Awards and Accreditations

2025

Young Maritime Leader from HIMT Honoured at DG Shipping’s 75 Years Celebration

We are delighted to share that Mr. Kirtan Vakil, Business Development Manager at Hindustan Institute of Maritime Training (HIMT) and Founder & CEO of KITBIT, has been honoured with the “Yuva Tarang Young Maritime Entrepreneur Award” by the Directorate General of Shipping, India during its 75 Years Commemorative Ceremony.

This prestigious award, decided by a distinguished 16-member award committee, recognizes innovators under 35 years of age who are revolutionizing maritime logistics and technology. Receiving it as his very first award makes this milestone even more special.

Our heartfelt gratitude to the visionary leadership of DG Shipping, to Shri. Shyam Jagannathan ji and his dedicated team for making the 75 Years celebrations truly memorable, and to Capt. Anish Joseph along with all officials of the Maritime Administration for meticulously organizing the remarkable series of events, as well as to the esteemed 16-member award committee comprising distinguished dignitaries from the maritime industry for this recognition.

At HIMT, we take immense pride in his contributions towards digital transformation in maritime training—from introducing immersive e-learning platforms, XR (Extended Reality) training solutions, and technology-enabled classrooms, to building resilient and future-ready systems for seafarers and cadets.

This recognition not only celebrates Mr. Vakil’s inspiring journey but also reflects HIMT’s continued commitment to innovation, resilience, and excellence in maritime education.

We dedicate this proud moment to the teams at HIMT and KITBIT, whose passion and dedication drive these accomplishments.

Outstanding Maritime Institute (Post Sea)- NMDC 2025 Award by D.G.Shipping- 3rd consecutive year

Hat Trick for Best Maritime Institute (Post sea ) – HIMT

HIMT was conferred the prestigious NMDC award by the Indian administration, Directorate General of Shipping, India, for the third consecutive year at the National Maritime Day celebration 2025 on 5 April 2025 in Mumbai.

HIMT Tidal Park and HIMT Kilpauk have been awarded Rank 1 and Rank 2, respectively, under the Outstanding Maritime Training Institute (Post-Sea) category by the Directorate General of Shipping, India. This marks three consecutive years of HIMT being recognized among the top maritime institutes in India—a true testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in Maritime Education and Training.

We owe this success to the consistent support and encouragement from D.G. Shipping, MMD, Seafarers, students, shipping companies, our dedicated faculty & staff, family members, and other well-wishers.

2024

Samudra Manthan Award 2024 | HIMT Felicitated for 25 Years of Excellence

HIMT was honored and felicitated at the prestigious Samudra Manthan Awards 2024, held on 21st Nov 2024 at Jio World Convention Center, for completing 25 glorious years of dedicated service in maritime training and education. Join us in celebrating this milestone as we reflect on our journey of dedication, innovation, and excellence in shaping the future of the maritime industry. This award is a testament to the unwavering support of our students, faculty, staff, and industry partners. Thank you for being a part of our legacy!

Finalist in the category of Maritime Education & Training at The Maritime Standard Awards 2024

HIMT is proud to be a finalist for the Maritime Education and Training Award at The Maritime Standard Awards 2024, held at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai. The event was attended by over 1,000 delegates from around the world!

India’s Maritime Icons 2024

We are thrilled to announce that our Founder & CEO, Dr. Sanjeev S. Vakil, has been honored as one of India’s Maritime Icons 2024 by Marex Media. With over 25 years of expertise in maritime training, Dr. Vakil has transformed the education landscape, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence in delivering top-quality training programs.

His unwavering dedication and visionary leadership have set new benchmarks in the maritime industry, empowering numerous professionals and shaping the future of maritime education. We are proud to celebrate this prestigious recognition of his exceptional contributions!

Outstanding Maritime Training Institute (Post-Sea) Award at National Maritime Day Celebrations (NMDC) 2024 Organised by D.G.Shipping.

