The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in India has made a pivotal advance in promoting crew welfare and workplace safety at sea through Circular No. 53 of 2025. This circular introduces a new training module aimed at addressing various forms of violence, including harassment, bullying, sexual harassment, and sexual assault within the maritime industry.
As part of this initiative, a three-hour training module has been integrated into the existing Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR) course as part of Basic Safety Training. This aligns with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention. The module will be mandated at all Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) starting from 15 December 2025, with compulsory participation for all seafarers effective 1 January 2026.
To facilitate this transition, MTIs must revise their training curriculum to incorporate the new competency module. Additionally, seafarers currently not at sea are required to complete an e-learning course, identified as Course ID 957, as outlined by the DGS.
Industry stakeholders have positively received this move, emphasizing that enhancing behavioral awareness and preventive training is essential in tackling a rising global concern in maritime operations. This initiative illustrates India’s ongoing commitment to global maritime safety standards, ensuring a secure and respectful environment for seafarers.
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