Webometric Analysis of Maritime Training Institutes Affiliated to Indian Maritime University (IMU) in India

Abstract Purpose: The study aimed to assess the online visibility of Maritime Training Institutes affiliated with the Indian Maritime University and to examine how effectively these institutes manage their digital presence in a competitive higher education environment. It sought to identify variations in search visibility, influence, and digital performance across institutions. Methodology: A webometric approach was adopted covering the period from 2023 to 2025. Data were gathered using tools such as Ahrefs, Moz Pro, SimilarWeb, and Google PageSpeed Insights. Indicators including domain and page authority, backlink quality, website traffic, and site speed were analyzed to evaluate web impact factors and overall discoverability. Findings: The analysis revealed considerable differences among institutes. Some Maritime Training Institutes demonstrated strong visibility in search rankings and robust digital influence, while others had limited presence and poor optimization. Weaknesses included inadequate backlink quality, reduced traffic flow, and slow-loading websites, all of which restricted accessibility and outreach. Implications: The study underscores the need for institutes to adopt systematic digital strategies. Recommendations include improving search engine optimization, enhancing website design for responsiveness, ensuring faster loading times, and building credible backlink networks. These measures can significantly improve online discoverability, strengthen institutional reputation, and expand the global scholarly and professional impact of Maritime Training Institutes.