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National Union of Seafarers of India - NUSI, NUSI Bhavan, 4 Street, Ballard Estate, Mumbai (2026)

03/09/2026

A SEAFARER’S REAL ORDEAL — AND A LESSON FOR EVERY INDIAN SEAFARER

“They put guns on our chest, put us in handcuffs… They treated us like animals.”

These are the painful words of 27-year-old Indian seafarer Paul Justin, an oiler who reportedly spent nearly nine months in detention in Iran after his vessel, “Harbour Phoenix”, was intercepted over allegations of fuel smuggling.

According to his account reported by The National and highlighted through ITF social media, the crew maintained that they were simply carrying out their professional duties and denied all allegations against them.

Paul described being held at gunpoint, handcuffed, confined in harsh conditions and eventually imprisoned at Bandar Abbas. During the conflict, missiles and explosions were heard close to their prison.

He feared that he might never return home.

His words should make every seafarer think:

“Save the seafarers from this tragedy. Let them come home. They are sailors like me, they are being blamed, it’s not fair.”

Thankfully, Paul eventually returned to his family. But his experience carries an important message for every Indian seafarer looking for employment at sea.

NUSI APPEAL TO INDIAN SEAFARERS

A job at sea should never be accepted blindly.

Before signing any employment contract:

* Follow all advisories, circulars and instructions issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA).

* Verify the RPSL/recruitment agency before accepting employment. Never place your career, freedom and safety in the hands of an unauthorised, fraudulent or dubious recruitment agency.

* Never pay for a job or placement. Be extremely cautious about demands for recruitment or placement fees, security deposits, visa charges, or payments to personal accounts. Obtain proper receipts for any legitimate expenses and question any payment that is unclear or unofficial.

* Understand the vessel, flag.

* Read your Seafarers’ Employment Agreement carefully. Never sign incomplete documents or terms that you do not understand.

* Confirm the repatriation provisions before signing on. Understand who bears the cost of repatriation and what happens in cases of illness, injury, abandonment, termination, vessel arrest or other emergencies.

* Share your joining details with your family. Provide them with the vessel name and IMO number, company and agent details, joining port, contract period and emergency contact information. Make sure your family knows whom to contact if you face an emergency or lose communication.

* Wherever applicable, prefer employment covered by recognised collective bargaining agreements negotiated through NUSI/MUI and their national and international arrangements.

* If you think, there is something illegal happening on board your ship, then do not hesitate to report it to the Trade Union. A simple WhatsApp message or email sent by you may help in protecting you in any wrongful and illegal action by the authorities.

A recognised union agreement is not merely about wages.

It is about protection, representation and accountability.

When a serious problem arises — abandonment, unpaid wages, injury, death, detention, criminalisation, piracy or a geopolitical crisis — the strength of NUSI and its national and international network becomes critically important.

SEAFARERS SHOULD NOT BECOME SCAPEGOATS

A seafarer normally does not decide where a vessel trades, who purchases the cargo or the commercial arrangements behind its transportation.

Yet, when allegations of smuggling, sanctions violations or other illegal activities arise, ordinary seafarers can find themselves caught in the middle.

NUSI strongly supports the international campaign against the criminalisation of seafarers which is most unfair.

Those responsible for illegal commercial activities must be held accountable, but innocent seafarers performing their legitimate professional duties should not be made convenient scapegoats.

BEFORE YOU SIGN ON — VERIFY. THINK. PROTECT YOURSELF.

A higher salary offered through an unreliable source may look attractive today.

But your life, liberty, career and family are worth far more.

Follow DGMA instructions.

Choose legitimate and verified employment.

Avoid fraudulent recruitment channels.

Prefer recognised NUSI/MUI collective agreements wherever available.

Never compromise on your rights and protection.

Paul Justin’s ordeal should not simply become another maritime story.

It should become a lesson that protects another seafarer tomorrow.

