The Directorate General of Shipping, led by Additional Director General Shri Sushil Mansing Khopde, convened to address the recent detention and abandonment of Indian seafarers. Emphasizing the safety and dignity of mariners, the meeting aimed at improving repatriation processes and ensuring a coordinated response to protect Indian seafarers abroad.
Eight Indian seafarers have been cleared for release from Iran following a court ruling, offering hope to their families. They were part of a group detained when the oil tanker M.T. Valiant Roar was seized on December 8, 2022, facing harsh conditions during their captivity.
Families of 16 Indian seafarers detained in Iran since November are deeply concerned about their living conditions. Reports reveal the crew is confined in a small room with insufficient food and water. With personal devices confiscated, communication is limited. Families have appealed to the Indian government for assistance amid Iran’s political turmoil.
In 2025, Indian seafarers faced unprecedented abandonment, with 1,125 cases reported by the International Transport Workers’ Federation. Total abandoned seafarers reached 6,223, highlighting a crisis in the shipping industry. Despite the Indian government’s proactive measures, unpaid wages soared to $25.8 million, emphasizing urgent reforms needed for seafarer protection.
India’s Embassy in Iran has voiced concerns over the lack of consular access to the crew of the Valiant Roar, a tanker seized on smuggling charges. Families of the 16 Indian crew members have appealed to Prime Minister Modi, as authorities strive for legal representation and basic provisions for the crew.
The family of Ketan Mehta, a third engineer among 16 Indian crew members detained by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, has implored Prime Minister Modi for urgent assistance. The vessel, MT Valiant Roar, was accused of fuel smuggling. Ketan’s father voiced deep concerns for his son’s safety amid communication lapses.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) met with the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) to address critical grievances affecting Indian seafarers. Key issues included compensation for deceased seafarers’ families, wage disputes, and the need for stronger support systems. DG Shipping committed to prioritizing seafarer welfare and reviewing all concerns collaboratively.
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.
