On February 19, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), visited the Indian Sailors Home Society (ISHS) in Mumbai, a historic institution dedicated to supporting Indian seafarers. Accompanied by Mr. Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, and Capt. (Dr.) Daniel J. Joseph, Deputy Director General of Shipping, Mr. Dominguez received a ceremonial guard of honor, underscoring his esteemed position and contributions to the maritime industry.
During his visit, Mr. Dominguez paid homage at the Seafarers War Memorial, a solemn tribute to the sacrifices and bravery of Indian seafarers throughout history. Alongside Mr. Jagannathan, he laid a wreath at the memorial, symbolizing respect and recognition for the vital role seafarers play in global maritime operations. The memorial stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of Indian sailors who served during times of war.
Mr. Dominguez also explored the facilities at the ISHS, including the gym, medical center, yoga hall, and indoor games zone, which cater to the well-being of seafarers. He commended the comprehensive support extended to Indian seafarers, recognizing the vital contributions of organizations such as the Indian government, the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), and the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI). “It is incredible for me to see how such a big community like the Indian Seafaring Community is fully supported here, by the governments and other entities, including the International Transport Workers Federation,” said Mr. Dominguez during his address.
The General Secretary-cum-Treasurer of NUSI and Deputy Chairman of ISHS, Mr. Milind Kandalgaonkar, presented a memento to Mr. Dominguez on behalf of the Indian Sailors Home Society, marking the occasion and celebrating the camaraderie between the IMO and Indian maritime institutions.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Dominguez expressed his deep appreciation for the warm reception and his admiration for Indian seafarers’ contributions to the global maritime industry. “One of the things that I love the most about my job is this, having the opportunity to speak directly to you, the people that drive the industry,” he remarked. He also emphasized the IMO’s commitment to the welfare and professional growth of seafarers worldwide, reiterating the organization’s dedication to ensuring their safety, security, and well-being.
The visit concluded with Mr. Dominguez assuring the ISHS community of his intent to return, acknowledging the valuable opportunity to engage directly with Indian seafarers. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the chance to connect with the seafaring community and left deeply moved by the experience.
This visit not only strengthened the bond between the IMO and Indian maritime stakeholders but also highlighted the collective effort required to ensure the continued growth and welfare of the global maritime workforce.
Marex Media