The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) plans to enhance its monitoring framework to include all Indian seafarers, regardless of the flag their vessels fly, as announced by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. This initiative aims to bolster the safety, welfare, and regulatory oversight of Indian maritime professionals working on ships globally.
The new monitoring mechanism will allow DG Shipping to oversee Indian seafarers on both Indian and foreign-flagged vessels more effectively. This enhancement is anticipated to improve communication during emergencies, facilitate quicker responses to accidents or crises, and ensure timely assistance for crew members, irrespective of their employer.
With India being one of the largest providers of skilled seafarers to the global shipping industry, the upgraded system seeks to improve visibility on their deployment and employment status while ensuring compliance with international maritime labor standards. This initiative fosters better data management and coordination among DG Shipping, recruitment agencies, shipowners, and other maritime stakeholders.
Moreover, this announcement aligns with the government’s broader objective to modernize maritime governance and enhance digital oversight. By extending monitoring to all Indian crew members, DG Shipping aims to ensure greater protection, regulatory compliance, and effective support for Indian seafarers navigating international waters.
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