It’s a moment of immense pride as HIMT, Tidal Park was awarded 1st rank and HIMT, Kilpauk was awarded 2nd rank, both recognized as outstanding maritime training institutes, at the esteemed 61st National Maritime Day Celebrations 2024 by D.G.Shipping, Govt. of India.

CEO of HIMT, Dr. Sanjeev S. Vakil, participated as a panelist in the MTG 5th Launch Day Anniversary, discussion on “STCW Revision” on 23rd February 2024, in Kolkata.

2023

Finalist in the category of Maritime Education & Training at The Maritime Standard Awards 2023

Celebrating a momentous milestone, HIMT has soared to new heights by becoming a finalist in the prestigious Maritime Education & Training category at the 10th anniversary of The Maritime Standard Awards in Dubai! This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the maritime sector. We are thrilled to set sail with the best, marking a stellar achievement in the industry.

FOSMA Membership Certificate

Mr. Sanjeev Vakil, CEO of HIMT, was conferred a PhD by the esteemed Indian Maritime University(IMU)

Mr. Sanjeev Vakil, CEO of the HIMT Group of Institutes, was conferred a PhD by the esteemed Indian Maritime University (IMU) on October 27, 2023. Her Excellency, the Honorable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu was the Chief guest for the graduation ceremony.

The event was graced by a host of distinguished guests, including Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, and AYUSH, Shri. R.N. Ravi, the Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, Shri. Shripad Naik, the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Tourism, and Dr. K Ponmudy, the Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Tamil Nadu.

Dr. Malini V. Shankar, Vice Chancellor of IMU, presided over the ceremony and many eminent personalities from the maritime industry witnessed such once in life time graduation ceremony, where in President of India was the chief guest.

Mr. Vakil’s six-year journey showcased unwavering dedication, culminating in his significant contributions to HIMT’s success. His pioneering research on “Maritime Education and Training of the Past, the Present and for the Autonomous Ships of the Future” exemplifies a commendable fusion of leadership in maritime education and advanced research, marking a distinguished achievement in both academic and professional spheres

HIMT has been conferred with the Outstanding Maritime Training Institute (Post-Sea) award at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of National Maritime Day on 5th April 2023, by the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India.

2022

Training Institute Of The Year (Post Sea) at 9th International Samudra Manthan Awards 2022

HIMT was awarded Training Institute Of The Year (Post Sea) at 9th International Samudra Manthan Awards 2022

Finalist in the category of Maritime Education & Training at The Maritime Standard Awards 2022

We are honoured as HIMT is a finalist in the category of Maritime Education & Training at The Maritime Standard Awards 2022

Drug Free India

Drug Free India was held on 03rd September 2022 at Music academy, Chennai
Around 1,500 Students & Management from 32 Colleges participated in the event and taken the I STAND FOR A DRUG FREE INDIA pledge

Largest Survey on Mental Health Awareness in Indian context

The HIMT Award for Promoting Maritime Education and Training of Women

Mr. Sanjeev Vakil, CEO, HIMT presents The ATPI – Marex Maritime Women -Empowerment Award (MMWA) 2022

The HIMT Award to Directorate General of Shipping on receiving for Promoting Maritime Education & Training of Women at The Westin Garden City on 18th May at The ATPI – Marex International Women – Empowerment Conference & Awards 2022 (IM-WECA)

2021

Highly Commended In The Category of Education And Training Award

Honoured to be recognized as ” Highly Commended” by the eminent Jury of Seatrade in the association of Lloyds List, for the contribution made by Hindustan Institute of Maritime Training ( HIMT) in the maritime education and training sector. We thank the almighty and all the stakeholders for their unstinted support, because of which HIMT has been either a Winner or Finalist and receiving atleast one International or National award every year since 2006.

Best Maritime Educationalist & Trainer, Mentor Award

ISWOT (Indian Seafarers Welfare Organization) presents our CEO, Mr. Sanjeev Vakil the Best Maritime Educationalist, Trainer & Mentor Award on the eve of World Maritime Day.
The award was presented by Her Excellency Shrimathy Tamilisai Soundarajan,
Governor of Telangana & Pondicherry at Seafarers Club, Chennai
in presence of various senior officials from the industry

The Maritime Trainers Guild Award 2021

MTG honors those who have made a mark in Maritime Education and Training.
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO MR. GARISH JEROME
for receiving the coveted ‘The Maritime Trainers Guild Award 2021’ for Innovation in Practical Training and Skill Development.

