India Bans 86 Foreign Ships for Abandoning Indian Seafarers

India Bans 86 Foreign Ships for Abandoning Indian Seafarers
Associate Editor December 1, 2025 https://maritimefairtrade.org/india-bans-86-foreign-ships-for-abandoning...

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in India has taken significant action by blacklisting 86 foreign vessels due to alarming reports of Indian seafarers facing abandonment, imprisonment, and non-payment of wages. Investigations revealed that many of these ships lacked essential documentation, such as valid Protection & Indemnity (P&I) insurance, and there was often no cooperation from the respective Flag States or Port States when issues were reported.

The DGS circular underscored the repeated nature of abandonment cases associated with these vessels. Indian seafarers aboard these ships experienced dire situations, including non-payment of wages, unsafe working conditions, lack of repatriation assistance, absence of insurance, detention by port authorities, and fraudulent practices. The ongoing violations were confirmed through investigations conducted by the Director of Seamen’s Employment Offices (DSEO) and the Crew Branch of DGS, which noted poor compliance by some Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies.

In response, the DGS has mandated that all RPSL companies cease recruiting or deploying Indian seafarers on the blacklisted vessels immediately. Moreover, these companies are required to ensure the prompt sign-off and safe repatriation of Indian crew members already on board, along with settling all outstanding wages and other entitlements.

All RPSL companies that previously engaged Indian seafarers on the blacklisted ships must submit a comprehensive report to the DGS within 14 working days. This report must include details such as seafarers’ names, INDOS and CDC numbers, employment periods, repatriation status, and any wages that are due.

The DGS has warned that non-compliance with these directives could lead to severe penalties, including the suspension or outright cancellation of RPSL licenses, blacklisting of the agencies involved, and potential legal action under the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958 and provisions of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) of 2006.

This crackdown represents the DGS’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Indian seafarers and ensuring compliance with international maritime labor standards. The impact of the blacklist on the operational status of the blacklisted ships within ports remains uncertain; however, the measure is designed to address the prolonged hardships many Indian seafarers and their families have faced, including financial distress and psychological impacts due to the unresolved circumstances.

In a broader context, the DGS’s actions highlight the ongoing challenges in maritime labor, underscoring the importance of adherence to safety and ethical labor practices within the global shipping industry.