Pratik Bijlani –
On 29th April, the Marine Medical Examiners Conclave 2025 was organised under the aegis of the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) and curated & managed by Marex Media Pvt Ltd at the Hotel Novotel in Mumbai. This event brought together maritime medical professionals, shipowners, regulators, and key industry stakeholders to focus on the critical health and well-being of seafarers. With discussions centred on elevating medical examination standards, addressing mental health challenges, and embracing technological advancements, the conclave was a testament to the industry’s collective commitment to safeguarding seafarers’ welfare. The Conclave focused on reviewing recent regulatory changes issued by DGS concerning medical examinations of seafarers, clarifying ambiguities, and enhancing the examination process in alignment with international maritime health standards.
The event featured esteemed guests such as Mr Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, as Chief Guest, and Capt SI Abul Kalam Azad, Nautical Adviser-cum-Addl DG (Nautical) (I/C), as Guest of Honor. Distinguished guests included Capt (Dr) Rajesh Tandon, CEO of FOSMA; Ms Deepti Mankad, Founder of Mindspeak; Capt MP Bhasin, Master Chairman of CMMI; Dr Pandurang Raut, Deputy Director General of Shipping; Capt. Anish Joseph, Deputy Nautical Advisor; Capt SM Halbe, CEO at MASSA; Capt. Philip Matthews, Director at SIMTF; and Mr Deepak Shetty, Former DG of Shipping.
Dr. Jacob Matthews, MD at Sea Bird Medicare Centre delivered a heartfelt welcome address, emphasizing the vital role of maritime medical professionals in protecting seafarers’ health at sea and ashore. His remarks set the tone for the day, commending stakeholders for their dedication to advancing maritime welfare. In his speech on the Conclave Objectives, Dr VZ Belani, Founder and Medical Director, Dr Belani’s Blue Shield Medical Clinic emphasized the critical importance of seafarer health in ensuring maritime safety and operational efficiency.
Key objectives included promoting best practices in accuracy, efficiency, and ethics, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and advancing professional development through education and certification. Dr Belani emphasized maintaining high standards without excessive administrative burdens, ensuring quality medical services, and building a resilient framework to enhance global credibility and safeguard seafarer well-being.
Capt. Azad passionately highlighted discrepancies in current practices, emphasizing the importance of ethical and rigorous medical evaluations. Drawing attention to a tragic incident involving an unfit master that resulted in a vessel sinking, he stated, “We can’t afford deaths on board. The medical examination of seafarers must be taken seriously.” His address underscored the dire consequences of cost-cutting measures and the ethical imperative to prioritize safety over expedience.
Chief Guest Mr Jagannathan delivered an inspiring address, lauding the life-saving contributions of maritime medical professionals. He unveiled the Sagar May Yog initiative, a holistic wellness program designed to address the lifestyle, fitness, and nutrition needs of seafarers. Reflecting on their indispensable role, he remarked, “You not only save lives; you also give life. And you take oath before you start your professional application. My first salute is to all of you for simply professing your profession as medical professionals and partnering us.” His words resonated deeply with the audience, reaffirming the vital intersection of healthcare and maritime safety.
Capt Nitin Mukesh, Dy Nautical Advisor-cum Sr DDG (Tech) unveiled the Merchant Shipping Medical Examination Rules 2025, aligning Indian seafarer medical standards with global benchmarks. These reforms emphasize rigorous health assessments, inclusivity for transgender applicants, and international best practices. Highlighting transparency and accountability, Capt. Mukesh stressed their transformative impact on maritime safety and medical certification integrity in India.
The first panel, Optimizing Maritime Medical Examiner Services delved into harmonizing Indian standards with global frameworks, tackling pressing health issues such as diabetes and seafarer non-disclosure. Led by moderator Capt Tandon, the discussion brought together industry leaders, regulators, and medical experts. Capt Mukesh underscored the importance of transparency and adherence to WHO and IMO guidelines. Capt Bhasin highlighted a critical challenge, noting that India’s high diabetes prevalence, driven by changing food habits and lifestyles, poses a significant risk to seafarer fitness. The panel reached a consensus on several key actions: mandatory training for medical examiners, clear regulatory guidelines, and enhanced seafarer education on health responsibilities. These measures aim to bolster the global credibility of Indian seafarers while prioritizing their well-being and ensuring fair certification processes.
The second panel, Medical Facilities, Inspections, Quality Assurance for Laboratory, moderated by Capt Deepak Gupta, examined the proposed DG guidelines for Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEME) centers. The discussion centered on aligning standards with WHO and IMO, ensuring compliance with NABL/NABH/ISO 15189, and addressing challenges such as non-disclosure and subpar medical examinations. Panellists highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to analyze medical data and identify areas for improvement in seafarer health. While acknowledging the associated costs, industry stakeholders emphasized the long-term benefits, including reduced Protection and Indemnity (P&I) claims and enhanced medical assurance. The session culminated in practical recommendations for refining the guidelines, ultimately benefiting seafarers and stakeholders alike.
The final panel, Medical Guidelines for Examiners & Sustainability of AYUSH Doctors moderated by Capt Halbe, focused on critical updates to DGS guidelines and the potential inclusion of AYUSH practitioners as medical examiners. The discussion emphasized the need to align medical standards with international benchmarks, such as ILO and WHO guidelines, and address gaps in current practices, including fitness criteria for eyesight and hearing. The suitability of AYUSH doctors as medical examiners sparked a nuanced debate, with advocates highlighting their statutory rights, training, and contributions to preventive healthcare. The panel concluded with actionable recommendations for updating medical standards, fostering inclusivity, and improving healthcare accessibility for India’s expanding seafarer population.”
The event culminated with an insightful summary by Capt Albe Zachariah, General Manager, MOL, who effectively distilled the key takeaways and actionable outcomes from the discussions, providing a fitting conclusion to the event.
The event underscored the importance of collaboration in enhancing seafarer health and well-being. Attendees then engaged in a lively networking session over high tea, fostering connections and discussions that will shape the future of maritime medical standards and practices.
Marex Media