History of INS Hamla

History of INS Hamla

• INS Hamla was formed by amalgamating HMIS Hamlawar and HMIS Marve.
• Initially, Hamla I and Hamla II were combined operations bases in Karachi and Mumbai.
• During World War II, the current INS Hamla site was part of combined operations training centers in Bombay.
• The Landing Craft Wing was established in May 1943 and named HMIS Hamlawar.
• This center was divided into Indian and British wings; the former retained its name while the latter adopted HMIS Marve.
• On January 15, 1946, the Royal Indian Navy took over the RN Base at Marve and the crafts stationed there, merging Hamla I and Hamla II into the establishment.
• The entire establishment was renamed HMIS Hamla.
• After India's partition in 1947, the boys' training establishment was temporarily housed at INS Hamla.
• The establishment remained inactive for seven years as a maintenance and disposal base for landing crafts and equipment left behind by British forces.
• Reclassified as INS Hamla on January 6, 1954, reflecting the "attack" nature of the unit.

Old Training Pattern

• Prior to WWII, the Supply & Secretariat Branch was small, with few warrant officers.
• Recruitment to the Navy for cooks and stewards depended on prior experience.
• No formal training was given.
• In 1941, a training center was established at the Indian Naval Depot for training writer sailors.
• This center moved to Fort Barracks in 1943 for training supply officers and stewards.
• In 1945, the school moved to HMIS Akbar for Cookery School functions.

Combination of Supply & Secretariat & Domestics Branches

• In 1947, with the closing of HMIS Akbar, Supply, Secretariat, and Cookery Schools were relocated to Cochin and integrated into INS Venduruthy.
• The combined training establishment placed these units under a Supply Officer.
• The Supply & Secretariat Branch of INS Hamlawar was recommissioned as INS Hamla on January 6, 1954, with Commander T.R. Singh as the first Commanding Officer.
• The rank of the Commanding Officer was later upgraded to Captain on December 26, 1957.

Supply & Secretariat Advanced Course

• Upon recommissioning, INS Hamla also took on the task of conducting Supply & Secretariat Advanced Courses (SSAC).
• Initially, officers were deputed to the United Kingdom for this training.
• INS Hamla began offering the SSAC in June 1954.
• Basic and Divisional Training was later provided to Writers, Stores, Medical Assistants, Stewards, Cooks, and Topass branches at INS Hamla, which was previously taught at INS Venduruthy.
• This training continued till June 1974.

Amalgamation of Supply & Secretariat Branch

• The Supply & Secretariat Branch was merged with the executive branch on January 7, 1978.
• This terminated earlier Sub-Lieutenant (S) professional and Supply and Secretariat Advanced Courses.
• Executive branch Sub-Lieutenants were given 6-week administration and logistics courses previously conducted by Supply & Secretariat branch officers.

Shifting of INPT School

• The INPT School was shifted to INS Hamla in April 1980 due to insufficient facilities at INS Angre.
• It operated there until September 1989, when it was moved to INS Venduruthy.

Staff & Management Course for SD List Officers

• A mid-level staff and management course for Special Duty List officers was introduced in August 1980 at INS Hamla.
• The course duration was 12 weeks.

Introduction of Long Logistics & Management Course

• A specialist Logistics & Management Course was introduced at INS Hamla in September 1981.
• The course duration was 47 weeks.

Mid-Level Courses

• In 1987, short courses were introduced for commanding officers and executive officers (designates) to focus on civilian personnel management.
• Discipline courses were introduced for commanding officers and executive officers.
• The Mid-Career course was open to electrical and engineering officers with a focus on management.

Formation of Logistics Cadre

• In August 1989, a Logistics Cadre was established at INS Hamla.
• Lateral entry into the Logistics Cadre required a 19-week abridged logistics course.
• A 30-week SLT Log Course was instituted in 1992, focusing on lateral entry officers for the Logistics Cadre.

Inauguration of IN EDP School

• An EDP School (now NICA) was inaugurated at INS Hamla in April 1984.
• The Computer Training Center at INS Hamla was upgraded with modern computer facilities, capable of handling various training courses.

Refresher Course for CO and EXO of Shore Establishments

• A refresher course for commanding officers and executive officers of shore establishments was conducted from April 25 to 29, 2016.
• This course contained 11 senior officers as part of its faculty.

Establishment of Joint Services Training Institute

• Joint Services Training Institute (Catering) was established in 1966 as the Naval Institute of Hospitality and Catering Technology (NIHCT).
• In 2018, it was re-designated as Joint Services Training Institute (Catering).
• The institute offers basic and specialized training to chefs and stewards from all three services.

Nautical Mural

• A 30x40-foot nautical mural depicting various aspects of Indian Navy training was commissioned in December 2022.
• The mural's design is a watch face, with each division marking an hour of the clock.