Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Maritime Administration, inaugurated the newly renovated Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Pariksha Kaksh at Nav Bhavan, Mumbai and dedicated the facility to the seafarers of India progressing towards higher certifications for serving on board ships.

The inauguration was held in the presence of Capt. Santoshkumar S Darokar, Principal Officer, Mercantile Marine Department, Mumbai and Sudhir Kumar Dak, Chief Engineer, CPWD.

With changing times and a paradigm shift in seafarer competency evaluation processes, there has been a need to upgrade the facilities of this historic, more than century-old examination facility to cater to the fast-changing requirements of seafarers. The renovation and upgradation mark the first step towards this process.

The newly renovated examination hall has a capacity of 160 candidates, and examinations are scheduled to resume from October 2026.

The comprehensive overhaul transforms the examination centre from the ground up, with complete renewal of flooring integrated with sub-surface cabling for high-speed internet and dedicated computer power supply, modern cabins for examiners and biometric verification teams, secure locker facilities for candidates and upgraded washroom facilities.

Together with the transition to computer-based testing modules, these improvements are aimed at eliminating operational friction and ensuring that every candidate is provided with a professional, dignified and seamless examination environment.