The Republican Maritime Union (RMU) has announced the formation of its new National Committee following elections held on 14 April 2026. The newly elected leadership assumed office on 20 April and convened its first executive meeting, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and welfare of seafarers in India and globally.
The meeting introduced the new committee members and acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing team. The members pledged to strengthen maritime labour rights, improve onboard conditions, and expand welfare support mechanisms.
The occasion was graced by Shri Ravada Seetharam, Hon’ble Member of the Andhra Pradesh State SC Commission, who congratulated the new leadership and praised RMU’s advocacy for seafarers, particularly those from vulnerable communities.
Key deliberations focused on pressing challenges faced by seafarers, including job insecurity, extended contracts, mental health stress, inadequate welfare infrastructure, and delays in repatriation. The Union expressed grave concern over geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf, noting that Indian seafarers remain stranded in Iranian waters due to operational disruptions. RMU urged the Directorate General of Shipping to coordinate with embassies for timely crew changes and repatriation, while affirming seafarers’ right to refuse service in war‑risk zones.
Additional issues discussed included protection of cadets and junior officers from harassment, ensuring uninterrupted supply of essentials onboard, strengthening mental health support, and upgrading the Mercantile Marine Department office at Visakhapatnam to a Principal Officer office.
The Union pledged to collaborate with national and international stakeholders to improve safety, enforce maritime labour laws, expand welfare centres, and promote employment security. The newly elected leadership emphasized its role as a unified voice for seafarers, committed to dignity, justice, and transparency in the maritime industry.
Marex Media
Newly Elected National Committee of RMU
The Republican Maritime Union has announced its newly constituted National Committee following elections held on 14 April. The leadership team is as follows:
- National President: Shri N. Ravindra Babu
- Vice President (Marine Engineering): Shri R. Chandrakanth
- Vice President (Marine Engineering): Shri Sunil
- General Secretary: Shri M. Jaganmohan Rao Naidu
- Joint Secretary: Shri Ch. Jeevan Kumar
- Treasurer: Shri Rahul
- Executive Members: Shri Surappadu, Shri N. Chandrasekhar, Shri Rambabu Singh, Shri R. K. Yadav