NUSI — WITH INDIAN SEAFARERS, AT SEA AND ASHORE

02/09/2026

A PROGRESSIVE STEP FOR INDIAN RATINGS – DGMA CIRCULAR 53 OF 2026

The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) appreciates the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) for issuing DGMA (NT/ENG) Circular No. 53 of 2026 – Alternative/Dual Certification for Seafarers (Ratings and Able Seafarers)- a progressive certification pathway for Indian ratings.

This is a welcome and forward-looking initiative that will particularly benefit Indian ratings by broadening their certification, skills and professional capabilities.

Indian GP Ratings are trained in both navigational and engine-room functions during their six-month pre-sea training. The new framework provides a structured pathway through which eligible seafarers can obtain dual certification covering both Navigational Watch (II/4) and Engine-Room Watch (III/4), subject to the prescribed training, sea service, assessment and certification requirements.

Importantly, the Circular also provides a pathway for eligible seafarers to progress towards dual certification as Able Seafarer–Deck (II/5) and Able Seafarer–Engine (III/5). The certificate format provided by DGMA recognises both navigation-support and marine-engineering-support functions.

Why is this important for Indian ratings?

A modern day seafarer should have opportunities to become multi-skilled, professionally versatile and internationally competitive.

Dual certification will strengthen the professional profile of ratings by recognising competency across both deck and engine departments. It will also encourage ratings to continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills rather than remaining confined to a single traditional stream.

However, seafarers should carefully follow the prescribed sea-service, training, TAR Book and competency requirements before applying. The Circular makes it clear that certification does not reduce required manning, lowers professional standards or justifies combining two watchkeeping duties under a single CoP holder during the same watch.

For NUSI, every initiative that provides our ratings with better skills, broader professional opportunities and stronger career progression deserves encouragement.

Our message to our Indian ratings is clear and simple:

Upgrade your skills. Expand your competencies. Make use of the opportunities available to you.

The present and future of Indian seafaring will only belong to those who are skilled, adaptable, professionally qualified and ready for the changing demands of global shipping.

NUSI will continue to support initiatives that strengthen the careers, employability and future of Indian seafarers.

Jai Hind Jai Navik Jai NUSI

01/09/2026

NUSI REPRESENTS INDIAN SEAFARERS AT U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL MUMBAI

C1/D Visa Issues, Employment Opportunities and Seafarers’ Concerns Strongly Highlighted

The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) continues to take up issues concerning the employment, welfare and career prospects of Indian seafarers at every appropriate national and international forum.

On 1st September 2026, NUSI participated in the Annual Shipping Meet and Greet organised by the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai, bringing the concerns and practical difficulties faced by Indian seafarers regarding U.S. C1/D crew visas directly before the concerned officials.

The meeting brought together important stakeholders from the maritime industry and provided an opportunity for detailed interaction on the U.S. visa appointment process, operational challenges and issues affecting seafarers.

C1/D VISA — IMPORTANT FOR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Indian seafarers have established a strong reputation internationally for their competence, discipline, professionalism and reliability. They are an important source of skilled maritime manpower for both Indian and foreign-flag shipping.

A valid U.S. C1/D visa is extremely important for seafarers serving on vessels calling at or transiting through U.S. ports. Possession of this visa can significantly enhance the employment and deployment opportunities available to an Indian seafarer in the international shipping industry.

NUSI highlighted that difficulties in securing timely visa appointments or refusal of a C1/D visa can have serious consequences for a seafarer’s employment.

Before a seafarer is selected for deployment, considerable time, effort and resources are invested in professional training, competency certification, specialised courses, medical examinations, psychometric assessments and other employment formalities. Shipowners and managers also undertake substantial planning relating to crew deployment, air tickets and logistics.

When a visa is refused or cannot be obtained within the required joining schedule, the seafarer may lose an employment opportunity through no professional fault of his or her own. The impact is not limited to the individual seafarer; it can also cause financial and emotional hardship to the seafarer’s family.

NUSI PLACES SEAFARERS’ CONCERNS DIRECTLY BEFORE U.S. CONSULATE

NUSI has been regularly taking up C1/D visa-related concerns with the U.S. Consulate and once again strongly represented these issues during today’s interaction.