2020

Grade A1 by IRS (Indian Register of Shipping)

Finalist For The Maritime Education And Training Award At The Maritime Standard Awards 2020

HIMT is a Finalist for The Maritime Education and Training Award at The Maritime Standard Awards 2020 scheduled on 23rd November at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE.

Around 500 senior executives from shipping, ports, shipbuilding and repair, and other maritime sectors are expected to attend the event, along with influential figures from governmental agencies to witness the presentation of these prestigious awards.

2019

Maritime Standard Award 2019 In The Category Of The Maritime Education And Training

HIMT sets a benchmark once again…

Almighty blesses HIMT by showering One International award and one National award on completion of 21 years of HIMT “Maritime Standard Award 2019” in the category of “The Maritime Education and Training”. The award presented on Monday, 21st October 2019 at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, UAE.

Leading personalities from various countries formed the panel of judges. Over 700 executives from the world of shipping, ports, shipbuilding & repair and related sectors, from almost 70 different countries packed out the award ceremony. As always, it was a glittering and glamorous occasion, the event demonstrated clearly why it has earned the right to be considered the leading awards ceremony for the industry in the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent.

HIMT Cadet Wins The Cadet Employment Award At The Maritime Standard Awards 2019

Mr. GandhiRajan – B.Tech (Marine Engineering) – Batch 02 won the “cadet employment award” from the KOTC at The Maritime Standards Awards 2019 Dubai.

“Maritime Leadership” At Marex Kashti Awards 2019

Mr. Sanjeev S Vakil, CEO, HIMT has been bestowed with National level VIBHUSHAN AWARD (Treasure of Shipping Award) for exemplary contribution to the Maritime Industry in the field of “Maritime Leadership” at Marex Kashti Awards 2019 at New Delhi on 1st October ‘19. The Chief Guest for the Award ceremony was Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Honourable Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Shipping and Chemical & Fertilizers, Government of India

Certificate Of Membership At GlobalMET – 2019-20

IMEI – Life Institutional Membership

Institute of Marine Engineers (India) – Life Institutional Membership is granted to HIMT on 19 Aug 2019

Maritime Trainers Guild

2018

World’s Largest Classification Society DNV-GL Awards GRADE A1-OUTSTANDING

International Maritime Federation (IMF) Award 2018

Best Member in Social Media

HIMT Cadet Wins The Cadet Employment Award At The Maritime Standard Awards 2018

Mr. G Jayachandran – B.Tech (Marine Engineering) – Batch 01 won the “cadet employment award” from the KOTC at The Maritime Standards Awards 2018 Dubai.

HIMT Awarded “Indian Seafarer’s Choice Awards 2018” In The Category Of Best Institute Offering “Value Added Courses” In Southern & Eastern India Region

HIMT awarded “Indian Seafarer’s Choice Awards 2018” in the Category of Best Institute offering “Value added courses” in Southern & Eastern India Region. The award was presented on 21st April 2018 at Offing Seafarers Choice award 2018,Goa.
The Chief Guest of award ceremony was Director General of Shipping, Dr. Malini Shankar, IAS.
Thanks to all seafarers for having voted for HIMT.
HIMT has won the award in the same category for the 2nd consecutive time(previous one was in 2016). HIMT has received or been nominated for alteast one International / National Award every year for past 12 years.

