Padmesh Prabhune
With a focus on the improving the overall wellbeing of Indian Seafarers the Directorate General of Shipping of India has recently constituted a Task Force for ‘Sagar Mein Yog’ and ‘Maritime Task Force for Women Seafarers’ to champion women’s well-being at sea and ashore under its initiative- ‘Sagar Mein Samman’.
India, with its rich maritime talent pool is the third largest supplier of seafarers to the global maritime industry, providing 9.35% of the world’s seafarers. While the numbers of active Indian seafarers in year 2023 grew to 2,85,454 as compared to 62,267 seafarers in 2010, the number of registered women seafarers in India has also increased from 1,699 in the year 2014 to 10,440 in 2023.
Speaking about the initiatives, Capt. Daniel Joseph, Dy. Director, DG Shipping, said, “The Directorate General of Shipping is steadfastly committed to implementing initiatives that prioritize the mental and physical health of seafarers. Seafarers are subjected to rigorous working conditions and prolonged periods away from their families, often leading to significant challenges in maintaining their overall well-being”.
While the Task Force for ‘Sagar Mein Yog’ envisions to form a committee of Yoga Experts (Gurus) to review the yoga syllabus with inputs and comments for necessary changes for finalizing the syllabus for seafarers undergoing pre-sea, post-sea courses in Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) and for seafarers during their contractual obligations while sailing at sea / ports, the ‘Maritime Task Force for Women Seafarers’ has been developed under its ‘Sagar Mein Samman’ that translates to Honour at Sea, an initiative to protect and enhance the well-being of women seafarers. Policy framework will be evolved with consultation with all stakeholders and subject experts.
Capt. Daniel added, “Seafaring is a profession that demands the utmost physical and mental resilience. The initiative serves three primary objectives – recognition and respect, well-being and mental health, safety and security to ensure safe and secure working conditions on board. By focusing on these three pillars, the initiative seeks to create an environment where seafarers feel supported, respected and valued.”
Marex Media