Indian seafarers face numerous challenges at sea, prompting the Directorate General of Shipping to launch the Sagar Mein Yog initiative. This program integrates yoga and mindfulness into their routines, promoting physical and mental wellness. Aimed at enhancing resilience, it aligns with India’s goal to supply 20% of the world’s seafarers by 2030.
On October 18, an explosion aboard the LPG carrier ‘Falcon’ in the Gulf of Aden triggered distress signals. Captain Joginder Singh of the ‘Meda’ swiftly directed his crew to the scene, overcoming communication challenges. They successfully rescued 24 survivors, showcasing exceptional bravery and adherence to maritime safety protocols amidst perilous conditions.
A dramatic rescue unfolded off Yemen’s coast after the MV Falcon, a Cameroon-flagged LPG carrier, exploded and caught fire. EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, led by Rear Admiral Andrea Quondamatteo, swiftly responded, rescuing 24 crew members. However, two remain missing, prompting warnings to nearby vessels about the hazardous situation.
The Director General of Maritime Administration plans to blacklist 86 foreign ships linked to the abandonment of Indian seafarers. This move aims to address human rights issues and enforce compliance among Recruitment and Placement Services License holders, ensuring repatriation and wage settlement for affected seafarers, amidst rising concerns in the shipping industry.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) clarified to the Bombay High Court that there is no blanket ban on Indian seafarers with foreign Certificates of Competency (CoC). This response addresses petitions challenging a July 18 circular perceived as arbitrary, affirming that verification, not prohibition, is the focus for maritime safety.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has initiated a review of foreign certificates issued to Indian seafarers to combat fraudulent practices and protect legitimate maritime jobs. This follows a controversial guideline limiting competency certificates from certain countries, leading to protests and legal action. Affected seafarers must submit verification documents to continue working.
The Directorate General of Shipping announced that 11 ships carrying 150 Indian seafarers have set sail from Yemen’s Ras Isa port, following a significant maritime crisis triggered by an April air raid. MT GAZ GMS was the last vessel to depart on June 29, 2025, after extensive diplomatic efforts.
The Directorate General for Shipping (DG Shipping) has responded to breaches in maritime regulations by taking action against 97 hiring agencies. With 74 blocked and five facing license suspension, the DG Shipping seeks to protect Indian seafarers from exploitation, emphasizing the need for regulation and quality assurance in placement services.
The crew of the offshore support vessel Star Apollo, stranded in Indonesia since October 2024, is facing unpaid wages and poor living conditions. With the help of the ITF, they are seeking assistance to return to India. The escalating issue of seafarer abandonment highlights the need for better enforcement of maritime regulations to protect vulnerable crew members.
Seven Indian seafarers, including two engineers from Tamil Nadu, were kidnapped by pirates off the coast of Africa. The family members have appealed to the Union government for their rescue. The ship was attacked by heavily-armed pirates, and the crew activated the emergency alarm. The situation is critical, and immediate intervention is required.
France-based CMA CGM, the world’s third largest container shipping company, is set to hire Indian seafarers directly through an entity in India. This move, to be announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Marseille, aims to build a specialized pool of seafarers for the company’s ships with specific requirements.
The latest Seafarers Happiness Index reveals a troubling decline in seafarers’ morale due to isolation and workload challenges. Compounded by record abandonment rates, it’s crucial for the maritime industry to prioritize the welfare of seafarers. Addressing these issues is vital for improving their overall well-being and ensuring a sustainable future for maritime operations.
The Directorate General of Shipping has established an expert committee to evaluate Collective Bargaining Agreements for Indian seafarers, focusing on wages and working conditions. Over 350,000 Indian seafarers represent a significant portion of the global workforce. The review aims to align CBAs with national and international standards, improving conditions overall.
Maersk’s Equal at Sea initiative has significantly increased the number of female cadets in India, with a rise from 41 to over 350 this year. The company aims for equal gender representation among cadets by 2027. The initiative addresses the underrepresentation of women in the maritime industry, with only 29% of the workforce being female.
The Indian government has launched a white paper emphasizing seafarer welfare, focusing on mental health improvements. Collaboration between the Directorate General of Shipping and the National Institute of Mental Health aims to address severe depression and suicide risks among the 250,000 Indian seafarers. Industry leaders advocate for mandatory mental health resilience training.
