According to a report from the All India Seafarers Union (AISU), the maritime sector in India is facing a growing threat from fraudulent job rackets that exploit aspiring seafarers, leading to significant financial losses and disrupted career paths. The report reveals an increase in fake placement agencies and unauthorized manning agents, who target young job seekers eager to secure positions on foreign-going and coastal vessels. These agents often lure candidates with promises of high salaries and swift placements, despite many operating without valid licenses.
The report underscores the inadequacy of a centralized system for tracking fraud cases, complicating the identification of repeat offenders. Current complaints are largely filed under general cheating laws, making it difficult to gauge the full extent of the problem. AISU working president Abhijeet Sangle noted that many cases go unreported due to victims’ lack of awareness about their rights, fear of social stigma, or confusion surrounding legal procedures. Informal complaints reportedly far exceed officially registered incidents.
India is a significant contributor to the global seafarer workforce, with approximately 12% of the world’s seafarers hailing from the country. The estimated number of active Indian seafarers ranges from 285,000 to 300,000, with a predominant majority employed on foreign-flagged ships. The Director General of Shipping has expressed a desire to increase this share to 20% as part of long-term maritime strategies.
Fraudulent agents typically demand substantial upfront payments, often asking candidates to deposit money directly into personal accounts. Many victims find themselves without critical documents, such as Seafarer Employment Agreements, which leaves them exposed to potential legal pitfalls. Maritime expert Sanjay Prashar highlighted the global nature of this issue, estimating that 28-31% of seafarers confront illegal recruitment fees, particularly those entering the workforce for the first time.
Calls for stricter regulatory measures against unlicensed agents are growing, alongside a need for improved collaboration between central and state authorities. The recent Merchant Shipping Act has yet to see efficient implementation, primarily due to coordination challenges. Stakeholders advocate for the establishment of a centralized database to track fraud cases, which could help identify trends and facilitate appropriate responses to repeat offenders.
Additionally, many current victims lack support, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing regional conflicts that risk stranding seafarers in perilous situations. The Directorate General of Shipping has advised candidates to avoid intermediate sub-agents or middlemen, urging recruitment only through authorized agents as per the Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers License (RPS) rules established in 2016. The importance of verifying official credentials before making any payments is also emphasized.
Organizations such as the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) provide essential support, assisting thousands of seafarers globally. Since 2019, their helpline has managed hundreds of illegal recruitment cases involving Indian seafarers, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and proactive measures in combatting job fraud in the maritime sector.
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