NEW DELHI: A pivotal advancement for India’s maritime workforce has emerged as the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), part of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Shore Leave Passes (SLP) applicable to crew members and supernumeraries on Indian-flag coastal vessels. This new SOP, distributed to all relevant stakeholders for prompt implementation, signifies a substantial policy change aimed at enhancing the welfare of Indian seafarers while boosting operational efficiency at the nation’s ports.
The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) hailed this initiative as a historic victory, the result of years of dedicated advocacy and constructive dialogue with the Government of India, the National Shipping Board (NSB), and the DGMA. NUSI noted that this reform acknowledges shore leave as a fundamental right, crucial for the health and dignity of seafarers, aligning with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) and the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
Under the new SOP, seafarers will no longer need to visit Immigration Offices for issuing or extending Shore Leave Passes within port limits. Instead, Port Authorities will directly facilitate shore leave through a streamlined process. Additionally, sign-on and sign-off procedures have been simplified, significantly reducing delays and administrative burdens, which will enhance port operational efficiency and improve the quality of life for Indian seafarers.
NUSI recognized the collaborative efforts of various ministries and stakeholders in achieving this reform, underscoring the effectiveness of sustained dialogue in addressing the maritime community’s concerns. The union reiterated its commitment to fostering a safer, fairer, and more dignified working environment for all Indian seafarers.
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