In early 1997, on a request from the D.G. shipping , the Institute of Marine Engineers (India) formed a " Technical Cell " to explore the possibility of starting some more Pre-sea training courses in Marine Engineering as per STCW 95 Convention.
Some members of the cell visited Goa and inspected the facilities available for such a training. The technical cell sought information from various Shipyards and Ship repairing industries, and found that none of the workshops had all the facilities under one roof. Also their managements could not immediately invest in creation of additional facilities. After a lot of deliberations, it was decided that the facilities at various centres could be amalgamated. M/s. Goa Shipyard Ltd., M/s. Western India Shipyard Ltd., and Mormugao Port Trust, agreed to participate in the scheme. M/s. V. M. Salgaocar & Bro. Ltd., and M/s. V. S. Dempo & Co. also consented to the use of their transhippers for training purposes. The facilities of good classrooms, laboratories, workshop, computer centre and library , were available with The Institute of Shipbuilding Technology (ISBT) run and managed by The Society for Industrial & Technical Education of Goa (SITEG) ,( formerly known as The Shipbuilding Industry Society of Goa ) that time headed by its Chairman Shri V.V Dempo, then offered to conduct this course, in ISBT , which was already conducting Diploma Courses in a) Shipbuilding Engineering b) Mechanical Engineering and c) Electronics.
On the recommendations of Institute of Marine Engineers (India), representatives of D.G. Shipping , visited Goa and inspected all the facilities , and approved the course. The SITEG , then formed a nodal body called ' The Institute of Maritime Studies ', headed by a Director, who is a Senior Marine Engineer having vast experience on board as well as in senior positions ashore in shipping related organizations. Thus the Institute of Maritime Studies was born. The Technical Cell of Institute of Marine Engineers (India) , provide necessary guidance for preparation of course details, and lesson plan, for classroom and practical training. The Institute of Marine Engineers (India), continues to play a role in the matters of IMS, as a member of the Governing Council.