New Delhi: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, announced in a Rajya Sabha reply that the introduction of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, which takes effect on March 15, 2026, significantly enhances India’s maritime regulatory framework. This modern legislation aligns with international standards and aims to ensure the safety, rights, and welfare of Indian seafarers, particularly amidst complex global security challenges.
The Act establishes a robust framework to protect seafarers’ rights, incorporating legal safeguards against abandonment and fortifying the regulation of Recruitment and Placement Service agencies. By reinforcing commitments to international standards, including the Maritime Labour Convention, the legislation aims to ensure the welfare of seafarers across India’s maritime interests.
Given rising geopolitical tensions that influence shipping routes, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has issued advisories focusing on the safety of Indian seafarers in sensitive maritime regions, such as around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. These advisories outline precautionary measures, including strict security protocols, mandatory reporting standards, and enhanced emergency contact systems.
The DGMA’s ongoing measures include directives to suspend the deployment of Indian seafarers in conflict zones and the establishment of emergency helplines. These steps aim to strengthen emergency response capabilities and ensure timely assistance for seafarers, reflecting India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime workforce amid emerging global security risks.
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