The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in India has issued a crucial 10-point advisory aimed at protecting seafarers from fraudulent recruitment practices. This advisory comes in response to rising reports of seafarers being misled and financially exploited by unauthorized recruitment and placement agents, who falsely promise job offers on foreign-flagged vessels.
The DGS emphasizes the importance of engaging only with registered Recruitment and Placement Services License (RPSL) companies. The RPSL is a mandatory certification that ensures recruitment agencies follow ethical practices, offer seafarer protection, and comply with international conventions such as the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006. This certification mandates regular reporting to the DGS, and non-compliance can lead to penalties. The advisory also details that seafarers should verify the real-time status of any RPSL via the DGS’s continuously updated online system and refrain from interactions with invalid or temporarily blocked agencies.
Reports indicate that seafarers recruited through unauthorized agents experience several issues, including lack of support during accidents, injuries, and medical emergencies, as these agents often evade responsibility in cases of wage disputes or even the death of a seafarer. The DGS highlights that sea service acquired through unregistered agents is not recognized, making it crucial for seafarers to ensure that their recruitment channels are legitimate.
As per recent statistics, India ranks as the third-largest supplier of seafarers globally, with around 2.85 to 3 lakhs actively employed. Fraudulent practices in recruitment threaten not only these individuals but also the maritime sector as a whole, undermining safety and well-being. Shyam Jagannathan, the Director General of Shipping, notes that ongoing initiatives are in place to combat fraudulent practices, including extensive public awareness campaigns in collaboration with organizations like the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN).
Since 2019, ISWAN has reported a worrying trend of illegal recruitment affecting thousands of Indian seafarers, with many victims seeking help after being charged high fees by fraudulent agencies, only to find job offers that fell short of promises. For instance, a recent case involved seafarers who paid Rs 2,00,000 each to an unlicensed agency, only to face dire conditions and unpaid salaries upon joining a vessel.
To combat these fraudulent operations, the DGS has adopted a zero-tolerance approach. Authorities will block the online privileges of any RPS agency found engaging in dishonest practices, with audits and investigations conducted for a comprehensive assessment of misconduct. In severe cases, agencies may lose their licenses and the directors may face debarment from maritime activities for five years, in alignment with provisions outlined in the Companies Act and the Merchant Shipping Act.
In conclusion, the DGS advisory serves as a crucial guide for seafarers and their families, emphasizing the need for vigilance against unauthorized recruitment to safeguard their employment and well-being in the maritime industry.
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