NUSI urged the Consulate officials to appreciate the unique nature of seafarers’ employment, where vessel schedules, joining dates and crew-change requirements are time-sensitive and can change at short notice.

NUSI emphasised the need for a practical, facilitative and humane approach towards genuine Indian seafarers applying for visas for legitimate employment purposes.

We particularly highlighted the importance of facilitating genuine seafarers whose employment opportunities may otherwise be affected because of visa appointment delays or other procedural difficulties.

The interaction was constructive, and NUSI appreciates the opportunity provided by the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai to engage directly with representatives of the maritime sector and hear the concerns affecting Indian seafarers.

U.S. CONSULATE OFFICIALS APPRECIATE THE WELFARE AND TRAINING INITIATIVES OF NUSI

During the interaction, NUSI also shared information about the wide range of welfare, training, skill-development and family-support initiatives undertaken for Indian seafarers and their families.

The officials of the U.S. Consulate expressed appreciation for the extensive variety of the welfare and training activities of NUSI and the Union’s continuing efforts towards improving the professional capabilities, employability and overall well-being of Indian seafarers.

For NUSI, welfare and employment go hand in hand. Training our seafarers to international standards, upgrading their skills and ensuring that administrative or procedural difficulties do not unnecessarily deprive them of employment opportunities remain important priorities.

NUSI WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW UP

This meeting is part of the continuing engagement oo NUSI with important stakeholders on matters directly affecting Indian seafarers.

NUSI will continue its dialogue with the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai and other concerned authorities so that genuine difficulties faced by Indian seafarers in relation to U.S. visas can be appropriately highlighted and addressed.

Our message remains clear:

Every genuine employment opportunity for an Indian seafarer matters.

Protecting employment. Enhancing skills. Supporting families. Strengthening the future of Indian seafarers.

NUSI — Always with the Seafarers and their Families.

01/09/2026

A Salute from the Indian Seafaring Community

On behalf of the Indian seafaring community, NUSI has conveyed its heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, recognising how India’s growing stature and international relationships inspire pride among Indian seafarers sailing across the world.

Indian seafarers are among India’s most global citizens—carrying the Tricolour, India’s values and its reputation across the seven seas. The letter also acknowledges the Government of India’s focus on the safety, security, welfare and dignity of Indian seafarers working far from home.

As India advances towards its vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and strengthens its maritime position, Indian seafarers reaffirm their commitment to being proud partners in the nation’s maritime growth story.

The honour may be bestowed upon our Prime Minister, but the pride belongs to 140 crore Indians.

Jai Hind! Jai Navik!

31/08/2026

NUSI STANDS WITH INDIAN SEAFARERS — SAFETY, EMPLOYMENT AND FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION

Six months into the continuing Middle East conflict, thousands of seafarers remain affected by uncertainty and heightened security risks in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), up to 400 ships carrying around 6,000 seafarers have been unable to depart safely since the conflict began. IMO has also verified at least 70 attacks on international shipping, resulting in the tragic loss of 19 seafarers’ lives.

NUSI strongly supports the call of IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez for renewed international cooperation and practical solutions to restore safe and unhindered freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

At the same time, NUSI acknowledges with pride the courage, professionalism and resilience being demonstrated by Indian seafarers serving on ships across international waters during these challenging times.

Indian seafarers have earned worldwide respect because of their competence, discipline and ability to perform professionally even in difficult circumstances. Their continued presence in global shipping reinforces India’s position as one of the world’s important maritime manpower nations.

Our approach must therefore remain balanced and responsible: protect the seafarer, preserve employment opportunities and ensure that no seafarer is unnecessarily exposed to danger.

Seafarers and their families should rely on verified and authoritative information issued by the DGMA, recognised maritime security organisations and employers, rather than unverified reports and speculation circulating on social media. The IMO itself has urged maritime stakeholders to rely on authoritative sources of information and official guidance, particularly during periods of heightened security risk.