2017

HIMT Finalist In The Category “The Maritime Education And Training Award” At The Maritime Standard Awards 2017

Certificate Of Accreditation For DP Courses By NI

HIMT Has Been Awarded DNV-GL Standard For Certification Of “Maritime Training Providers” In Addition To ISO 9001:2015 By BV

NAUGHTICA 2017

Hindustan Institute of Maritime Training participated in Naughtica 2017 at Bengaluru on 14th – 16th April 2017 organized by Offing

2016

ISO 9001:2015

Bureau Veritas(BV) Certification Certified standard ISO 9001:2015 to HIMT

Sanjeev S.Vakil, CEO, HIMT becomes World’s First Marine Engineer to be conferred with the prestigious Fellowship by The Nautical Institute, UK

Sanjeev S.Vakil, CEO, HIMT becomes World’s First Marine Engineer to be conferred with the prestigious Fellowship of The Nautical Institute, UK , by the President Capt Robert Mc. Cabe, President NI (UK) on 5th May’16.

HIMT Awarded “Indian Seafarer’s Choice Awards 2015” In The Category Of Best Institute Offering “Post Sea Competency Courses” And “Value Added Courses” In Southern & Eastern India Region

HIMT awarded “Indian Seafarer’s Choice Awards 2015” basis on the seafarers voting at The Lalit, Mumbai on 6th Feb 2016.

Southern and Eastern India region
1) Best Institute for Post Sea Competency Courses
2) Best Institute for Value Added Courses

2015

HIMT Finalist In The Category “The Maritime Education And Training Award” At The Maritime Standard Awards 2015

HIMT Awarded “Gateway Awards 2015” For “Excellence In Maritime Education”

HIMT awarded “Gateway Awards 2015” for “Excellence in Maritime Education” on 21 Aug 2015 at Mumbai.

HIMT Finalist In The Category “Humanitarian Award” At Lloyd’s List Asia Awards 2015

SMERA Grade 1 For All The Pre-Sea Courses And Post-Sea Courses And, Which Is The Benchmark And Highest Rating In India As Per D.G.Shipping.

HIMT has been rated outstanding (Grade 1) for all its courses by an authorized rating agency SMERA appointed by Government of India. The grading exercise was carried out by a team of experts who have done an extensive comparision of all the training facilites and award highest rating having been impressed by World Class training standards of HIMT, which is now the benchmark for all the other Institutes.

2014

HIMT FINALIST-SEATRADE MARITIME AWARD 2014

“We are glad to inform you that by God’s grace and your best wishes HIMT has once again been shortlisted in the category “The Education and Training Award” at the Seatrade Maritime Awards 2014 (considered to be the Oscars award of Shipping). Leading personalities from various countries formed the panel of judges to select the Finalist and the awards are to be presented on Monday 27th October 2014 at Atlantis – The Palm, Dubai.

The entire HIMT Family thanks you for your unstinted support given throughout these years of association with us and look forward for the same for our future endeavors.

SVCE Distinguished Alumnus 2013-2014 Award To Mr. Sanjeev S.Vakil

World’s Largest Classification Society DNV-GL Awards GRADE A1-OUTSTANDING To HIMT COLLEGE

HIMT is glad to inform that by God’s grace and your best wishes we have once again become the First College of India to successfully complete the Comprehensive Inspection Program (CIP) by World’s Largest Class, DNV-GL and awards Grade A1- OUTSTANDING. Ever since 2004, when the Grading system was introduced by the Directorate, HIMT has been proactive in its approach and have been in the forefront and have received GRADE 1 from ICRA, CRISIL, SMERA.

The introduction of CIP grading has been developed and DGS has issued detailed Guidelines as per DGS Order 25 of 2013 on 31st Dec’13. The grading has been awards considering the various parameters which includes Infrastructure setup and Maintenance, Faculty & HRD, Student Development Program, Onboard Training records and overall performance of the College.

Further, HIMT has been fortunate to receive the Grade A1 certificate from the highest authority of Indian Shipping, Shri Gautam Chatterjee, IAS (Director General of Shipping) in midst of Senior officials of the Directorate including Jt. DG, Chief Surveyor with Govt of India, Nautical Advisor to Govt of India, Dy. Director General of Shipping, Asst. Director General of Shipping and other senior officials of the Directorate on 13th Jan’14

World’s Largest Class DNV-GL Awards “GRADE A1 – OUTSTANDING” For All Presea Courses And Post Sea Competency Courses

We are glad to inform that by God’s grace and your best wishes we have once again become the First Institute of India to successfully complete the Comprehensive Inspection Program (CIP) for all our Postsea Competency courses basis on the DGS Order 23 of 2014 dated 27th Dec 14 by World’s Largest Class, DNV-GL and awards Grade A1- OUTSTANDING . The grading has been awards considering the various parameters which includes Infrastructure setup and Maintenance, Faculty & HRD, Student performance and sustainability of Institute, overall performance and Management.

