The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has taken a strong stance by blacklisting 86 foreign vessels due to ongoing issues with Indian seafarers being abandoned, not receiving their wages, or even facing imprisonment. Investigations have shown that many of these ships are operating without essential documents, such as valid Protection & Indemnity (P&I) insurance, and often go unresponsive when contacted by Flag States or Port States, reports Marine Insight.
Violations and Unsafe Conditions
As outlined in the DGS circular, some of these vessels have a troubling history of abandoning crew members. Indian sailors have encountered:
Investigations conducted by the Director of Seamen’s Employment Offices (DSEO) and the Crew Branch of DGS have confirmed that these violations are not isolated incidents. There’s also been a noted lack of compliance from certain Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies, including the deployment of seafarers without the necessary Form–1 documentation.
Directives to RPSL Companies
Under the directive, all RPSL companies must:
Additionally, companies that have previously deployed seafarers on these ships must submit a detailed report within 14 working days, including:
Failure to comply may result in strict penalties, including suspension or cancellation of RPSL licenses, blacklisting of agencies, and legal proceedings under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC).
Protection of Seafarers’ Rights
The DGS emphasised that this initiative aims to safeguard the rights, dignity, and well-being of Indian seafarers, all while making sure that India meets its international commitments under the MLC, 2006. While the blacklist mainly limits the deployment of Indian crew members, it’s still unclear how it will affect the port calls of the vessels on that list.
Impact on Seafarers and Families
The circular pointed out that these vessels have consistently brought challenges to Indian seafarers and their families, including:
Source: Marine Insight
