Capt. Tapan Kumar Panda

Seasoned maritime professional with about 40+ years of global experience in seafaring, maritime training, and leadership. Currently serving as Senior Manager – Training at MOL Maritime (India) Pvt. Ltd., overseeing the design, development, and delivery of industry-recognized training programs across LNG, LPG, IGF (PCC, PCTC, Bulk carriers), and Big Container vessels up to about 24000 Teus.

Proven expertise in loss prevention, competency development, international certification (DNV, SIGTTO, IMO etc.), and maritime training governance. Recognized author of six textbooks for competency exams and active contributor to DG Shipping (External Examiner to MMD for Orals and written model papers till Masters F.G. and professional maritime bodies e.g. IMO, SIGTTO, CMMI, IMEI, Nautical Institute, UK etc.

Senior Manager – Training at MOL Maritime (India) Pvt. Ltd. (2020-06 – Present)

More than 6 years from 8th June, 2020 till now

• Secured DNV ST-0029 certification as a Maritime Training Provider (MTP)– one of only 10 Leading Maritime Institutes in India. Developed QMS ISO 9001:2015 systems in MOLTC.
• Obtained DNV ST-0008 approval for 7 specialized training courses (highest in India so far), including BRM, ERM, LNG CCR RM, LPG Basic & Advanced, LNG Standard Course Operation & Management Level, LNG Operations Course- LICOS etc.
• Designed and delivered value-added training programs (LNG STD, LNG CCR RM, BRM, SHS, SSOC, RMII, BBS etc).
• Introduced advanced simulator-based courses using Kongsberg Full Mission LNG Simulator and GTT LNG, LPG, OIL & Chemical Simulator systems.
• Spearheaded Deck Cadet recruitment (about 80 cadets every year) & training, shaping the next generation of seafarers from various maritime Institutes in India for deck and engine e.g. Tolani Maritime, T.S. Chanakya, T.S. Rahman, Manet Maritime Academy, Pune etc.

Training Manager / from Nautical Training Superintendent at Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM MTCAL) (2007 – 2020)

13 years

• Spearheaded Deck Cadet recruitment & training, shaping the next generation of seafarers.
• Oversaw India's first VCM discharging operation for SMC Hamburg at Cuddalore.
• Established VMI Pune Cadet Training Centre for BSM.
• Acted as MR for ISO 9001:2008, completing Lead Auditor certification.
• Promoted to Training Manager in 2018; enhanced curriculum with IMO Model 6.09 & 6.10 (simulator training)

Senior Nautical Officer & Examiner at Massa Maritime Academy (MMA) (2002 – 2007)

• Conducted DG Shipping-approved competency exams from Second Mates F.G. to Masters F.G (2004-2007).
• Authored 3 textbooks for competency Examination preparations in India: Chartwork & Navigation, Ship Stability, Cargo Handling and Stowage
• Prepared New IMO Model courses 1.25, 1.36 & 1.37 for IMO on behalf of DG Shipping, India and also represented on the Board of Examiners for Seafarers (BES) for GP rating exams.

Master / Chief Officer / Officer at Sea Career (SCI, Anglo-Eastern, MOL fleets) (1988 – 2002)

• Progressed from Deck Cadet to Master, sailing across SCI, Anglo-Eastern, and MOL fleets.
• Commanded LPG carrier as Master (2001–2002).
• Extensive experience on oil tankers, bulk carriers, containers, PCC, LPG and LNG vessels. Training experience in all types of vessel including chemical tankers for last about 23 years including various simulator course BRM, ERM, LNG, LPG, Large Ship Handling etc.
• Extensive experience in operating and setting exercises in Wartsila (Transas), Kongsberg, GTT, ARI simulators etc, for Bridge, Ship Handling and Cargo handling etc.

Pre-Sea Training in Maritime – Training Ship Rajendra (1986 – 1988)

Second Mate in Maritime – DG Shipping (1991)

Chief Mate in Maritime – DG Shipping (1993)

Master F.G. in Maritime – DG Shipping (1996)

Extra Master in Maritime – DG Shipping (1997 – 2006)