Last year Jan-Feb 2014, both Class NK and DNV-GL had completed their 1st CIP inspection at HIMT College for all the Presea courses and awards OUTSTANDING- Grade A1. HIMT has now become the first and the only Institute to have received Grade A1- OUTSTANDING for all the Presea and Post sea competency courses. HIMT became World’s Largest Institute to have maximum number of courses certified by a single Class Bureau Veritas in February 2013, and now is the only college of the world to be certified by ClassNK, DNV-GL, Bureau Veritas, ICRA, CRISIL, CARE & SMERA.

World’s Largest classification society ClassNK – Awards “GRADE A1 – OUTSTANDING” TO HIMT College

HIMT has now become the first and the only College of India to complete the Comprehensive Inspection Program (CIP) by World’s Largest Class, DNV-GL and ClassNK and received Grade A1- OUTSTANDING . HIMT became World’s Largest Institute to have maximum number of courses certified by a single Class Bureau Veritas last February, and now is the only college of the world to be certified by ClassNK, DNV-GL, Bureau Veritas, ICRA, CRISIL , CARE & SMERA.

2013

World’s First Institute With A Record Breaking 40 Distinct Courses Certified By Bureau Veritas (BV) Classification Society.

Worlds First Institute with a record breaking 40 distinct courses certified by a single IACS Bureau veritas (BV) classification society

Shri Gautam Chatterjee, Director General of Shipping, presents the Bureau Veritas Certificate.

Honourable Minister of Shipping, G K Vasan, presents HIMT with Times Group Coffee Table Book, titled ‘Mariners’ Title Sponsor By HIMT. and Award for Excellence in Maritime Education and Training at World Shipping Forum 2013

Honourable Minister Of Shipping, G K Vasan Awards For Excellence In Maritime Education And Training To HIMT At World Shipping Forum 2013

2010

SOUTH EAST INDIA AWARDS 2010

Nominee of Maritime Academy Award at the SOUTHEAST INDIA CEO CONCLAVE & AWARDS 2010 on Saturday, 31st July 2010, Chennai

Maritime Education Institute Of The Year” At MALA 2010

Finalist in the Category “Maritime Education Institute of the Year” at MALA 2010 (Maritime • and Logistics Awards) and Maritime Academy Award at South East CEO Conclave & Awards under the Chairmanship of the Jury Mr.D.T.Joseph, former Shipping Secretary.

Maintaining The Record Of Being India’s Largest Maritime Institute In Terms Of Maximum Courses Approved By D.G.Shipping For Over A Decade.

HIMT is considered to be the Largest Private Maritime Institute in India in terms of being awards approval for maximum number of courses by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), which is responsible for maritime administration and for overseeing maritime education / training in India. This containing approval confirms that the institute and its programmes conform to the Indian flag state’s training requirements which in turn embody the requirements of the International Maritime Organization’s standards for training of maritime officers (STCW 2010), the globally recognized benchmark for training of seafarers

Awards “International Gold Star Award” At Thailand.

Winner Of Seatrade Award At Dubai On 25th October 2010 – Presented By The Chairman Of The Jury, Secretary, General, International Maritime Organisation (IMO) And Director General, National Transport Authority, UAE.