Where vessels operate in or transit through high-risk areas, there must be proper risk assessment, compliance with applicable IMO and DGMA advisories, adequate security measures, contractual protection and all applicable benefits and entitlements for seafarers.
Indian seafarers should neither be subjected to avoidable risks nor lose legitimate international employment opportunities because of fear or misinformation.

The solution is not to isolate Indian seafarers from global shipping. The solution is to make global shipping safer for every seafarer.

NUSI will continue to work with the Government of India, DGMA, IMO, ITF, shipowners and other maritime stakeholders to protect the safety, security, welfare and employment interests of Indian seafarers.

Our seafarers are professionals.
Our seafarers are resilient.
Our seafarers are an essential part of global trade.

Safety First. Seafarers First. Employment Must Continue Safely.

28/08/2026

Indian Seafarers: Courage at Sea, Safety at Heart, Opportunity for the Future

A Proud Maritime Tradition — From the World Wars to Today’s Conflict Zones

The history of Indian seafarers is not merely a history of employment at sea. It is a history of courage, professionalism, sacrifice and service to world trade in some of humanity’s most difficult times.

For generations, Indian seafarers have sailed when the seas were calm and when the seas were dangerous. They have kept ships moving during wars, piracy, pandemics and geopolitical crises. They have carried food, fuel, medicines, raw materials and essential cargoes upon which nations and millions of people depend.

That proud tradition must be remembered today.

From the World Wars to Modern Conflicts

Indian seafarers served with extraordinary courage during the First World War and the Second World War, when merchant vessels faced submarines, mines, aerial attacks and enormous uncertainty.

Merchant seafarers were civilians, but their contribution was indispensable. Without merchant shipping, military forces could not have been supplied, economies could not have functioned, and populations could not have received essential commodities.

The martyrdom of 2223 of our Indian seafarers in the First World War and more than 6500 in Second Workd War cannot be forgotten.

The same spirit continued through later periods of instability, including the Iran–Iraq War and the dangerous “Tanker War” period in the Persian Gulf.

In more recent times, Indian seafarers have continued serving aboard merchant ships operating in or around areas affected by:

* The Russia–Ukraine war and the Black Sea;
* The Israel–Hamas conflict and its regional consequences;
* The conflict involving Israel, Iran and the wider Middle East;
* The Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman security crisis;
* The Yemen/Houthi conflict affecting the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb and Gulf of Aden;
* Instability associated with the Sudan conflict and Red Sea region;
* Piracy and armed robbery, particularly around Somalia and the Gulf of Aden; and
* Other regional conflicts and security situations affecting international shipping.

Indian seafarers also demonstrated exceptional commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When much of the world was confined to homes and international borders were closing, seafarers remained at sea. Ships continued carrying food, medicines, energy and essential supplies. Many seafarers remained aboard for months beyond their contractual periods because crew changes became almost impossible.

The world came to understand something that seafarers had always known:

When shipping stops, the world stops.

Seafaring Has Always Required Courage

Nobody should romanticise danger. A seafarer’s life and safety must always come first.

At the same time, we should recognise the nature of the profession.

Men and women choose seafaring knowing that it is unlike an ordinary shore-based occupation. The sea demands discipline, competence, resilience and courage. Storms, machinery, long periods away from family, piracy, geopolitical instability and changing trading patterns are realities that the international maritime community continuously works to manage and reduce.

For many young Indians, seafaring also represents adventure, professional pride, international exposure, financial independence and an opportunity to build a global career.

Indian seafarers have earned an excellent reputation internationally because they have repeatedly demonstrated professionalism and resilience.

They should be proud of that reputation.

Seafarers Are Civilian Professionals — Not Combatants

Calling merchant seafarers the “second line of defence” reflects the strategic importance of their work during national and international emergencies.

However, we must be absolutely clear:

Seafarers are civilians. They are not soldiers, and they must never be treated as expendable goods or participants in any conflict.

