The Indian maritime sector is at a critical juncture as it grapples with the dual challenges of a burgeoning workforce and the shadowy practices of unregistered manning agencies. With around 250,000 seafarers, India ranks among the top global providers of maritime labor. However, a recent report by Gujarat Maritime University and ISWAN has highlighted a troubling trend: many seafarers are falling prey to unscrupulous agents who exploit their aspirations for employment at sea. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) is acutely aware of this issue, with Director General Shyam Jagannathan stating, “there is a serious concern of illicit surreptitious practices by manning agencies.”
At the heart of the problem is the outdated technology underpinning the Recruitment and Placement Services Licensee (RPSL) and E-migrate module, which is overseen by the Ministry of External Affairs. According to current regulations, RPSLs are prohibited from charging fees directly to seafarers; their income should stem from ship manning firms. Yet, the reality is starkly different. Unscrupulous agents often lure seafarers with promises of quick placements for a fraction of the cost they’ve already invested in their maritime education. Jagannathan explained how these agents manipulate young seafarers, saying, “If you want to get on a ship, I can arrange it for ₹3-₹4 lakh. Once the seafarer takes the illicit consideration, the agent also takes their documentation—trapping the seafarer in a difficult situation.”
This black market operates in a murky environment, where the sanctity of agreements is compromised. The DGS has identified that while there are 582 licensed RPSLs in India, only 5 percent engage in these illicit practices. However, the impact is profound, as outdated systems enable agents to sign seafarers onto vessels that are not accurately reflected in the DGS registry. “An RPSL can show a particular vessel registered under its inventory and then put the seafarer on that vessel but actually sign him on to another vessel,” Jagannathan noted, referencing tragic incidents like the sinking of the Prestige Falcon, which claimed the lives of seafarers who were misrepresented in the system.
In response, the DGS is rolling out a five-pronged strategy to combat these issues head-on. First, it aims to modernize the technology stack to ensure real-time monitoring of RPSLs and their onboarding practices. Second, it will leverage social media to educate seafarers about their rights and responsibilities, with a target launch date of April 2025. Third, the DGS intends to implement training programs that arm seafarers with knowledge about their rights and the tactics used by deceitful agents. Fourth, they are pushing for new legislation to enable criminal action against those who exploit seafarers under the guise of legitimate agents. Finally, a 24/7 grievance helpline is set to launch by mid-2025, providing seafarers with a direct line to report issues and seek assistance.
These initiatives represent a significant shift in how the Indian maritime industry addresses the exploitation of its workforce. By enhancing transparency, leveraging technology, and empowering seafarers with knowledge, the DGS is not just reacting to a crisis; it’s laying the groundwork for a more robust and ethical maritime labor market. The potential ripple effects of these changes could reshape the industry, fostering a culture of accountability and trust that may well serve as a model for other nations facing similar challenges. The stakes are high, and the maritime community is watching closely as these reforms unfold.
