Pratik Bijlani –
On 11th August, The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, launched its 75th anniversary celebrations with a landmark knowledge-sharing conference under the theme “Jalasya Rakṣā, Janasya Surakṣā – Ocean Sentinel: Maritime Safety & Security in the 21st Century.” The event brought together senior maritime leaders, policymakers, insurers, legal experts, armed forces representatives, and welfare advocates from across the world, reaffirming India’s leadership role in shaping the global maritime agenda.
The conference’s highlight was the signing of two significant Memorandums of Understanding — one with the International Group of P&I Clubs (IGP&I), represented by CEO Nick Shaw, and another with the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), represented by International Operations Manager Chirag Bahri. These agreements aim to enhance maritime safety, strengthen risk management, and promote global seafarer welfare. In addition, the Marine Safety Investigation Report 2024 and the Maritime Security Review 2024 were released, setting the tone for a year-long series of seminars and initiatives.
The inaugural address by Capt. S.I. Abul Kalam Azad, Nautical Advisor (I/c), reflected on seven decades of service by the DGS in raising the global standing of the Indian flag and outlined strategic goals for the future, including a “zero-incident culture,” 360° safety coverage, and the integration of advanced training and human-centric ship design.
Chief Guest Nick Shaw lauded India’s commitment to IMO conventions and its position as the largest contributor to the IOPC Funds Convention, while Guest of Honour Capt. B.K. Tyagi praised the DGS’s strong pandemic-era leadership and recent IT reforms that have improved transparency and responsiveness for seafarers. Former DG Shipping Shri Deepak Shetty reflected on past achievements and emerging threats, from piracy to cyberattacks, urging greater readiness against evolving risks.
In his keynote, Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, addressed the rapidly changing geopolitical, environmental, and technological landscape impacting maritime safety and security, from Red Sea tensions to cyber threats and climate change. Announcing the newly signed MOUs as part of India’s broader maritime vision, he stated: “India’s maritime sector is not just navigating its own course, but shaping global currents. Through partnerships such as those signed today, we are building stronger safety frameworks, advancing security measures, and ensuring that our seafarers and our oceans are protected for generations to come.”
The day featured four expert-led sessions addressing maritime safety priorities, risk and liability management, regional security cooperation, and integrated threat response architecture. Discussions ranged from the role of P&I clubs as strategic partners to tackling cargo misdeclaration risks, combating transnational maritime crime, improving salvage readiness, and addressing emerging threats such as subsea mine warfare and targeted drone attacks. The Indian Coast Guard, Navy, and private sector stakeholders emphasized the need for technology-enabled solutions combined with human expertise and international collaboration.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Capt. Harinder Singh, reaffirming that the 75th anniversary is not just a celebration of the DGS’s legacy but a launchpad for a future of safer, cleaner, and more secure seas. As the year-long commemorations unfold, the Directorate’s initiatives are expected to further strengthen India’s position as a global leader in maritime governance.
Marex Media