No commercial consideration can be placed above human life.

Safety must remain our first priority.

The Directorate General of Maritime Administration has already issued safety advisories concerning Indian seafarers and shipping operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters, including Circular (Crew) Nos. 9 and 10 of 2026. These regulatory precautions and subsequent directions must be respected and followed by all seafarers.

Shipowners, managers, RPSL companies, Masters and seafarers must undertake proper risk assessment and comply with the applicable instructions of the Government of India, DGMA, IMO and other competent maritime authorities.

Collective Agreements Provide Important Protection

Another important fact should not be overlooked.

A substantial number of Indian seafarers employed internationally work aboard vessels covered by ITF approved IBF or TCC collective bargaining agreements, which provide contractual protections and benefits.

Where an area has been officially designated as a High Risk Area or Warlike Operations Area, the applicable agreement may provide enhanced compensation, death and disability benefits, security measures and, depending upon the particular designation, a right not to proceed into the designated area and to be repatriated under specified conditions.

Therefore, the discussion must not be reduced to two extremes:

“Sail regardless of the danger” or “Indian seafarers should stop sailing.”

Neither approach serves seafarers.

The correct approach is:

Assess the risk. Follow official advisories. Respect the seafarer’s contractual rights and informed choice. Ensure the required protections. And where lawful and safe to do so, allow Indian seafarers to continue competing for global employment.

We Must Not Create Unnecessary Fear

At difficult moments, responsible trade unionism becomes even more important.

Trade unions exist to protect seafarers, strengthen their rights and secure their employment.

There will naturally be different opinions within the maritime community. But sensationalism, misinformation or creating unnecessary fear among seafarers can have unintended consequences.

India is competing with several major seafarer-supplying nations for employment aboard foreign-flagged vessels. International shipowners need confidence that Indian seafarers are highly trained, dependable, professional and globally deployable — while always enjoying proper safety and employment protections.

If a perception develops that Indian crews cannot be deployed on major international trading routes even when regulatory requirements, risk assessments and collective-agreement protections permit deployment, employment opportunities could gradually move elsewhere.

Once those jobs migrate to another seafarer-supplying nation, recovering them may be extremely difficult.

We must protect both the life of the seafarer and the livelihood of the seafarer.

These objectives are not contradictory.

The Decision Must Be an Informed Decision, Not Driven by Fear

In our interaction with seafarers, we find that Indian seafarers understand the nature of international shipping.

They sign employment agreements voluntarily and join vessels trading internationally. Many recognise that a vessel’s trading pattern can change during a contract.

But willingness to serve must always be accompanied by transparency.

A seafarer should be properly informed about known risks, applicable government advisories, the vessel’s intended trading area and the rights available under the applicable employment agreement or CBA.

Courage is meaningful only when accompanied by knowledge, training and protection.

Safety First — Employment Always

Our message to every Indian seafarer should therefore be positive and unambiguous:

Do not be afraid. Be informed.

Do not take unnecessary risks. Follow professional and regulatory guidance.

Know your CBA and employment agreement. Know your rights.

Never allow anyone to compel you to enter a designated warlike or high-risk area contrary to your applicable rights.

But equally:

Do not allow rumours, misinformation or unnecessary fear to destroy your confidence in a profession that has given generations of Indian seafarers dignity, livelihood and global recognition.

Indian seafarers have crossed oceans through two World Wars, regional wars, piracy, the COVID-19 pandemic and countless international crises.

They did so not because their lives were less valuable.

They did so because they were trained professionals who understood the responsibility that comes with serving at sea.

Protect the Seafarer. Protect the Job.

India today has an opportunity to significantly increase its share of the global maritime workforce.

We should not surrender that opportunity.

Government, DGMA, shipowners, RPSL companies, maritime institutes and trade unions must work together so that Indian seafarers are among the best-trained, best-protected and most preferred maritime professionals in the world.

Our approach must therefore remain balanced:

Safety without fear.
Courage without recklessness.
Rights without misinformation.
Employment without exploitation.

