Pratik Bijlani –
With geopolitical tensions continuing to disrupt global shipping, ensuring the safety and welfare of merchant seafarers has become an increasingly urgent priority. Against this backdrop, the International Maritime Federation (IMF) and the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) convened a Joint Maritime Stakeholders’ Coordination Meeting on 5th August, bringing together senior representatives from shipowners, ship managers, RPSLs and seafarer organisations to discuss pressing operational challenges and identify collaborative solutions. Moderated by Mr. Abhishek Gupta, Consultant at FSUI, and Ms. Aishwarya Pilankar, Vice Chairman of IMF, the virtual meeting focused on practical measures to strengthen India’s maritime ecosystem while placing seafarer welfare at the forefront.
Opening the session, Mr. Abhishek Gupta welcomed participants emphasised the need for coordinated action amid evolving regulatory and security challenges. Discussions examined unresolved RPSL sign-on blockage procedures, noon reporting requirements for High-Risk Areas, and the need to refine existing advisories to better support seafarers, RPSLs, ship managers and shipowners. The meeting also introduced the proposed Black Ribbon Tribute campaign ahead of World Maritime Day 2026. Designed as a humanitarian initiative rather than a protest, the campaign seeks to honour merchant seafarers who have lost their lives in the line of duty while encouraging the global maritime community to stand together in remembrance and advocate stronger protection for civilian seafarers.
Mr David Birwadkar, CSO of Navguide Solutions and former Chairman of IMEI, observed that maritime risks have evolved beyond traditional threats such as piracy and adverse weather to include drone attacks, missile strikes and sea mines. He stressed the importance of continuous risk assessment, real-time intelligence, dynamic voyage planning and stronger ship-shore communication, while underscoring the need to prioritise crew welfare and mental well-being. “Merchant seafarers are civilian professionals, not participants in conflict. They ensure global trade continues under extraordinary circumstances, and the greatest tribute we can pay those who lost their lives is strengthening protection for those who continue serving at sea.” he said.
Capt. Girish Phadnis, Chief Operating Officer of MASSA, highlighted the difficult balance ship managers and RPSL agencies must maintain between commercial obligations, regulatory compliance and crew safety. Referring to recent advisories governing vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz, he noted that while some seafarers continue to volunteer for high-risk assignments because of significantly higher wages, every deployment requires careful assessment. “The maritime industry is operating in unprecedented circumstances where commercial pressures, regulatory requirements and crew welfare must all be carefully balanced. Every decision taken today carries significant operational and human consequences.” he remarked.
Mr. Manoj Yadav, General Secretary of FSUI, expressed concern over the growing dangers facing merchant seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea and the Black Sea, referring to the deaths of more than 14 seafarers and the financial hardships experienced by affected families. Explaining the rationale behind the Black Ribbon Tribute campaign, he stated, “Merchant seafarers continue to face growing dangers in conflict zones while the world offers only condolences. The international community must move beyond sympathy and ensure accountability, protection and meaningful support for affected seafarers and their families.”
Representing shipowners, Mr. Anil Devli, CEO of the Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA), said uncertainty and safety remain the industry’s greatest challenges as geopolitical conflicts continue to affect commercial shipping. While shipowners remain committed to supporting national trade and energy requirements, protecting seafarers remains equally important. “There is no real difference between the concerns of a shipowner and those of a seafarer. Both ultimately share the same risks, responsibilities and uncertainties created by today’s volatile maritime security environment.” he observed.
The discussion was further enriched by Capt. Sudhir Subedar, who questioned whether sufficient avenues exist to effectively raise concerns over attacks on merchant seafarers before international bodies such as the IMO and the United Nations. Capt. Philip Matthews called for stronger coordination among major seafarer-supplying nations to amplify demands for greater protection of civilian shipping, while Capt. Nalin Pandey advocated enhanced Indian naval presence, satellite-based vessel tracking and aerial surveillance to improve security for Indian seafarers operating in conflict-prone waters.
The session concluded by inviting participants to continue contributing recommendations and practical solutions, reaffirming the organisers’ commitment to sustained dialogue and collaborative action. As geopolitical instability continues to reshape global shipping, the meeting reinforced a shared industry message that safeguarding merchant seafarers must remain central to every operational, regulatory and policy decision.
Marex Media