Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) and the Indian Navy have entered into a collaborative arrangement for the capacity-building of the officials of Indian Navy in the area of Law of the Sea, Maritime Law and International Law through sound and sustained academic, research, extension and training programmes.

A Memorandum of Understanding to this effect was signed by GNLU Director Dr Shanthakumar for GNLU and Rear Admiral Antony George, Chief Staff Officer (Training) for and on behalf of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, on May 27.

Under this collaborative arrangement, GNLU and Indian Navy have agreed to undertake, inter alia, the following activities:

• Both parties will aim to develop a mutually beneficial relationship to promote the goals and objectives of the law of the sea and maritime law as practised by the Government of India. Topics will include aspects specific to armed forces viz Laws of Armed Conflict (LOAC), International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other relevant topics for the effective understanding of the Laws of the Seas and other similar legal instruments.
  
• GNLU will offer short-duration training programmes ( one-month duration ), long-duration training programmes ( four-month duration ) as well as certificate courses of varied duration for the naval officers.
• GNLU will offer residential research programmes for naval officers. For this purpose, the participating naval officers will need to fulfil the eligibility criteria and undergo the due selection process as per the GNLU norms.
• GNLU will also offer online programmes on maritime law and other relevant topics for the naval officers.

The MoU will remain in force for three years.

It is expected that four short-duration (one-month duration) and two long-duration (four-month duration) programmes will be offered during the first year. The first such programme is tentatively scheduled to commence from September 2020.

Expressing happiness over the MoU, GNLU Director Dr Shanthakumar said, “We at GNLU are honoured to partner with Indian Navy with whom we have had a long-standing relationship. I am sure this collaboration will be mutually beneficial and further strengthen our relationship with the Indian Navy.”

Rear Admiral Antony George, Chief Staff Officer (Training) said, “It is a matter of pride for the Indian Navy to conclude an MoU with GNLU, a leading university on law and legal processes. The Indian Navy looks forward to meaningful collaboration with the eminent faculty at GNLU and utilize various courses being offered to further develop the Navy’s knowledge on Operational Law and International Maritime Law.”