As an arbitrator who is both an Advocate and a Master Mariner, Capt. Shankar brings a unique blend of legal and maritime expertise to the table. With over twenty years of command experience, serving at sea in various ascending capacities on gas carriers, crude and product tankers, chemical tankers, and bulk carriers, and practicing as a trial court lawyer since 2016, mainly in the areas of commercial arbitration, commercial litigation, civil law, family law, probate and wills, Capt. Shankar possess the knowledge and skills necessary to handle maritime disputes.

In addition to his extensive experience, Capt. Shankar holds several degrees including a Bachelor’s in Commerce, an MA, and an LLB. I also have a Certificate of Practice from the Bar Council of India, and a Certificate of Competency as Master (Foreign Going) with endorsements for carrying liquefied gas, oil, and chemicals. Capt. Shankar was also a Loss Assessor/Insurance Surveyor, which enables him to understand marine insurance disputes.

Capt. Shankar's seagoing years have prepared him for and helps him in his present maritime-related legal career as, during that time, he performed a wide range of duties that included:

1. Keeping track of the vessel's compliance with maritime regulations and laws, including safety requirements and environmental protection measures.

2. Documenting disputes and issues with other vessels, ports, authorities, including the steps taken to resolve the matter.

3. Keeping track and being responsible for the vessel's maintenance and repairs, including drydocking.

4.Handling the vessel's cargo operations, quantity/ quality surveys, loading /unloading procedures, stowage, and cargo-related incidents/damage.

5. Maintaining a record of the vessel's financial transactions, including the charter rate, bunker costs, and port charges.

6. Documenting incidents, accidents (including the causes, extent of damage, nature and degree of injuries sustained, steps taken to mitigate the damage) and helping in dealing with claims in this regard.

7. Planning and executing a vessel's voyage plan, including the route taken and any deviations from the original plan. Record the vessel's position and movements using navigational equipment and maintaining a record of the vessel's passage plan.

As a legal practitioner, Capt. Shankar has been getting ample exposure to port and shipping-related matters as the firm that he is attached to is counsel for the local Port Authority. Additionally, he has handled matters involving damages to vessels, cargo claims/disputes, seafarer claims, and similar matters for other clients.

Despite Capt. Shankar's extensive experience and credentials, he believes in continual learning and improvement of his skills and regularly participates in conferences, competitions, and workshops. He is also a Member/Fellow of various professional institutions such as the Indian Maritime Law Association, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London, the Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration, the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators, the Nautical Institute, London, the Company of Master Mariners, and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK). In terms of Information Technology skills, he is proficient in all standard office productivity software and use the internet for personal information management and legal-related functions.