In India, approximately 80% of seafarers work on foreign-flagged ships, making the recent directive from the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) controversial. A circular issued on July 18 prohibits Indian seafarers with certificates from non-recognized maritime administrations from sailing on these vessels, a move intended to address what the DGS termed “fraudulent” practices in obtaining maritime certifications.
This directive has incited intense backlash from the maritime community, particularly as many fear losing their jobs. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has led demonstrations to demand the withdrawal of the circular, describing it as a severe threat to employment for thousands of Indian seafarers. The FSUI calls into question the validity of only allowing certifications from Indian maritime authorities or from select countries with mutual recognition agreements with India, which include Malaysia, the UAE, and South Korea among others. The criteria also exclude significant maritime jurisdictions like Panama and Liberia, thus endangering the legitimacy of certifications held by many seafarers.
Manoj Yadav, the General Secretary of the FSUI, emphasized that the new regulations might disrupt careers and inflict financial distress on many qualified seafarers. Furthermore, the requirement for certificates to be verified only from DGS-approved institutions imposes additional barriers that risk disqualifying trained professionals while adding compliance complexity for recruitment agencies.
In response to these concerns, the FSUI has petitioned the DGS not only to revoke the July circular but also to address broader issues affecting seafarers, such as the need for protections against abandonment at foreign ports, access to shore leave, and the establishment of pension benefits. During talks with officials, the union was informed that the matter is currently sub judice, limiting the ability to alter the regulations at this time.
The DGS cites issues of fraud, where agents entice seafarers with unapproved certifications or promises of employment opportunities that fail to materialize. Investigations revealed that some seafarers fell victim to scams involving fake maritime training institutes. The DGS has undertaken measures to combat these frauds, including initiating criminal complaints against fraudulent operators.
In addition to the controversial circular, the FSUI highlighted new age norms for vessels issued in 2023, critiquing them for lack of empirical validation and emphasizing the importance of seafarers’ employment stability. The FSUI calls for a holistic discussion involving various stakeholders including trade unions and training institutes to address these pressing issues collaboratively.
As the situation develops, the FSUI warns that further action including industrial action may be necessary should prompt changes not be made to safeguard the interests of seafarers, protecting their dignity and livelihoods amidst an evolving maritime regulatory landscape.
