In response to increasing safety concerns for Indian seafarers amid recent attacks on vessels in West Asia, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has launched e-Navik 24×7, a digital grievance redressal platform. This initiative allows seafarers, shipping companies, and recruitment agencies to submit and track complaints in real time. Introduced about ten days ago, the platform is currently being rolled out to train ship crews and associated personnel on its use.
The launch comes at a critical time, as DGS data indicates multiple incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels in the region, resulting in casualties among crew members. Currently, 539 Indian seafarers are aboard vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, with many situated near the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. Historically, complaints have been received through various channels, but the new system aims to streamline this process into a single digital platform for better efficiency.
The e-Navik platform assigns a unique ticket number to each complaint, facilitating status tracking and providing automated acknowledgments. It is designed to address a range of issues, including recruitment disputes, wage issues, and welfare concerns. This initiative aligns with the Maritime India Vision 2030, which aims to enhance India’s global share of the seafaring workforce, currently standing at over 7.5 lakh registered seafarers.
While the Forward Seamen Union of India has welcomed the initiative, officials emphasize that effective implementation is crucial. General Secretary Manoj Yadav highlighted the importance of action over policy announcements, underscoring the need for tangible results to support seafarers effectively.
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