The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has taken significant action in response to a series of fatal accidents involving young Indian seafarers by prohibiting their recruitment in Malaysia’s Sarawak Region. This directive specifically targets Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies, which are now barred from employing Indian seafarers on inland, riverine, and coastal vessels in the area. The decision stems from ongoing safety concerns, as these accidents have occurred repeatedly over the years.
In collaboration with the Malaysia Marine Department (MMD), the DGMA aims to enhance safety protocols for Indian seafarers. The MMD has provided recommendations to improve the recruitment, deployment, and operational safety of Indian personnel on Malaysian-flagged vessels, emphasizing the need to mitigate fatalities in this sector. Citing the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, the DGMA has formally instructed RPSL agencies to adhere to these new regulations.
Additionally, the DGMA has mandated that RPSL agencies ensure mandatory insurance coverage for Indian seafarers working on foreign-flagged vessels. This requirement applies particularly to those vessels lacking Protection & Indemnity (P&I) insurance, necessitating a minimum coverage of ₹1 crore per seafarer from recognized Indian insurers. This initiative is designed to uphold the dignity and safety of Indian seafarers while providing essential financial security.