The Indian seafarer is not merely an employee aboard a ship.

The Indian seafarer is a vital link in the global supply chain, an ambassador of India’s maritime capability and, in times of international crisis, an essential force keeping the lifelines of the world moving.

From the World Wars to COVID-19, from piracy-infested waters to today’s geopolitical conflicts, Indian seafarers have repeatedly proved their courage.

Let us protect them.
Let us empower them.
Let us create more opportunities for them.

And let us never allow fear to weaken the future of Indian seafarers.

Safety is our priority. Employment is our responsibility. The future of Indian seafarers is our mission.

With regards,

Milind Kandalgaonkar
General Secretary-cum-Treasurer
National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI)

26/08/2026

SAGAR SAMVAD 2026: CHARTING THE FUTURE OF INDIA’S MARITIME SECTOR

The National Shipping Board (NSB), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, hosted Sagar Samvad 2026 – An Interaction with Maritime Stakeholders on 25 August 2026 at New Delhi.

The importance of the Sagar Samvad can be understood by the fact that three Cabinet Ministers of the Government of India graced the day long interactions.

Held under the theme “Charting the Roadmap towards Maritime India Vision 2030 & Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047,” it brought together policymakers, senior government officials, industry leaders, shipowners, maritime professionals, seafarers trade unions, experts and young maritime trainees for meaningful dialogue on the future of India’s maritime sector.

The programme commenced with Seminar Session I, “Augmentation of Indian Tonnage – Opportunities & Challenges.”

The inaugural proceedings began with the National Song Vande Mataram, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.

Moderated by Shri Anil Devli, NSB Member and CEO, INSA, the panel deliberated on the opportunities and challenges associated with expanding Indian tonnage, provisions under the new maritime legislation, challenges faced by Indian-flag shipowners, container manufacturing, financing and other critical factors influencing the growth and competitiveness of India’s shipping capacity followed by interactive sessions with the audience.

Shri Shantanu Thakur, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways highlighted the important role of the National Shipping Board as a bridge connecting the Government, Ministry, DGMA and the wider maritime stakeholder community.

He outlined India’s key maritime aspirations for 2030 and 2047, including increasing cargo-handling capacity, strengthening port infrastructure, encouraging public-private participation and developing India into a major global maritime hub.

He also emphasised India’s ambition to become a Top 10 shipbuilding nation by 2030 and Top 5 by 2047, supported by shipbuilding clusters across key coastal states. Employment generation, quality enhancement, expansion of Indian tonnage and infrastructure development were highlighted as essential pillars of India’s maritime transformation.

Indian Ships and Indian Seafarers – Two Pillars of Maritime Strength

The second session was graced by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways who also inaugurated the formal launch of the National Shipping Board website which marked another important step towards making the Board’s reports, activities, recommendations and policy work more accessible to maritime stakeholders and the wider public.

Shri Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted India’s immense maritime potential and the long-term vision outlined under Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 including strengthening India’s seafaring human capital. He emphasised the Government’s objective of positioning India as a global leader in shipping, shipbuilding, ports, waterways and maritime services.

Shri Sonowal stressed the importance of developing India into a Top Five shipbuilding nation, with a target of achieving 4.5 million tonnes of shipbuilding capacity. He highlighted the need for skilled human resources, greater self-reliance, modern ports, shipbuilding clusters and increased utilisation of India’s inland waterways.
Addressing young maritime trainees, Shri Sonowal called upon them to remain disciplined, physically fit, dedicated and committed to serving the nation. He also advised all maritime stakeholders to work collectively towards building a strong, self-reliant and globally competitive maritime India.

The session also featured an engaging interaction between the Chief Guest and young maritime trainees, providing the next generation of maritime professionals an opportunity to interact directly with senior leadership and share their views and aspirations.

Maritime Labour Force – Opportunities & Challenges

The afternoon programme placed the spotlight on the people who form the backbone of the maritime industry – our seafarers and maritime workforce – through Seminar Session III, “Maritime Labour Force – Opportunities & Challenges.”

