Expert Committee Set Up by DGS to Revise Collective Bargaining Agreements for Indian Seafarers

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has formed an expert committee to assess the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) for Indian seafarers, focusing on wages, working conditions, and compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). This initiative comes in response to the challenges faced by over 350,000 Indian seafarers, who represent 10-12% of the global maritime workforce and are esteemed for their technical skills and adaptability.

The committee will analyze current CBAs, highlighting their benefits and shortcomings, and will recommend necessary changes to improve conditions and align them with national and international standards. Additionally, it will evaluate minimum wage policies for seafarers, coordinating efforts between the DGS and the Ministry of Labour and Employment, which currently oversees labor wage notifications.

Integral to its mission is addressing death and disability compensation disparities between Indian and foreign vessels. The review aims to determine whether compensation should be standardized across all ships. DGS will collaborate with maritime industry representatives to enhance seafarers’ well-being both at sea and ashore, marking a significant governmental engagement in this sector. Overall, the committee’s outcomes may influence the establishment of minimum salary benchmarks for Indian seafarers on all types of vessels.

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