The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), India’s maritime regulatory authority, has barred 366 foreign-flagged vessels from hiring Indian seafarers. This decision stems from allegations that these ships have abandoned sailors by failing to pay wages, denying compensation in cases of death or disappearance, and subjecting crew members to harsh conditions without proper support for repatriation.
The DG Shipping emphasized that these actions violate both national maritime regulations and international obligations. In a circular directed at Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) holders, the regulator categorized 278 of the vessels as “restricted” and 88 as “blacklisted.” This classification serves as a warning to RPSLs against placing Indian seafarers on these ships.
Furthermore, the DG Shipping has mandated that all RPSLs provide details of Indian seafarers currently employed on these vessels within a 14-day timeframe. The regulator’s directive highlights the serious violations regarding seafarer welfare and abandonment practices, reinforcing the need for compliance with international conventions.
The order states that these vessels are prohibited from engaging Indian seafarers through any DG Shipping-approved RPSL until they rectify the identified issues. This move underscores the commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Indian seafarers.
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