By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, MAR 28, 2025: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes, and Narcotics (NACIN) and the Indian Maritime University (IMU) in Chennai, yesterday. This collaboration aims to strengthen the Marine Customs Training Centre by enhancing the maritime enforcement and operational capabilities of CBIC officers, while also creating a platform for mutual learning and institutional synergy between NACIN and IMU.

The MoU was signed by Gaigongdin Panmei, Principal Director General for NACIN, and Dr. Rajoo Balaji, Pro Vice-Chancellor for IMU (representing the Vice Chancellor), in the presence of Aruna Narayan Gupta, Member, Central Board of Indirect Tax and Customs, and, Additional Director Generals, Dr. M.G. Thamizh Valavan and Dr. Ezhilmathi K, along with K. Saravanan, Registrar, IMU, and Dr. P.J. Rangachari, Director, IMU Chennai Campus, among other senior officials from both institutions.

Addressing the esteemed dignitaries and officials present, Gupta stated that the collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of CBIC officers engaged in marine preventive work, thereby strengthening collective efforts in safeguarding national security.

This MoU between NACIN and IMU establishes a collaborative framework for the training of CBIC officers involved in marine operations. It outlines the development of a comprehensive training programme aimed at bridging existing knowledge gaps in maritime enforcement and operational practices. The curriculum will be enriched by incorporating both domestic and international perspectives. The collaboration seeks to mutually benefit both institutions-leveraging IMU's academic and technical expertise and NACIN's enforcement experience.

For CBIC, the collaboration significantly strengthens its marine enforcement capabilities by providing officers with specialized, hands-on training in advanced maritime technologies, aligned with global best practices. For IMU, this partnership offers a valuable opportunity to extend its academic reach into the domain of maritime enforcement, enhance the practical application of its training modules, and engage in collaborative research on emerging technologies such as drone surveillance and recent advancements in the maritime sector.

Furthermore, the MoU paves the way for the inclusion of personnel from other departments and international participants, underscoring the global relevance and strategic scope of this initiative.

The collaboration with IMU will further elevate NACIN's capabilities by integrating academic excellence, cutting-edge technology, and global best practices into its training framework. This partnership not only ensures the development of a robust and future-ready maritime enforcement training ecosystem but also reinforces India's commitment to fostering institutional synergies to safeguard its maritime interests. The Marine Customs Training Centre, empowered by this collaboration, is poised to emerge as a centre of excellence for marine enforcement training in the region and beyond.

ABOUT THE MARINE CUSTOMS TRAINING CENTRE

The National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics (NACIN) is the apex institution of the Government of India for capacity building in the field of indirect taxation. Functioning under the administrative control of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), NACIN plays a pivotal role in training and developing the human resource capabilities of India's indirect tax administration. The new NACIN campus at Palasamudram, Andhra Pradesh, inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister on 16th January 2024, stands as a symbol of the government's commitment to excellence in training. Among its many state-of-the-art facilities, the campus houses the Marine Customs Training Centre , developed as part of NACIN's mission to enhance the skill sets and operational readiness of Customs officers engaged in marine enforcement.

This cutting-edge centre is equipped with Full Mission Ship Maneuvering Simulators and Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) simulators, offering immersive, hands-on training in ship navigation, collision avoidance, and emergency response. It also provides practical facilities for firefighting drills, seamanship training, and operation of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Additionally, officers are trained in marine search and rescue operations, firearm proficiency, and life-saving techniques-preparing them for a wide range of real-world maritime scenarios. Designed to simulate realistic operational conditions, the training environment at the centre ensures that officers are well-prepared to tackle challenges such as maritime security threats, smuggling interdiction, and emergency response. The facility is also envisioned as a shared resource for training personnel from other government marine enforcement agencies, fostering inter-agency collaboration and enhancing national maritime enforcement capabilities.

ABOUT IMU

The Indian Maritime University (IMU), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, is a premier institution for maritime education, training, and research. It offers world-class training and education in maritime-related fields and is renowned for its significant contribution to the development of India's maritime sector. With campuses across the country, IMU provides a broad spectrum of programs and actively collaborates with industry and government bodies to advance maritime capabilities through academic excellence and specialized training.