Moderated by Capt. Rakesh Singh, NSB Member and President, ICCSA, the panel examined important issues including promotion and employment of Indian seafarers, grievances faced by seafarers, gender parity, maritime labour in ship recycling, skill development and the need to prepare India’s maritime workforce for emerging opportunities.

Representatives from the Indian Register of Shipping, DGMA, ship recycling workers’ union, ITF, NUSI, MUI, along with Mrs. Sanjam Gupta, participated in the discussion, bringing diverse perspectives on the opportunities and challenges confronting India’s maritime labour force.

Creating Global Opportunities for Indian Maritime Youth

The session was followed by an address by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment. He asked the audience specially the young trainees to be proud of the Indian maritime history which goes more than 5000 years back. He stated that history demonstrates the decisive role maritime strength has played in shaping global economic and strategic power. For India to emerge as a developed nation and major maritime power, it must effectively utilise its maritime potential and its enormous pool of young talent. He forcefully said that who rule the seas rule the nations.

He emphasised the need to leverage the growing international demand for skilled maritime professionals to create quality employment opportunities for Indian youth through coordinated efforts by Government, industry, trade bodies and maritime training institutions.

He called for expanding training capacity, strengthening India’s outreach to the global employment market for seafarers, developing future-ready skills, reducing gender disparity in maritime employment and creating specialised talent for emerging sectors such as cruise shipping.

He further stressed that India’s ambition to become one of the world’s leading shipbuilding nations would require a highly skilled, professionally trained and globally competitive maritime workforce.

Strong Voice for Indian Seafarers

Shri Milind Kandalgaonkar, Member, National Shipping Board and General Secretary-cum-Treasurer, National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), represented the voice of Indian seafarers as a panellist in two important sessions at Sagar Samvad 2026.

During the deliberations, he highlighted the concerns, aspirations and future opportunities of Indian seafarers, with particular focus on safety and security, employment generation, career progression, welfare, social security and future-ready skills. He cautioned the trainees not to get trapped by illegal manning agents and spoil their career and goals.

He emphasised that India’s maritime ambitions must move forward together with the aspirations of its seafarers. Growth in Indian tonnage, shipbuilding, ports and maritime trade should translate into greater employment opportunities, stronger protection and better career prospects for Indian seafarers.

He also underlined the importance of stronger institutional support, clear pathways for ratings and other seafarers to progress in their careers, continuous skill development to meet technological and green-shipping requirements, and robust welfare and social-security mechanisms for seafarers and their families.

The message was clear: India’s maritime future will ultimately be powered not only by ships, ports and technology, but by the skills, courage, professionalism and dedication of its seafarers and maritime workforce.

Collective Roadmap Towards Maritime India 2047

The programme concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.

Sagar Samvad 2026 served as an important national platform for dialogue, collaboration and exchange among India’s maritime stakeholders.

From strengthening Indian tonnage and shipbuilding to expanding maritime infrastructure, promoting digitalisation and decarbonisation, enhancing maritime security, generating employment and empowering the seafaring workforce, the discussions reflected the broad priorities shaping India’s maritime future.
The event reinforced the need for a coordinated approach involving Government, industry, shipowners, ports, maritime institutions, trade unions, seafarers, maritime workers and young professionals.

With Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 providing the long-term roadmap, Sagar Samvad 2026 reaffirmed the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to build a resilient, self-reliant, globally competitive and future-ready Maritime India – with Indian seafarers at the heart of its progress.

Under the active, effective and focussed Chairmanship of Shri Sameer Kumar Khare, IAS (Retd.), with support from Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Shri Shyam Jaganathan, IAS, Director General of Maritime Administration and Bureau of Port Security and all the members, the work of the NSB has been appreciated by Ministry of Shipping, seafarers and the entire Indian shipping fraternity. NUSI is playing an important role in the NSB which is the highest statutory body for advising the Government of India on policy matters.

National Union of Seafarers of India - NUSI

03/09/2026

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