Pratik Bijlani
On 21st August, the Directorate General of Shipping hosted the SWFS (Seafarers Welfare Fund Society) Symposium on Seafarers’ Recruitment and Welfare at the CIDCO Convention Centre, Vashi, Mumbai. The event brought together government leaders, industry stakeholders, international representatives, and unions to deliberate on the future of Indian seafaring, addressing recruitment, welfare, regulation, and global competitiveness.
The symposium was inaugurated with a welcome address by Capt. Nitin Mukesh, Member Secretary, SWFS, who hailed seafarers as the backbone of India’s maritime sector and unveiled the Crew Manual and Annual Report of Crew Branch: 2024-25. He set the tone for the day by emphasizing dignity, rights, and professional growth for seafarers while expressing hope that the symposium would lead to actionable solutions and stronger partnerships.
Capt. P.C. Meena outlined the symposium’s objectives, reiterating India’s position as the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers and the nation’s target of reaching 10 lakh seafarers by 2030. He raised pressing concerns of abandonment, unpaid wages, and fraud, calling for collective accountability and reforms aligned with international conventions and India’s National Maritime Strategy.
Guest of Honour, Capt. S.I. Abul Kalam Azad, praised the rapid growth of Indian seafarers —from 1.27 lakh in 2015 to over 3.25 lakh today — crediting RPSL companies for this progress. Stressing the need for trust-based reforms and accountability, he welcomed the new Merchant Shipping Act 2025, which grants seafarers key worker status. Capt. Azad urged closer engagement between companies and seafarers, while cautioning against fraudulent recruitment and misuse of certificates. “Our vision under Maritime India Vision 2030 is ambitious—by 2030, every fifth seafarer in the world should be an Indian,” he declared.
Further strengthening this vision, Mr Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping and Chief Guest of the symposium, joined virtually to highlight India’s maritime ambitions. Linking the theme “Har Lahar, Har Yatra – Navik Ka Kalyan” to the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, he underscored the transformative impact of recent maritime legislations. He announced new initiatives including a 24×7 grievance helpline, technology-driven systems, wellness campaigns like Sagar Mein Yog, and gender inclusion programs under Sagar Mein Samman. “The life force of our maritime sector is the seafarers. Every law, every reform, and every initiative are ultimately for their safety, security, and welfare,” he affirmed.
Other dignitaries, including Ms. Niyati Dave, IPS, Shri Sushil Khopde, Shri Ajithkumar Sukumaran, Capt. Daniel Joseph, and industry experts, spoke on challenges such as fraudulent clearances, e-governance reforms, women’s participation, and mental well-being initiatives. Presentations from ITF and maritime experts shed light on seafarer abandonment, fatigue risk management, fraudulent practices, and the urgent need for global collaboration.
The symposium culminated with a panel discussion featuring leaders from MASSA, INSA, ICCSA, NUSI, IMF, MUI, VR Maritime and FOSMA, who collectively reinforced the importance of fair recruitment, welfare, mental health support, gender equality, and training. Their discussions highlighted the shared commitment to ensuring sustainable career pathways and dignity for Indian seafarers on the global stage.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Major Anutosh Singh, Assistant DG Shipping, closing a day of rich deliberations and reaffirmed commitment to building a stronger, safer, and globally respected future for Indian seafarers.
Marex Media