Commander Syed Turab Ali, NM (Retd.), the Founder Director of Commander Ali's Academy of Merchant Navy (CAAMN), served in the Indian Navy for over 42 years. He has had a distinguished career in the Indian Navy and for his unflinching dedication and zest in the profession he was awarded the Nau Sena Medal (NM) by the Government of India. During the course of his service he worked in various training oriented organizations such as National Defence Academy (Khadakwasla), Naval Academy (Kochi), Defence Services Staff College (Wellington), Seamanship School (Kochi) and various Indian Naval training and war ships. He also held the Master's Certificate of Competency.

He established CAAMN on 01st September 1994 at Kakinada after his retirement from the Indian Navy to encourage the youth to join the adventurous career of Merchant Navy and pass on his vast legacy of maritime knowledge to the young aspirants. His experience and vision has been an essential factor for the Academy attaining its present standing amongst various marine training institutes in the country.

After the sad demise of Commander Syed Turab Ali on 23rd November 2005 at Hyderabad, following a prolonged illness.  The directorial and management responsibilities of Commander Ali's Academy of Merchant Navy have devolved upon Mr. Syed Akhil Ahmed, the General Manager of the Academy, as per the decision of the Directorial Board.  It is reiterated and assured that Academy's legacy and commitment to impart quality marine training, as envisioned and assiduously pursued by our late founder director would be carried forward in letter and spirit in all the future endeavours of this academy.