The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has launched a six-month Structured Onboard Training Programme aboard the MV Swaraj Dweep. Initiated on July 15, 2026, this initiative aims to enhance the employability of Indian seafarers by providing essential onboard training for General Purpose Rating and Maritime Catering trainees.
Captain Hari Subramaniam, Howden’s chief growth officer for marine, highlights a looming seafarer shortage, evident in reports from BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping. He stresses that this issue has evolved from a theoretical concern to a pressing crisis, necessitating immediate action to retain skilled maritime talent for a sustainable future.
On Sunday, the Indian government urged citizens to assess security conditions before accepting jobs in conflict-affected maritime zones, particularly the Black Sea. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted risks from missile and drone strikes, following recent incidents that resulted in the deaths of five Indian nationals aboard commercial vessels.
The United Nations has urged Gulf nations to aid in evacuating around 6,000 seafarers stranded in conflict zones due to escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. U.N. High Commissioner Volker Türk highlighted the urgent need for collaboration to ensure the safety of these maritime workers amid ongoing hostilities.
All 28 Indian crew members aboard the Mozambique-flagged LPG tanker DISHA are reported safe after an attack in Iranian waters, confirmed by the Indian Embassy in Tehran. The embassy is coordinating with Iranian authorities, monitoring the situation closely. This incident raises concerns about the safety of Indian sailors in volatile regions.
An Indian sailor tragically lost his life when a commercial vessel was attacked in the Black Sea, prompting strong condemnation from India. The Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with authorities to ensure the safety of the remaining crew. This incident underscores the dangers faced by maritime personnel in conflict zones.
During the 21st East Asia Summit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged for dialogue to resolve the West Asia conflict, emphasizing the need for safety in international waterways. He condemned attacks on seafarers and stressed that international law must govern maritime operations, highlighting the global economy’s vulnerability amid rising tensions.
During the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers in the Black Sea with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This followed the tragic deaths of four Indian crew members from the MV Golden Leo, highlighting escalating regional tensions.
The High Commission of India in Accra has successfully repatriated nine Indian crew members from the M/V Rahaf Moon, who had been stranded in Ghana. This operation exemplifies effective diplomatic efforts, showcasing collaboration with the Ghana Maritime Authority and other partners to ensure the crew’s safe return to India on July 23, 2026.
Four Indian seafarers lost their lives and one was critically injured when the MV Golden Leo, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged merchant vessel, was struck by a missile while departing Ukraine’s Port of Odesa. This tragic incident marks the first fatalities among Indian seafarers since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Five crew members from the MV Berkat Tuah have returned home after being stranded in Dubai for months. They disembarked on July 18, following efforts by the Malaysian Consulate. The crew, owed six months’ salary, expressed relief and gratitude, with one member prioritizing family time after their ordeal.
Women make up just 1% of the global seafarer workforce, a statistic that has seen little improvement despite industry commitments to diversity. A recent survey of shipping leaders highlights ongoing challenges, particularly an aging workforce and the urgent need for trained crews. Enhanced welfare and training programs aim to attract more women.
John Merrone, a former U.S. merchant ship captain, has pleaded guilty to federal charges of drugging and sexually assaulting a USMMA cadet aboard the cargo ship Liberty Glory. The incident, which occurred in 2019, involved administering an intoxicating substance without consent, resulting in significant scrutiny of maritime conduct and policies.
The ISWAN SeafarerHelp 2025 Annual Review highlights critical issues for seafarers, with contractual breaches and wage theft comprising 25.4% of helpline cases. Abandonment rates surged to 6,223, exposing systemic exploitation. Financially, abandoned seafarers are owed $25.8 million, with a significant portion still disputed, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory reform.
India contributes about 12% of the global maritime workforce, but Indian seafarers face significant risks. Recent attacks in the Strait of Hormuz resulted in seven out of 16 fatalities being Indian. Additionally, they represent 18% of crew abandoned by shipowners globally, raising serious concerns about their welfare and safety at sea.
