No, the status of Indian Maritime University isn’t degrading. In fact, more people are interested to join merchant shipping compared to there were a decade ago. However, the situation has worsened due to some of the reasons below. 

• The number of students taking admission taking admission has increased over the last decade. But the number of vacancies remained the same. So, the job opportunities are less than before.
• Recession in the shipping industry has also worsened the employment situation.
• There has also been a sudden influx of cheap maritime labor from counties like China, Vietnam, Thailand. As a result, Indians are struggling to get jobs in the industry.
• In India, previously it was difficult to get well-paid jobs ashore. This is not the case anymore. So, companies are choosing people who want to make long-term commitments at sea.
• In all small companies, there is an Agent culture. So, no of companies visiting college campuses to recruit has decreased. 

Although the quality of education offered at IMU remained the same over the years, due to the above reasons, many students find it difficult to get job opportunities.