Data and Analysis
1. Whereas, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) 2024 report has revealed a disturbing surge in global seafarer abandonment cases, with India topping the list as the most affected nationality. In year 2024, 3,133 seafarers reached out to the ITF for assistance after being abandoned with a staggering 87% increase from 1,676 cases in 2023. Of these, 899 were Indian nationals, making up the largest single nationality affected by abandonment and more than double the 401 Indian cases recorded the previous year.
2. Whereas, a closer analysis of the ITF 2024 data reveals that a significant proportion of the 899 Indian seafarers reported abandoned were either employed on vessels registered under Flags of Convenience (FoC) or were first-time seafarers (freshers) who had obtained their Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) based solely on the completion of the 5 basic STCW courses, without undergoing any long-duration pre-sea residential training.
3. Whereas, these trend highlights two critical vulnerabilities i.e., the exploitation risks posed by loosely regulated FoC-flagged vessels and the lack of adequate orientation, awareness and institutional support for freshers entering the maritime workforce through minimal qualification pathways.
4. Whereas, it has been observed that the issuance of CDCs based solely on these basic safety training courses has resulted in an influx of non-qualified personnel into the seafaring ecosystem, many of whom are not gainfully employed or deployed onboard substandard vessels which leads to abandonment, thus contributing to the problem of oversupply and false hopes of maritime employment.
5. Whereas, there has been a worrying increase in the number of seafarer abandonment cases globally, with India now emerging as the most reported country of nationality affected. These cases not only reflect violations of basic human and labour rights but also expose deep gaps in accountability mechanisms in global shipping operations.
6. Whereas, the Directorate General of Shipping is actively working with international agencies, port authorities, and flag states to safeguard the rights of Indian seafarers and ensure swift repatriation, pending wage recovery, and legal redress. Stronger enforcement of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) provisions and robust support systems are the need of the hour.
7. Whereas, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) advocates for stricter entry-level qualifications and structured training pathways aligned with quality employment prospects. DG Shipping is committed to ensuring that Indian seafarers are adequately trained, employable and in alignment with national and international safety, training and employment standards.
8. Whereas, there has been an increasing trend of reducing the safe manning of merchant vessels, which in turn demands highly skilled and competent seafarers in order to remain competitive and compliant with international standards.
9. Whereas, so far, approximately 3,25,000 seafarers have completed only the five mandatory basic STCW courses and obtained an Indian CDC after issuance of Merchant Shipping (Continuous Discharge Certificate), and a majority of these seafarers are still awaiting an opportunity to join
even their first vessel.