INTERCARGO has observed a concerning increase in attacks on merchant vessels, marking a shift towards targeting commercial shipping directly. This trend poses significant risks to seafarers, who are vital to global trade. We urge governments and international bodies to take action to protect civilian shipping and ensure crew safety.
The United Nations has urgently called for the protection of seafarers trapped in conflict zones, emphasizing their dire circumstances. HRRC condemned attacks on civilian vessels and the abandonment of seafarers, urging all parties to ensure essential supplies, safe evacuation, and payment of wages, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and humanitarian law enforcement.
Sascha Meijer, assistant general secretary of Nautilus International, highlighted the urgent need for women’s rights in the maritime sector during a networking event on March 9. She emphasized ongoing challenges like slower career advancement and harassment, calling for accountability and modernized work practices to support both women and men in the industry.
The maritime safety situation in Ukraine has worsened after the MV AGN Ragnar incident at Odesa port on July 25, leaving two Indian crew members missing. In response, the Indian government is collaborating with Ukrainian authorities to locate them, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced maritime security in conflict zones.
On July 28, the Indian Coast Guard successfully evacuated two injured seafarers from a Panama-flagged vessel off Goa’s coast. Jismsher Davitaze, 37, and Arun Babu Varukattu, 34, received urgent medical attention after their rescue, highlighting the Coast Guard’s vital role in maritime safety and emergency response.
Thirteen Indian seafarers are stranded aboard the MV AMIR1 at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port, facing life-threatening conditions due to ongoing drone and missile attacks. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India has urgently called for action from shipowners and government officials to ensure the crew’s safety and facilitate their evacuation.
The Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI) has highlighted a critical shortage of maritime officers, with a gap of 39,100 certified positions globally. PAMI President Sabino Czar Cloma Manglicmot emphasizes that regulatory pressures hinder maritime education. Immediate policy reforms are necessary to align training with international standards and address the systemic crisis.
Mintra has launched an integration with K-REG, Norway’s digital competence registry, automating course result registrations. This streamlines processes for employers, reducing manual data entry and enhancing workflow between training and official documentation. The feature is available to eligible customers, ensuring accurate competency records for the maritime and offshore sectors.
A significant advancement for India’s maritime workforce has been announced with the release of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Shore Leave Passes by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration. This initiative aims to enhance the welfare of Indian seafarers and improve operational efficiency at the nation’s ports.
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.
