DGS Blacklists 86 Foreign Vessels to Protect Indian Seafarers’ Rights

By
Mfame Editor
-
22

  • Ships found operating without valid P&I insurance and key documents.
  • The Indian crew faced unpaid wages, unsafe conditions, and detention.
  • Investigations reveal repeated violations and poor RPSL compliance.

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has taken a strong stance by blacklisting 86 foreign vessels due to ongoing issues with Indian seafarers being abandoned, not receiving their wages, or even facing imprisonment. Investigations have shown that many of these ships are operating without essential documents, such as valid Protection & Indemnity (P&I) insurance, and often go unresponsive when contacted by Flag States or Port States, reports Marine Insight.

Violations and Unsafe Conditions

As outlined in the DGS circular, some of these vessels have a troubling history of abandoning crew members. Indian sailors have encountered:

  1. Non-payment of wages
  2. Unsafe and inhumane working conditions
  3. Lack of support for repatriation
  4. No insurance coverage
  5. Detention by local agents or port authorities
  6. Fraud and deceit from shipowners
  7. Missing required statutory documents

Investigations conducted by the Director of Seamen’s Employment Offices (DSEO) and the Crew Branch of DGS have confirmed that these violations are not isolated incidents. There’s also been a noted lack of compliance from certain Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies, including the deployment of seafarers without the necessary Form–1 documentation.

Directives to RPSL Companies

Under the directive, all RPSL companies must:

  1. Stop recruiting, engaging, or deploying Indian seafarers on the blacklisted vessels.
  2. Ensure prompt sign-off and safe repatriation of Indian crew already serving on these ships.
  3. Guarantee full settlement of wages, health, and welfare entitlements.

Additionally, companies that have previously deployed seafarers on these ships must submit a detailed report within 14 working days, including:

  1. Names, INDOS, and CDC numbers of seafarers
  2. Periods of employment
  3. Repatriation status
  4. Wages paid or outstanding with supporting documents

Failure to comply may result in strict penalties, including suspension or cancellation of RPSL licenses, blacklisting of agencies, and legal proceedings under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC).

Protection of Seafarers’ Rights

The DGS emphasised that this initiative aims to safeguard the rights, dignity, and well-being of Indian seafarers, all while making sure that India meets its international commitments under the MLC, 2006. While the blacklist mainly limits the deployment of Indian crew members, it’s still unclear how it will affect the port calls of the vessels on that list.

Impact on Seafarers and Families

The circular pointed out that these vessels have consistently brought challenges to Indian seafarers and their families, including:

  1. Uncertainty about repatriation
  2. Denial of wages
  3. Significant psychological distress

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Source: Marine Insight