Code of Conduct
Standards of discipline and behaviour at HBIMS.
Standards of discipline and behaviour at HBIMS.
Humble Bee Institute of Marine Studies (HBIMS-SDP)
Effective Date: 1 January 2024 | Last Updated: 1 March 2026 | Version 3.0
HBIMS is committed to maintaining the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, integrity, ethics, and mutual respect within our institution. Every individual associated with HBIMS — cadets, faculty, administrative staff, support personnel, and visitors — is expected to adhere to this Code of Conduct at all times while on campus premises, during training activities, field visits, examinations, and when representing HBIMS in any official or unofficial capacity.
The maritime profession demands exceptional discipline, teamwork, and adherence to protocols. This Code is designed to prepare cadets for the rigorous standards expected onboard commercial vessels worldwide. Violations will be addressed firmly and fairly through our established disciplinary procedures.
Cadets must maintain strict punctuality for all classes, practical sessions, drills, physical training, swimming sessions, and campus activities. Latecomers may be denied entry to ongoing sessions at the instructor's discretion.
Prescribed uniforms must be worn correctly, neatly pressed, and with proper insignia (epaulettes, name tally, belt, tie) at all designated times. Civilian clothing is permitted only during designated personal hours and within hostel areas.
Cadets shall address all instructors, officers, and senior staff members with appropriate respect, using proper titles (Sir/Ma'am). Insubordination, arguing with instructors, or refusing lawful instructions constitutes a serious offence.
Personal grooming standards must be maintained at all times: clean-shaven face (trimmed moustache permitted), neatly trimmed hair (not touching collar or ears), clean nails, polished shoes, and presentable appearance. Female cadets must maintain hair tied neatly in a bun or secured above collar level.
Disorderly behaviour, use of abusive or vulgar language (in any language), loud music, shouting in corridors, and any behaviour that disrupts the learning environment is strictly prohibited. First offence results in a written warning; repeated offences lead to suspension or expulsion.
HBIMS maintains an absolute zero-tolerance policy towards ragging of any form. This includes physical ragging (hitting, pushing, forced physical activity, forced consumption of substances), verbal ragging (abusive language, threats, intimidation, insults based on caste/religion/region/appearance), emotional ragging (humiliation, isolation, forced servitude, public embarrassment), sexual ragging (any form of sexual harassment, inappropriate touching, obscene gestures, forced undressing), and cyber ragging (online bullying, sharing embarrassing photos/videos, creating fake profiles, harassment through social media or messaging).
Any cadet found engaging in ragging shall face: immediate suspension pending enquiry, criminal prosecution under Section 116 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and applicable anti-ragging laws, permanent expulsion without refund, reporting to DG Shipping and relevant maritime authorities, permanent disqualification from all HBIMS programmes and placement services, and FIR registration with the local police.
Victims and witnesses are strongly encouraged to report incidents immediately to the Anti-Ragging Committee through personal complaint, anonymous written complaint dropped in the complaint box, phone call to the Anti-Ragging Helpline (available 24/7), or email to sdp@humblemaritime.com with the subject "Ragging Complaint". All complaints are treated with strict confidentiality. The identity of the complainant will not be revealed to the accused. Retaliation against any complainant is itself a punishable offence.
Cadets must complete all assignments, examinations, practical assessments, and project work honestly and independently unless group work is explicitly authorised.
The following constitute academic dishonesty: plagiarism (copying from books, internet, or other cadets without attribution), cheating during examinations (copying, using unauthorised materials, electronic devices), impersonation during examinations or assessments, submission of fabricated or falsified training records or logbook entries, forging signatures on attendance sheets or documents, submission of false or manipulated academic documents during admission.
Consequences of academic dishonesty: cancellation of the examination/assignment result, mandatory re-examination with 10% penalty deduction, suspension from the programme for repeated offences, permanent expulsion for document forgery or impersonation, and potential legal action for criminal fraud.
Substance Prohibition: Consumption, possession, distribution, or being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco products (cigarettes, gutka, pan masala, vaping), narcotic substances, psychotropic drugs, or any intoxicating material on campus is strictly prohibited and results in immediate expulsion. Cadets may be subject to random drug and alcohol testing at any time.
Campus Boundaries: Cadets must not leave the campus premises without prior written permission from the Training Superintendent. Unauthorised absence (AWL — Absent Without Leave) for more than 48 hours may result in automatic termination of enrolment.
Weapons and Dangerous Items: Possession of weapons, sharp objects (knives, blades), firecrackers, explosives, or any items that could cause harm is strictly forbidden and constitutes a criminal offence.
