Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) Refresher Program

Master Mariner | Marine Consultant | Training Specialist

Capt. Julius Valladares is a highly accomplished Master Mariner with over 43 years of maritime experience, including 30 years of sea service with command and 13 years in maritime education, course development, and training management. Based in Mumbai, India, he is the Proprietor of J4MT Marine Consultants, representing MINTRA Group (Oslo, Norway) for online maritime courses and providing expert consultancy to leading maritime training academies across India.

An exceptional maritime trainer and course designer, Capt. Valladares has made significant contributions to the development and delivery of advanced training programs. His expertise covers ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems), HELM (Human Element Leadership and Management), MCRM (Marine Crew Resource Management), and STCW-compliant navigational courses.

At the Global Maritime Training Centre, Mumbai (formerly Sir Derek Bibby Maritime Training Centre), he served as ECDIS Type-Specific Manager, where he developed courses for major ECDIS manufacturers such as Wartsila (TRANSAS), Sperry, Kongsberg, ChartWorld, and Kelvin Hughes. He also designed and established Class A simulator classrooms in compliance with DNV and MCA (UK) standards, providing advanced training to professionals from leading global companies including BP, Chevron, Shell, NYK, and Wallem.

As Director of Training and Internal Audits at Galileo Maritime Academy, Phuket, from 2019 to 2021, he developed multiple MCA-approved and value-added maritime courses, introduced simulator-based learning environments, and led internal audits to maintain high-quality standards. He also served as Project Consultant with the American Digital University, developing online STCW course material, and continues to conduct ECDIS Generic Courses at MASSA Maritime Academy, Belapur.

A passionate advocate for maritime safety and leadership, Capt. Valladares developed and delivered the HELM and MCRM courses approved by the MCA (UK) and Oxford Aviation Academy (UK), focusing on teamwork, communication, and resource management for bridge and engine-room operations.

Recognized for his excellence, he received the Employee of the Year Award (2015) from Bibby Ship Management India and the Indian Maritime Choice Award (2018) for Best ECDIS Trainer (Pan India).

With his 43 years of maritime expertise, academic leadership, and commitment to innovation, Capt. Julius Valladares continues to elevate the standards of maritime training and safety, contributing to the growth and professionalism of the global maritime industry.