FSUI Urges IMO to Tackle Fraudulent Maritime Registrations
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has called on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to address the issues of fraudulent ship registrations and forged insurance documents, which pose significant risks to seafarers and complicate compensation claims for families after maritime fatalities. In a letter to the IMO Secretary-General, the FSUI expressed concern over vessels operating under suspicious flag registrations and questionable Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance, particularly in high-risk regions like the Persian Gulf.
FSUI highlighted several alarming incidents, including the detention of three tankers—Asphalt Star, Stellar Ruby, and Al Jafzia—in Mumbai due to suspected fraudulent activities. The union also pointed to the tragic case of the Palau-registered tanker Settebello, where three Indian seafarers lost their lives, allegedly due to a fraudulent P&I insurance certificate. Furthermore, it reported the death of a second officer aboard the Celestial Sea, which lacked valid registration, while navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
The FSUI emphasized that shadow fleet operations, often linked to sanctioned activities, operate under dubious documentation and ownership structures. Many of these vessels are reportedly controlled by companies based in the United Arab Emirates. The union urged the IMO to take immediate action to mitigate the dangers posed by these fraudulent practices and to support families affected by such incidents.
In response, the IMO acknowledged the FSUI’s concerns regarding fraudulent registrations and the challenges faced by families of deceased seafarers. While the organization reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing seafarer safety, it did not outline specific enforcement actions against the identified vessels. This dialogue occurs alongside the IMO’s broader efforts to combat fraudulent registrations, including the introduction of new guidelines aimed at improving oversight and ownership verification in the maritime industry.
