With over 36 years of service in the shipping industry — including 25 years as a sailing Master exclusively on tankers — Capt Savio Ramos brings a wealth of firsthand experience to his role as General Secretary of The Maritime Union of India (MUI). His association with the Union spans more than a quarter of a century, during which he has served as an Executive Committee member for six years and as Vice President for the past three.
For Capt Ramos, leadership is not merely a position but a calling. His long-standing commitment to seafarers’ welfare is rooted in lived experience: the challenges of extended contracts, restricted shore leave, evolving safety standards, and the constant need to adapt to new technologies. These insights drive his advocacy for fair representation, policy reform, and tangible support for the maritime community.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Capt Ramos values balance and well-being, drawing energy from time spent with his family and tending to his garden — a pursuit he finds both meditative and creatively fulfilling. A firm believer in setting boundaries and prioritising personal connections, he has upheld traditions such as returning home for Christmas and taking annual family vacations, underscoring his belief that a strong personal foundation is essential for effective leadership.
During an in‑depth discussion with Miss Delphine Estibeiro of Marex Media, Capt Ramos shares his vision for strengthening India’s voice in global shipping, championing fairness, fostering industry–academia collaboration, safeguarding rights, and steering Indian seafarers toward greater global influence — all while staying deeply connected to the realities of life at sea.
A United Voice…
My vision is to build a stronger, more united Union that truly embodies the voice and spirit of every seafarer — championing their rights, ensuring welfare is accessible to all, and advocating for fair treatment across the board. I am committed to addressing critical issues such as shore leave restrictions and the banning of off‑signing from various ports, working closely with governments and relevant bodies to find lasting solutions. By fostering deeper collaboration with organisations and stakeholders, I aim to amplify our collective impact. Above all, I stand for fairness, transparency, and accountability, upholding our constitutional values to preserve the Union’s integrity and purpose.
Advocating Fairness…
I am committed to prioritising and advocating for the fair treatment of seafarers across India. This includes championing fair and timely wages that honour the dignity of their labour, and working proactively to address the challenges surrounding off‑shore sign‑offs, particularly in ports where disembarkation remains restricted. By engaging constructively with authorities and stakeholders, I strive to foster a more just and supportive environment for every seafarer navigating life at sea.
Strengthening India’s Voice in Global Shipping…
At MUI, we are deeply committed to securing stronger representation for Indian seafarers in international maritime forums. Our seafarers are among the finest in the world, yet their presence in international policy forums is not proportionate to their contribution. We are proposing to change this. Indian seafarers must not only participate but take the lead in shaping the future of global shipping.
Academia Collaboration…
Yes, absolutely. Collaboration between maritime training institutes and industry stakeholders is essential to bridging skill gaps and enhancing employability in today’s rapidly evolving sector. Increasingly, institutes are partnering with shipping companies to co‑develop curricula, integrate simulation‑based learning, and promote continuous upskilling — ensuring graduates are not only technically proficient but also digitally literate and adaptable to emerging industry demands.
Safeguarding Rights…
MUI is expanding its collaboration with key stakeholders to safeguard the rights and welfare of Indian seafarers. From ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions to providing crisis support and strengthening global representation, our commitment remains unwavering. Every Indian seafarer deserves dignity, protection, and equal opportunity on the world stage.
Steering Toward Global Influence…
MUI envisions Indian seafarers as pivotal forces in shaping the future of global maritime labour standards. Renowned for their skill and adaptability, they are uniquely positioned to influence policies on fair wages, welfare, digitalisation, and sustainable shipping. By ensuring active representation in international bodies such as the IMO, ILO, and ITF, and by advancing training and leadership initiatives, we are committed to positioning Indian seafarers not merely as contributors, but as global leaders in building a fair, safe, and future‑ready maritime industry.
A Legacy of Empowerment…
Looking ahead, I hope my legacy at MUI will be one where every Indian seafarer feels empowered, respected, and proud of their profession. I want MUI to be remembered not only as a union that protected their rights, but as one that enabled them to lead, innovate, and shine on the global maritime stage.
Connected to the Sea…
Having been a seafarer myself, I remain closely connected to the realities of life at sea by maintaining regular dialogue with crew members, and engaging directly with those on board. Firsthand understanding of our daily challenges — from long periods away from family and evolving safety and welfare needs to adapting to new technologies — guides every decision we make. This hands‑on perspective shapes my leadership, ensuring that MUI’s policies, advocacy, and initiatives remain practical, responsive, and fully aligned with the needs of Indian seafarers.
Marex Media