IRClass Academy Delivers Naval Shipbuilding Training

IRClass Academy, the training arm of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass), has delivered a customized, six-day training program on naval shipbuilding for the officers and members of the Warship Overseeing Team of the Indian Navy and managers from India’s leading naval shipyards.

This initiative further strengthens IRClass’ ongoing engagement with the Indian Navy and naval shipbuilding sector.

Organized in parallel streams for Hull and Machinery, the training program focused on supervision of naval ship construction and integrated a wide range of specialist processes from steel-forming, welding and hull fabrication, to installation and commissioning of machinery and systems – and finally, tests and acceptance trials. Features that are specific to naval ships such as propulsion plant configurations and gas turbines were also covered.

Under the spotlight were compliance with Naval and Class Rules and Standards and understanding of tolerances and acceptance criteria for materials, fabrication, and machinery installation. The training emphasized the need for clear understanding of applicable rules and standards by the supervising Warship Overseeing Team for ensuring quality of construction, smooth workflow and successful and timely completion of complex shipbuilding projects.

Speaking during the inaugural ceremony, Chief Guest Rear Admiral S.P. Lal, Admiral Superintendent of Mumbai Dockyard, welcomed the initiative by IRClass.

Participants commented on the benefits of the training in terms of insights gained into critical areas of naval shipbuilding and the scope and applicability of Rules and Standards.

Since establishing in 1975, it has been the endeavor of IRClass to promote national maritime interests and serve as a knowledge base for the maritime sector.

Having previously developed a series of rules for non-combatant vessels, IRClass also released rules for combatant vessels earlier this year.

At a time when the Indian Government is focusing on Make in India, skill development, and employment generation, IRClass’ services to India’s shipbuilding industry are considered appropriate and timely.

Facilitation of knowledge transfer, sharing of project experiences and adherence to global standards and Best Practices in this specialist area means IRClass is poised to play an even bigger role in the design and construction of Naval and Coastguard vessels in the coming years.