPT
12. KANDLA
There are 187 minor ports in India:
States/Union Territories No of Minor Ports
Gujarat 40
Maharashtra 53
Goa 5
Karnataka 10
Kerala 13
Diu & Daman 2
Lakshadweep Islands 10
Pondicherry 1
Tamil Nadu 15
Andhra Pradesh 12
Orissa 2
West Bengal 1
Andaman & Nicobar Islands 23

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Merchant Navy Entrance Exams - A Guide to CET Preparation for Maritime Courses

Scindia Steam Navigation Company:

The Scindia Steam Navigation Company was one of the oldest Indian shipping companies.
Founded in 1919, envisioned by Walchand Hirachand, it was a joint venture of Walchand
along with Narottam Morarjee, Kilachand Devchand and Lallubhai Samaldas all of them
businessmen hailing from Gujarat. In 1919, Walchand Hirachand bought the SS ‘’Loyalty’
from the Scindias of Gwalior. This was the first large scale Indian owned shipping company
and started an India-Europe service with the LOYALTY (ex-Empress of India). The
company’s house flag was a rectangular blue flag with a white disc in the centre bearing a
red swastika.
The company was forced to sign a 10-year agreement with British companies due to which
its shipping route was restricted to the Indian coastal shipping trade for this period. In
1927, SS Jalabala (1927) was launched by Vithalbhai Patel which was the first cargo steamer
built by order of the company. Jalabala was later torpedoed and sunk in 1943. In 1929,
Walchand became the Chairman of Scindia Steam and continued in the same position till
1950, when he resigned on grounds of ill health.
Walchand felt that there was a strong need for a shipyard in India and started work on one
in 1940 at Visakhapatnam, named Scindia Shipyard later renamed the Hindustan Shipyard
Limited. Its first ship, the 8000-ton Jalusha, was launched soon after independence by
Jawaharlal Nehru in 1948. However, the shipyard came under government control a few
months later due to the importance of the project to country’s security and economic
growth and was fully nationalised in 1961.After 1947, the company was supported by
the Government, entered the U.S. and UK passenger and cargo trades, and later traded to
Australia and Singapore. Since April 1997, the company has not undertaken any shipping or
shipping-related activity. It has continued maintenance operations and sale of its properties
in compliance with various statutory and regulatory bodies.
SS Loyalty:
The vessel SS Loyalty was originally the RMS Empress of India (1891) bought from the
Canadian Pacific Railway and paid for by the Maharaja of Gwalior as a hospital ship for
Indian troops in the First World War. Maharaja of Gwalior, who converted it to a hospital
ship for Indian troops, renamed it Loyalty. It was the first ship to sail under a Swadeshi
banner. Her voyage marked the entry of India into shipping. Walchand Hirachand Doshi
gets the due credit for the successful voyage of the ship.
Some more information about SS Loyalty:
• SS Loyalty was launched by Louise Edgerton.
•  alchand finally bought her from the Maharaja of Scindia for Rs. 25 Lakh.
W
Immediately he reached out to his friends- Norattom Morajee, Lallubhai Samaldas,
and Kilachand Devchand.
•  e four heads came together and formed ‘The Scindia Steam Navigation Company’-
Th
a shipping company in 1919.

16
 Merchant Navy: An Overview - Indian Maritime History

• I n her maiden voyage, she carried 700 passengers and cargo. The heavyweight names
on her passenger list were Maharaja Kapurthala and his wife, and Maharaja of Kashmir.
•  lthough she made a successful trip to London, the English officials made sure she
A
sailed back empty without any cargo so that the company would incur heavy losses.
• This historical ship was finally dismantled in 1923 and sold at only Rs. 1.35 Lakh.

National Maritime Day of India:

April 05 marks the National Maritime Day of India. On this day in 1919, navigation
history was made when SS Loyalty, the first ship solely owned by Indian people, through
The Scindia Steam Navigation Company, Ltd., journeyed to the United Kingdom. It was
crucial step for India shipping history when sea routes were controlled by the British. The
National Maritime Day was first celebrated on April 05, 1964 remembering this historic
day and event, saluting the strongminded spirit of Indian businesspersons, who withstood
monopolistic policy of British government to launch a Ship, wholly owned by Indian
management.

References:
•  urcharan Singh Sandhu. A Military History of Ancient India, New Delhi: Vision
G
Books, 2000.
•  orsten Rinman and Rigmor Brodefors, “The commercial History of shipping”,
Th
Sweden: Rinman & Linden AB, 1983.
• http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/78981/8/prabha_chapter6.pdf
• http://sagarmala.gov.in/about-sagarmala/background
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scindia_Steam_Navigation_Company_Ltd.

This material has been taken from the book,

'Merchant Navy Entrance Exams: A Guide to CET Preparation for Maritime Courses'
Authored by: Mukesh Umbarkar, Dr. Vinod Kumar Mangwani, Sachin Vyavahare, and Wallace Jacob

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