- The Indian Maritime University Bill, 2007 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 13, 2007 and was referred to the Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture (Chairperson: Sitaram Yechury). The Committee is scheduled to submit its report within three months.
- Based on the recommendations of the Committee on Maritime Education and Training, the Bill establishes the Indian Maritime University (IMU) at Chennai with campuses at Mumbai, Kolkatta, Vishakapatanam and other such places within IMU's jurisdiction as IMU deems fit. IMU shall facilitate and promote maritime studies and research with a focus on emerging areas of studies, including marine science and technology, marine environment, legal and other related fields. It shall also support promote advanced knowledge by providing institutional and research facilities and an integrated course in marine sciences, key areas of marine technology and allied disciplines.
- IMU shall have powers (i) to provide instruction in such branches of learning as it may determine; (ii) to make provision for recognised institutions to undertake special studies; (iii) to establish and maintain campuses, colleges, institutions, departments, laboratories, libraries, museums, centres of research, training and specialised studies; (iv) to establish and maintain hostels, health centres and other related facilities such as auditoria, playgrounds, gymnasiums, swimming pools and training ships; (v) to provide for the establishment of campuses serving a group of recognised colleges and to provide for, and maintain, common resource centres in such campuses in the form of libraries, laboratories, computer centres and the like.
- IMU shall have powers to grant diplomas or certificates (other than Certificates of Competencies of Sea-farers, which shall continue to be issues by the Director -General of Shipping, Government of India) and confer degrees and other academic distinctions. It shall also have the power to withdraw any such diplomas, certificates, degrees, or other academic distinctions for good and sufficient cause.
- The Director-General of Shipping may delegate powers and functions relating to competency examination to IMU, in consultation with it.
- IMU shall institute Directorships, Principalships, Professorships, Associate Professorships, Assistant Professorships, and other teaching and academic positions.
- The President of India shall be the Visitor to IMU, and he shall appoint both the Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor of IMU. The Chancellor shall be the Head of IMU, and the Vice-Chancellor shall be the principal executive and academic officer.
- There shall be a University Fund which shall include (a) contributions by the central government; (b) contributions by state governments; (c) contributions from shipping companies; (d) any bequests, donations, endowments or other grants made by any private individual or institution; (e) income received by IMU from fees and charges; (f) and amounts received from any other source.
- The central government's directions on policy, submitted in writing, shall be binding on IMU. The decision of the central government as to whether a question is one of policy or not shall be final.
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