The World Maritime Council (WMC) a platform for Recruitment & Placement Service (RPS), Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) and empanelled Directors approved by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) is being officially launched with a clear vision to strengthen India’s Maritime ecosystem, support responsible shipping businesses, protect the interests of seafarers, and promote sustainable growth of the Indian maritime industry on a global scale.
The first meeting of the WMC Board and Core Committee was held on 10 September in Mumbai. The meeting was attended by Capt Rajinder Singh Rattu, Chairman, Capt Rishi Sharma, Secretary General, Capt Rajesh Kumar, Finance Secretary, Mr Piyush Chandodhia, Vice President, Mr Sayed Akhil Ahmed, Joint General Secretary (MTI), Capt Ashish Shukla, Secretary, and Mr RP Veettil, National President, Sailors Union of India, Honorary Member, WMC.
The Board held detailed deliberations on the Council’s organisational structure, future programmes and the development of a strong, transparent and professional platform for the Indian maritime sector.
The Board formally considered and accepted the By-laws and organisational framework of the World Maritime Council, establishing the foundation for its future activities, membership structure, professional committees and engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry.
A significant part of the meeting was devoted to the present shipping scenario and regulatory developments affecting RPSL companies, Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs), shipowners, seafarers and maritime professionals. The Board discussed various Circulars, Notices and Orders issued by the Maritime Administration (DGMA) and their practical impact on the functioning of RPSL companies and training institutions. The Council emphasised that regulatory compliance and maritime safety must remain paramount, while regulatory implementation should also be transparent, proportionate, predictable and supportive of legitimate maritime businesses.
The WMC recognised that RPSL companies constitute an important part of India’s maritime employment ecosystem. Thousands of Indian seafarers, including trainee cadets and young maritime professionals, depend upon the recruitment and placement opportunities created through these companies. The Council observed that while several large foreign shipping companies operate their own training and recruitment systems and directly induct trainees into their vessels, many Indian RPSL companies and smaller shipping enterprises are working to expand their operations, attract more vessels to India and create additional employment opportunities for Indian seafarers.
The Board expressed concern that regulatory uncertainty, prolonged restrictions or suspension of legitimate business operations can have consequences extending beyond the concerned company, potentially affecting seafarers, trainee cadets, maritime professionals and the wider employment ecosystem. The Council therefore stressed the importance of a regulatory mechanism that provides appropriate communication, an opportunity for representation and a fair and efficient resolution process, while fully maintaining the Government’s authority to take necessary action wherever genuine violations or safety concerns are established.
The WMC further emphasised that India’s maritime ambitions cannot be achieved without a strong partnership between the Government, Regulators, Shipowners, RPSL companies, Maritime Training Institutes, seafarers and other Maritime stakeholders. A healthy maritime industry requires both effective regulation and a supportive business environment in which compliant companies can grow, invest, create employment and compete internationally.
The Council will work towards creating a professional, constructive and credible platform for dialogue between the maritime industry and regulatory authorities. WMC intends to represent legitimate industry concerns, encourage best practices, promote compliance, facilitate knowledge-sharing and contribute practical recommendations for the development of India as a leading global maritime hub.
The Chairman, Capt Rattu, and Secretary General, Capt Sharma, jointly appealed to RPSL companies, shipowners, Maritime Training Institutes and other legitimate maritime stakeholders to come together under the World Maritime Council and participate actively in building a stronger industry. They stated that the objective of the Council is not merely to represent individual business interests, but to create a united and responsible maritime platform that contributes to employment generation, seafarer welfare, maritime safety, professional standards and the overall growth of the Indian maritime sector.
The WMC believes that India has the potential to become one of the world’s leading maritime nations. Achieving this objective will require greater collaboration, responsible entrepreneurship, skilled manpower, modern training systems, transparent recruitment practices, regulatory stability and a strong commitment to seafarer welfare.
The Council has set an ambitious objective of bringing more than 200+ RPSL companies and 10 Maritime Training Institutes into its professional network in the initial phase and expanding its membership and activities across India. World Maritime Council calls upon the Indian maritime industry to unite, collaborate and grow together strengthening Indian shipping, creating more opportunities for Indian seafarers and positioning India as a globally respected maritime power.
The official inauguration of WMC will be held very soon, marking the beginning of a new platform dedicated to strengthening the maritime sector and promoting the interests, welfare, professionalism and development of maritime stakeholders.
Marex Media