A coalition of shipowners, seafarer advocates, and maritime stakeholders is contemplating legal action against a 2023 directive from the Director General of Shipping (DGS) that mandates the scrapping of vessels older than 20 years. They argue that this directive could endanger the jobs of over 25,000 seafarers. The group has also criticized penalties imposed on Recruitment and Placement Services License (RPSL) companies, claiming these measures threaten the essential connections between seafarers and ships.
On Tuesday, shipowners voiced their opposition to DGS order no. 6, which not only limits vessel age but also introduces penalties for RPSL companies. Aishwarya Gupta Pilankar, vice-chairman of the International Maritime Federation (IMF), described these “arbitrary decisions” as being made without adequate consultation with stakeholders.
The maritime community is increasingly concerned about the implications of these regulations. Stakeholders emphasize the need for dialogue to ensure that policies support both maritime safety and the livelihoods of those working in the industry. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between regulatory measures and the economic realities faced by maritime professionals.
