Pratik Bijlani
On October 21, Maritime Management Service Group (MMS) and its affiliates presented a comprehensive lecture, ‘RPSL: Trends, Case Studies, and Way Forward,’ at Mumbai’s Garware Club. Industry leaders and maritime experts convened to examine pivotal RPSL system concerns, discussing emerging trends and strategic futures. Capt Daniel Joseph, Deputy Director General of DG Shipping, delivered the keynote address, offering expert insights on regulatory frameworks, compliance, and seafarer welfare.”
The event drew prominent industry figures, including Mr Aniruddha Godbole, MD of MMS Group; Dr Sagarika Damle, Executive Director of MMS Group; and esteemed CEOs: Capt Sudhir Naphade (MMS Group); Capt. Rajesh Tandon (FOSMA); and Capt Shiv Halbe (MASSA). Other notable attendees included Capt Philip Matthews (SIMTI Director), Capt Tushar Pradhan (MUI General Secretary), and Capt Nazir Upadhye (Sibamar Marine Logistics MD).
Dr Damle warmly welcomed distinguished industry leaders and members of the press to the event. Her address honoured the legacy of her late father, Suresh Godbole, founder of MMS Group, who tirelessly advocated for Indian seafarers’ welfare. Today, the group continues this legacy under the leadership of Aniruddha Godbole and a seasoned team.
She underscored the lecture’s significance, addressing pressing industry concerns such as cybersecurity and maritime terrorism. “This initiative marks the beginning of our pursuit to enhance our maritime expertise,” she stated, “and engage with fellow professionals who recognize the importance of staying abreast of the latest developments.”
In his presentation, Interaction with RPS Industry, Capt Joseph provided an in-depth analysis of Indian seafarers’ challenges, particularly abandonment cases. He discussed recent Directorate initiatives, including a severity-based categorization system and a 24/7 helpline, and examined complexities arising from expired or forged P&I insurance and protracted legal issues.
He shed light on the Directorate’s efforts to combat exploitation in the RPS industry, revealing instances of deceitful practices by third-party agents and some RPS companies. These schemes included fake job offers and visa misuse, which misled unsuspecting seafarers. To tackle these issues, the Directorate has been working to boost regulatory compliance, guided by a comprehensive 30-page document outlining functional requirements, accountability matrices, and efficient processing timelines. By introducing these below measures, the Directorate aims to protect seafarers from exploitation and foster a safer, more transparent work environment.
- Enhanced Regulatory Compliance: Efforts to increase compliance, ensuring companies adhere to industry standards
- Digital Grievance Module: A streamlined platform for seafarers to report concerns, covering crisis management and seafarer rights
- Accountability and Transparency: Measures to promote accountability and transparency within the industry
Capt. Joseph’s poignant statement resonated with attendees: ‘Every life at sea is invaluable. Our objective is to guarantee seafarers’ safety and support, as timely interventions can be lifesaving.’ He highlighted the Directorate’s partnership with NGOs like ITF and Sailors Society, providing comprehensive assistance, including legal and crisis support, to all seafarers.
The programme featured an interactive quiz, expertly facilitated by Capt. Joseph, designed to evaluate participants’ familiarity with RPSL policies, MLC requirements, and seafarer welfare protocols. The event culminated in a Q&A session, followed by a networking tea, where attendees departed with enhanced insights into the crucial role of compliance, training, and vigilance in protecting Indian seafarers.
Marex Media