In an effort to address malpractices in recruitment and protect seafarers from exploitation, India has issued a 10-point advisory. This initiative follows reports of unauthorized recruitment agents misleading and financially exploiting seafarers under the guise of job offers on foreign-flagged vessels. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has strongly advised seafarers to avoid these unauthorized agencies and to seek employment only through registered Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) companies.
The advisory emphasizes the importance of verifying the authenticity of RPSL companies before engaging with them. To aid in this effort, the DGS has implemented a live system on its website that continuously updates the status of RPSLs, indicating whether they are valid, invalid, or temporarily blocked. Seafarers and their families are urged to exercise caution, particularly against paying for job placements or sharing personal documents with unknown individuals.
Additionally, the advisory highlights the significant risks faced by seafarers recruited through unauthorized channels, including lack of support during emergencies and wage disputes. The DGS encourages affected individuals to report fraudulent activities and seek assistance directly from the Directorate General of Shipping. In recent years, the issue of abandonment has escalated, with 2023 seeing a record number of Indian seafarers abandoned at sea, underscoring the urgent need for protective measures.