IMO SECRETARY GENERAL & D.G , NATIONAL TRANSPORT AUTHORITY, UAE PRESENTS THE SEATRADE AWARD 2010 TO HIMT .HIMT ONCE AGAIN MAKES INDIA PROUD BY BECOMING THE WINNER OF A PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL AWARD BY THE TOPMOST PERSONALITY OF SHIPPING, SECRETARY GENERAL OF IMO

Individuals, organizations and companies from across the region’s shipping industry have been honoured in the annual Seatrade Middle East & Indian Subcontinent Awards (SMEISA).Known as the ‘Oscars’ of the maritime world, the awards were presented at a glittering gala dinner on 25th October’10 at the Atlantis The Palm Dubai attended by 750 of the who’s who of the region’s maritime and shipping industry.“These awards celebrate and award excellence and innovation in the maritime sector across the region and are much anticipated throughout the industry,” said Chris Hayman, Chairman of Seatrade, the award organisers. The awards, which reward excellence across sectors that include ship repair, environment, education, ports, classification and legal were judged by a panel of esteemed judges from various countries and the Chairman of the judging panel was Radm. Efthimios Mitropoulos, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) who was also Guest of Honour for the evening.

The panel of judges has unanimously selected HINDUSTAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME TRAINING (HIMT) as the leader in the category of Education and Training. The prestigious SEATRADE MIDDLE EAST AND INDIAN SUBCONTINENT AWARD & WINNER CERTIFICATE was presented by H.E.Dr. Naseer Saif Al- Mansoori, Director General. National Transport Authority, UAE and Rear Admirial Efthimios Mitropoulos, Secretary General, International Maritime Organization ( IMO). The award was humbly received by the Managing Director of HIMT, Mr.Sanjeev S. Vakil who dedicated the award to the selfless teamwork and dedication of all those who made it possible. The fact that HIMT is the recipient of various International and National awards year after year, it is evident that HIMT places a very high emphasis on the quality of training imparted.

Mr. Vakil thanked the almighty for one more prestigious award and was grateful to all the supporters who had encouraged to put forth the best efforts of HIMT, in order to ensure that the performance measures up to the industry’s highest standards. We reiterate our commitment to raise the bar higher each time our efforts are lauded. With your continued support, we will be able to reach greater heights which were once categorized as “UNATTAINABLE”.

2009

ICRA AWARD HIMT AS NO.1

“HIMT has been graded “FIRST” (Outstanding) among all the Maritime Training Institutes in India that have been graded till now by the DGS-approved rating agency ICRA”, It states that the Institution has resources and processes consistent with those required for delivering the highest quality of maritime education and training, with respect to the course graded

Awards “Rashtra Ratan National Award” For Individual Achievement & National Development

2008

The Training And Crewing Award” Finalist For Lloyd’s List Asia Awards At Singapore.

2007

Gurukul Jyothi National Award For Excellence In Education Rewards HIMT For One Of The Best 5 Educational Institute Of The Nation.

From Left : Justice R.C.Lahoti-Former Chief Justice , Supreme Court of India , Mr.Sanjeev S.Vakil , Mrs.Sanjeev S.Vakil , Justice V.A. Mohta Former Chief Justice Orissa High Court , Prof.Yogesh Atal – Former Principal Director.U.N.E.S.C.O.

2006

HIMT honoured for highly commended contribution to Education and Training at the Seatrade Dubai International Matitime Awards Presentation in December 2006.

2005

HIMT Has Bagged The Best Rating Award For Three Years (2005, 2006 And 2008) On The World Maritime Day, Organised By Mercantile Marine Department (MMD), Chennai.

2004

Only Institute in India to be ranked by all the four rating agencies approved by D.G.Shipping – SMERA, CRISIL, ICRA & CARE.

As per the directives by the Directorate, it is mandatory to grade only the Presea courses from any one of the rating agencies approved by the D.G.Shipping. HIMT is the only Institute in India to have been graded by all the four rating agencies – ICRA, CRISIL, CARE & SMERA. HIMT is the first Private institute in the country to grade all its Postsea & Presea courses ever since the DGS issued the circular in 2004. HIMT has been assigned an OUTSTANDING Grade (GRADE 1) for all its Postsea courses and the Institute as a Whole ever since 2004. This highest grading indicates that the quality of education imparted by the graded courses at the Institute with respect to the course objectives as stated by DGS is outstanding.

Student Loan