Mobile Phone Policy: Mobile phones must be surrendered to the designated storage facility during training hours (0600–2100). Personal phones are permitted only during designated personal hours (2100–2200). Phones found during training hours will be confiscated for 30 days on first offence.
Visitors: External visitors (including parents and family members) are permitted only during designated visiting hours (Saturday 1400–1700) with prior intimation to the campus administration. Overnight visitors are not permitted under any circumstances.
Property and Cleanliness: Cadets are responsible for maintaining cleanliness of their rooms, common areas, classrooms, and campus grounds. Damage to institutional property (furniture, equipment, buildings) will result in the cost being recovered from the cadet and disciplinary action.
Cadets must attend all scheduled fire drills, sea survival exercises, boat drills, abandon ship drills, and safety briefings without exception. These are mandatory components of STCW training.
Tampering with, damaging, or misusing safety equipment including fire extinguishers, fire hoses, fire alarms, life jackets, lifebuoys, immersion suits, SCBA sets, and first aid kits is a criminal offence punishable by expulsion and legal action.
All accidents, injuries, near-miss incidents, unsafe conditions, and health emergencies must be reported immediately to the Safety Officer or the nearest instructor. Failure to report a known safety hazard is itself a disciplinary offence.
During emergency evacuations (real or drill), cadets must follow all instructions from the Safety Officer, proceed to designated muster stations in an orderly manner, and remain at the muster station until formally dismissed. Running, pushing, or creating panic during evacuations is strictly prohibited.
HBIMS is an equal opportunity institution committed to providing a training environment free from discrimination, harassment, and prejudice of any kind.
Discrimination, bullying, or harassment based on caste, religion, ethnicity, regional origin, language, gender, sexual orientation, economic background, physical appearance, disability, or any other characteristic is strictly prohibited.
Female cadets shall be treated with equal respect, dignity, and professionalism. Any form of sexual harassment — verbal, physical, visual, or digital — will be dealt with under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) and through the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
HBIMS encourages reporting of any discriminatory behaviour through the same channels as anti-ragging complaints. All reports are investigated confidentially and promptly.
Cadets must not post any defamatory, misleading, obscene, or inappropriate content about HBIMS, its staff, faculty, fellow cadets, or training activities on any social media platform (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.).
Recording, photographing, or videographing training sessions, examinations, practical drills, or internal campus activities without explicit written permission from the Training Superintendent is prohibited. Sharing any such recordings on public platforms is a serious offence.
Cyber-bullying, online harassment, creating fake profiles impersonating HBIMS or its staff, spreading misinformation about the institution, and any other form of digital misconduct will be treated with the same severity as physical harassment and may result in expulsion and legal action.
Cadets acknowledge and agree that HBIMS may send institutional communications, training updates, important notices, examination schedules, placement alerts, and promotional information via RCS (Rich Communication Services) messages, SMS, WhatsApp, email, and phone calls to their registered mobile number and email address throughout their training period and for up to 2 years after completion for alumni engagement purposes.
All violations of this Code of Conduct will be reviewed by the Disciplinary Committee comprising the Training Superintendent (Chairperson), a Senior Faculty Member, the Hostel Warden, and a Cadet Representative. The Committee follows due process including written notice to the accused, opportunity to present a defence, witness examination, and a documented decision.
Level 1 — Minor Offences (First Occurrence): Verbal warning with counselling session. Documented in cadet file. Examples: first-time late attendance, minor uniform violation, cleanliness issues.
Level 2 — Moderate Offences: Written warning with copy sent to parent/guardian. Restriction of privileges (leave cancellation, extra duty assignment) for 15–30 days. Examples: repeated lateness, mobile phone violation, unauthorised campus exit, disrespectful behaviour.
Level 3 — Serious Offences: Suspension from training for 7–30 days. Parent/guardian called for mandatory meeting. Withholding of certificates until satisfactory conduct is demonstrated. Examples: cheating, substance possession (first offence for tobacco), property damage, verbal abuse.
Level 4 — Grave Offences: Permanent expulsion without refund of fees. Reporting to police and relevant authorities. Disqualification from all future HBIMS programmes. Notification to DG Shipping (if applicable). Examples: ragging, physical violence, sexual harassment, drug/alcohol consumption, document forgery, theft, criminal activity.
The decision of the Disciplinary Committee shall be final and binding. Appeals may be submitted in writing to the Director, HBIMS within 7 days of the decision. The Director's decision on appeal is conclusive.
This Code of Conduct was approved by the HBIMS Board of Directors on 1 March 2026.
Document Reference:
HBIMS/LEGAL/COC/2026/V3.0
Every cadet signs an acknowledgement of this Code at the time of admission.
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