The Academy Team and Faculty

Working as the Head of The Academy, Somiyeh plays a pivotal role in advancing maritime education and training, emphasising the importance of leadership in redefining and strengthening safety norms and practices within the maritime industry. With a strong background in education, Somiyeh has been instrumental in establishing The Nautical Institute Academy as a leading institution for maritime professionals. Her expertise and dedication are evident in her contributions to various initiatives aimed at enhancing safety and wellbeing at sea. 

Senior Qualifications Administrator at The Nautical Institute.

Administrative Co-ordinator assisting with Qualification, Membership and Publications at The Nautical Institute. 

An administrator in the Academy who plays a crucial role in managing and overseeing the certification and training programmes of The Institute. 

Captain Sarabjit Butalia FNI is a Nautical Institute Fellow who specialises in maritime education and training. Captain Butalia has years of experience as an onboard assessor, has an MSc in Maritime Affairs from the World Maritime University, Malmö. He designs and develops safety modules and training programmes based on need analysis to enhance skills and efficiency.

Simon qualified as a Solicitor in 1984, specialising in criminal and marine dispute resolution, before moving to the academic field, where he managed the law and business parts of the MCA-accredited Merchant Vessel Operations programme at Warsash Maritime Academy.

He led the BSc (Hons) Degree course in Marine Operations Management from its inception in 2008, taking it to a collaborative partnership in Hong Kong, and forging links with another partner in Colombo. He has remained a qualified Solicitor and in 2012 was awarded a PhD for his thesis: The Criminalisation of the Ship’s Master. A new approach for the new millennium.

He has published a number of academic papers and, in 2016, wrote Corporate Manslaughter in the Maritime and Aviation Industries, published by Taylor & Francis. In 2021 Simon contributed a number of articles to the Nautical Institute's magazine Seaways. His book Responsibility and Accountability in Maritime Law was published by Taylor & Francis in April 2022. He is now writing a new textbook on Shipboard Management studies, to be published by Taylor & Francis in 2024.

Anjaney Borwankar (Anjan) is a serial entrepreneur and a seasoned business executive with over two decades of management experience. He is a thought leader on Digital Transformation and Blockchain and a regular speaker at leading conferences worldwide. 

Anjan co-founded Navozyme, a Singapore headquartered technology company dedicated to  enhancing lives in the maritime sector via proprietary blockchain enabled platforms. Navozyme is leading several transformative blockchain pilots in Europe and Asia.

Anjan has a Blockchain Strategy and FinTech Certification from Oxford University (Said Business School).

Working as a Senior Psychologist at Applied Research International (ARI), New Delhi, Ankur Lal specializes in counselling, coaching, and training for marine professionals. She is responsible for conducting behavioral and soft skills training courses for seafarers, covering areas such as communication, leadership, motivation, human error and stress management.

As a Certified Psychometric Test Professional (CPTP), Ankur is an expert in psychometric assessment of seafarers for personal and professional growth, promotion, and marine incidents.

Ankur has a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Delhi University and a diploma in Training and Development. Her deep understanding of human behaviour combined with an extensive experience in individual and group counselling for various mental health issues proves advantageous in dealing with marine professionals.

After a fruitful innings at sea, Captain Mittal held various leadership positions in the areas of Ship Management and Marine Consultancy. He currently runs a consultancy with a broad range of services including Inspections, TMSA Audits, Navigational Assessments, Surveys and Incident Support. He is also frequently consulted on Admiralty claims, particularly in oil and gas transportation, and has investigated several maritime incidents.

He has been a member of various loss prevention bodies and has worked actively to promote safe practices. He has also been instrumental in conceptualizing leading initiatives in shipboard training, which have since become an industry norm.

Capt. Mittal  is based in Singapore and holds an MBA with Distinction from University of Bradford.

Director of Applied Research International, Naomi Rewari holds a M.Sc. Post Graduate Certificate in Education and has set up a maritime training institute offering maritime courses. She is part of the senior management team of a simulation technology institute, delivering simulation solutions across the globe and has spearheaded the use of simulators for competency assessments. A practitioner using psychometric tools for personality and aptitude assessment, Naomi has contributed a chapter to The Nautical Institutes' publication entitled “Human Performance and Limitations” and co-authored the IMO Model Course 6.10 “Train the Simulator Trainer and Assessor”.

A Technical and Training specialist in the Maritime, Logistics and Process Industries for the last 40 years.

Sailed in capacity of Chief Engineer for 25 years on various types of merchant vessels. Main experience with various Electrohydraulic and Electropneumatic, Automation and Control systems in process industry and maritime industry.

Lecturer for The Nautical Institute Academy.

Radhika is an experienced HR professional with 24 years of experience, including 22 years in the maritime industry. With strong organisational skills and a flexible approach, she specialises in Human Resource Management and Organisational Development for the maritime sector. Having sailed on board as a supernumerary, she brings industry-specific insights to her work. She is also an HR trainer and consultant for renowned maritime training institutes, with extensive expertise in HR development, research, and designing training programs for marine officers and shore personnel.

Master Mariner (MSc)

Former: Superintendent/Company Inspector/Marine Consultant/Class Principal Surveyor

Ships in Operation, New Buildings, Hull & Machinery, Materials & Components Surveyor

ISM/ISPS/ISO 9001, 14001, 50001 Lead Auditor

MLC2006 Inspector

Since 2020, Lecturer to The Nautical Institute

Master License, MSc. in Maritime Management

Sea service as Navigational Officer on board of cruise vessels

Extensive experience as Project Manager for  implementation of management systems according to various ISO-Standards and maritime codes.

Management expertise as Designated Person Ashore / Company Security Officer for various types of vessels, as Chief Quality Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director as well as Entrepreneur & Innovator.

Many years practical experience as auditor and senior trainer for management systems.

Comprehensive knowledge in process analysis & optimization, incl. ERP implementation.

A senior leader specialising in the field of behavioural change through human factors, with extensive experience of developing organisational wide strategies, to enhance the Safety Management System (SMS) with human factors.  A track record of advising Senior Leaders and their senior teams on how to turn these strategies into reality by working across all levels of the organisation to drive successful implementation. Further expertise includes quantifying and promoting the gains achieved by a Human Factors System as well as analysing data and assurance reports to identify areas of concern requiring further action.

With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Chris has served as a Royal Navy officer specialising in Air Warfare, and holds the STCW CQ2 certification. Chris spent seven years in the UAE Navy as a senior advisor and trainer, providing strategic guidance and training to enhance naval capabilities. As the Head of Training with Airbus Defence & Space in Abu Dhabi, he led initiatives to advance training programmes and methodologies. Chris is an expert trainer in Leadership & Management, Aircraft Control & Warfare, and has delivered comprehensive training in theory, simulation, and live environments.