Delphine Estibeiro –
On 24 March, VR Maritime Services Pvt Ltd (VRM) hosted a landmark seminar at its Mumbai office, bringing offshore seafarers face‑to‑face with shipowners in a rare and insightful exchange. The event drew 110 seafarers alongside representatives from the Maritime Union of India (MUI), National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), NUSI Offshore Training Institute (NOTI), Britoil Offshore Services Pte Ltd, and VRM. Discussions focused on evolving training and safety needs, crew welfare, digital integration, and strengthening transparency in offshore operations.
Setting the tone, Capt Sanjay Prashar, CEO of VRM stated that our purpose is clear: to create a transparent platform where expectations are shared openly—between seafarers, VRM, and Brit Oil. This dialogue is about continuity of jobs, fair wages, and competency. “It is about ensuring that Indian seafarers, respected worldwide, continue to be recognized for their professionalism and excellence.”
Capt Isaac Chua, Global Head of Operations, Britoil, provided an overview of the company’s scale and vision: Founded in 1988, Britoil today operates more than 68 vessels with over 1,000 personnel, the majority being offshore crew. In 2025 alone, we delivered over 8 million man‑hours, reflecting both operational expertise and client trust. “Guided by our mission to ‘be outstanding at sea,’ we emphasize safety, integrity, and adaptability while investing in next‑generation vessels, alternative fuels, and digital systems. We are not just hiring today; we are building a long‑term team.”
Highlighting crew welfare, ITF Coordinator Mr Sushil Deorukhkar drew attention to abandonment cases: “Under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), non‑payment of wages for two months constitutes abandonment. This is not a minor lapse—it is a violation that threatens livelihoods and dignity. Do not wait beyond two months of unpaid wages—contact ITF, unions, or P&I immediately. Safety and fair treatment are non‑negotiable.”
Union representatives Mr Balakrishna Ranade and Mr Hormaz Bharucha (MUI), along with Mr Maksood Khan and Mr Elvis Rodrigues (NUSI), reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding seafarers’ rights and supporting families, particularly during global crises such as the Persian Gulf conflict.
Mr Subodh Devgaonkar of NOTI emphasized the importance of upskilling through specialized training programs to prepare seafarers for advanced offshore vessels.
Mr Ivan Tan, Fleet Crewing Manager, Britoil, reinforced the company’s reliance on Indian talent: “Britoil is expanding rapidly, and with a growing fleet, we need a larger pool of committed seafarers. India is central to this vision—not because of wages, but because of the professionalism and integrity Indian seafarers bring. At Britoil, we pay fair market rates regardless of nationality, because what matters most is competence and honesty at sea.”
From a seafarer’s perspective, Capt Harjit Singh urged vigilance “Leave no stone unturned in your duties, and never compromise on safety. If you doubt your safety, you are empowered to speak up—because the master’s ultimate responsibility is not only to operate successfully, but to operate safely. Excellence at sea is built on vigilance, discipline, and the courage to uphold standards.”
Concluding the seminar, Capt Duryodhan Tarai delivered the vote of thanks, saying, “Together, we reaffirm our shared mission: to strengthen collaboration, uphold safety, and advance opportunities for Indian seafarers in the global offshore sector.”
Marex Media
Box 1
Commitment and Honesty at Sea
Britoil Offshore Services is expanding aggressively, with its fleet now at 68 vessels and operations spanning the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. In an exclusive conversation, Capt Isaac Chua, Global Head of Operations, outlines the company’s vision for India—highlighting opportunities for seafarers, the importance of commitment and honesty, and the challenges posed by global geopolitical uncertainty.
Indian Market Outlook
India is a bright market for us. We already have vessels like Britoil 71 and 81 working with L&T in Mumbai, and we see strong opportunities with other major contractors such as ONGC and GPC. Our vessels are deployed globally, but India remains a key focus area with promising partnerships.
Expanding Fleet, Expanding Crew
With our fleet growing from 61 vessels in 2024 to 68 in 2025, we need a larger pool of committed seafarers. That is why we are here—to expand our crew base and strengthen our recruitment drive in India. VRM is our trusted partner in this effort.
Impact of Geopolitical Uncertainty
Since late February, the Strait of Hormuz has been practically closed, and oil prices have doubled. The market is uncertain, and we are monitoring developments closely. While no one can predict outcomes, we are adapting and planning ahead to sustain operations.
Yes, our vessels operate across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean, and the North Sea. West Africa and Europe are performing well, and with oil prices remaining high, opportunities continue with major contractors and national oil companies.
Stronger Future Together
Britoil is growing aggressively, and we hope more Indian seafarers will grow with us. The most important thing is to remain calm, vigilant, and safe at sea. With Indian talent, we can build a stronger future together.
Box 2
Integrity Over Incentives
As Britoil Offshore Services expands its global fleet, Fleet Crewing Manager Mr Ivan Tan emphasizes that the company’s focus is not on competing through wages but on building long‑term careers rooted in fairness, safety, and integrity. In this conversation, he underscores the importance of commitment and honesty, positioning Indian seafarers as vital assets in Britoil’s growth story.
Salary and Employment Practices
We pay market‑range salaries—neither excessively high nor low. Our focus is not on competing through wages but on building long‑term employment with committed and honest seafarers. We treat crew as assets, part of our core team, and provide a safe, fair working environment.
Message to Indian Seafarers
Two words: commitment and honesty. Be committed to your work and honest in your conduct. We offer fairness, safety, and long‑term opportunities, and we look forward to more Indian nationals joining our team.
Box 3
Building Local Connections, Global Impact
Capt Sanjay Prashar, CEO of VRM, outlines his ambitious plan to establish 22 offices across India by 2030, ensuring localized support for the country’s 325,000 seafarers. In this exclusive interview, he shares insights on VRM’s offshore strategy with Britoil, his perspective on global geopolitical challenges, and a clear message to Indian seafarers: stay committed, stay valued, and continue to uphold the reputation of Indian maritime talent worldwide.
Expansion Plans in India
We currently have over 2,000 Indian seafarers on board, along with a few hundred foreign nationals. India has 325,000 seafarers spread across the country, so our vision is to establish 22 offices nationwide by 2030. This will allow us to provide localized services, connect with families, and strengthen recruitment. We are opening our next office in Lucknow this June, and plan to expand from Jammu to Rameshwaram.
Global Expansion
Our focus is entirely on India. Crew management is rooted here, and our expansion is based on Indian cities and Indian seafarers.
Geopolitical Situation
I believe it will be short‑lived. Commercial pressures are immense, and governments are already working to normalize transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Traffic has risen from just two ships a day to nearly twenty, and I expect normal flows of 100 ships per day to resume soon. Global trade will continue—because money has no religion.
Offshore Strategy with Britoil
Britoil has worked with us for two and a half years, but with fewer than 100 Indian seafarers. We wanted to demonstrate India’s strength under Maritime India Vision 2030. Our target is to build a pool of 500 Indian seafarers for Britoil by 2028. This seminar is the first step, and I am confident our numbers will double in the next few months.
Message to Seafarers
Seafarers are doing an excellent job. Owners respect their skills and courage. My message is simple: keep doing your work with dedication. We will continue to connect you with shipowners who pay on time, offer consistency, and value your contribution.