Vel's Academy of Maritime Studies is situated at Pallavaram, Chennai, about three kilometers from Chennai International and Domestic Airport. The Academy is headed by a Captain Superintendent and amongst its Faculty are highly proficient Lecturers (who are ex-Mariners) and Instructors, with years of experience on board ships and ashore, who take meticulous care to train the cadets to be future deck (navigating) officers. The Academy has three sophisticated workshops, a Simulator room, and three laboratories for giving cadets the necessary training. As a part of the curriculum, cadets are taken on board ships in Chennai harbour for shipboard familiarization. The course also prepares the candidates to pursue a career in shipping companies or shipping related activities ashore. Candidates who successfully complete training at this institute will be eligible for taking up jobs as navigating officers on board any ship sailing anywhere in the world. VAMS is the first institute in South India to be awarded an ISO 9001:2000 certification by Lloyds Register of Quality Assurance, London.

FACILITIES AND RESOURCES :

1. Full Mission Bridge Simulator from Kongsberg, Norway
2. Fully equipped modern Computer Lab with high-speed Internet Connection.
3. Fully equipped Physics cum Electronics Lab
4. Seamanship Lab
5. A Fitting shop and Machine Shop
6. Spacious Library cum reading room
7. Sports and recreational facilities
8. A swimming pool with separate diving pool
9. Two play grounds
10. Basketball court
11. Volleyball court
12. Badminton court
13. Fully equipped Gymnasium
14. Indoor Games such as Table-tennis, carroms, chess.
15. Spacious four-seater accommodation in hostel
16. Separate Dining Hall for cadets

The following courses for navigating cadets are offered at this Academy :

1. B.Sc.Nautical Science ( three years)
2. Diploma in Nautical Science (one year)
3. Higher National Diploma in Nautical Science (Two years)