Pratik Bijlani –
On July 26, the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) hosted a critical symposium at The Park hotel in Navi Mumbai to address the issues that Indian seafarers confront abroad. The symposium, which focused on seafarer safety and the role of insurance during uncertain times, brought together industry leaders, union officials, and insurance specialists to debate solutions to a number of critical concerns.
Critical subjects mentioned included seafarer abandonment, wage non-payment, strandings, and marine accidents. The conference also discussed the necessity of building cross-border connections to preserve seafarers’ rights, particularly in light of recent occurrences such as the capture of the MSC Aries by Iranian authorities and the continued arrest of the MV Dali crew, who are facing criminal charges.
The event was attended by prominent figures in the maritime industry, including Capt Nazir Upadhye, Director, Sibamar Marine Logistics Pvt Ltd; Ms Aishwarya Pilankar, MD, Nautical Marine Management Services; Capt Raj Sinha, Ex-Chairman, the IMF; and Capt Shravan Kumar, CEO, Peninsular Maritime Services Pvt Ltd. Representatives from LIC and SBI Bank also spoke on the role of insurance in protecting sailors and their families.
Mr Manoj Yadav, General Secretary, FSUI delivered an introductory statement during the event, emphasising the need of protecting seafarers during these difficult times. He emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure the protection and well-being of Indian seafarers, stating, “We are all part of the same industry that has vowed India’s contribution in global shipping, but in 2024 alone, out of the 1,672 seafarers abandoned globally, 411 are our country’s people.”
Ms Pilankar led the first session, which discussed the different problems that seafarers confront in terms of safety and basic necessities. She showed upsetting photos of terrible living circumstances, stress and exhaustion from overworking in dangerous surroundings, and a lack of basic medical services. She also talked about sea accidents, their causes, and the serious implications for property, people, and the environment. She also cited MS Notice 11 published by India’s Directorate General of Shipping, which focusses on protecting seafarers’ rights and maintaining ethical maritime practices, including requirements for fair treatment, sufficient rest intervals, and safe working environments on board ships.
Capt Kumar then delivered a presentation on seafarer exploitation, which included illegal recruitment methods, false promises made by multinational recruiters, and severe working conditions. He highlighted malpractices such as illegal recruitment fees and poor working conditions, and proposed solutions such as increased seafarer security, recruitment practice regulation, legal assistance, improved working conditions, ship owner accountability measures, government support, and international cooperation to combat piracy and terrorism. Capt. Kumar emphasised, “We as sailors do not have legal representation; the cargo owner, the ship owner, the ship manager, everyone has hired a lawyer for every imaginable situation. But there is no lawyer for the same master who is under all of this strain.”
The conference closed with representatives from SBI Bank and LIC talking about insurance plans and how they may help sailors. They worked with the audience to identify the best insurance products that would safeguard seamen and their families while still being affordable for shipping company owners.
The FSUI seminar provided a valuable forum for addressing the crucial concerns confronting Indian seafarers, emphasising the importance of complete protection measures and the critical role of insurance in ensuring their well-being during difficult times.
Marex Media