The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has taken a significant step toward enhancing crew welfare and workplace safety at sea by issuing Circular No. 53 of 2025. This circular introduces a new training competence to address violence, harassment, bullying, sexual harassment, and sexual assault in the maritime sector. The move underscores India’s commitment to global maritime safety norms and aims to foster a workplace culture where seafarers feel safe, respected, and protected against any form of abuse onboard ships.
As part of this new mandate, a three-hour module has been incorporated into the Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR) course under Basic Safety Training. This aligns with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention. The module will be implemented across all Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) from 15 December 2025, becoming mandatory from 1 January 2026 for all seafarers.
To ensure a smooth transition and compliance, MTIs must update their training curriculum to include the new competency module. Seafarers currently ashore are required to complete an e-learning course identified as Course ID 957, as specified by DGS. This initiative reinforces India’s commitment to global maritime safety norms and aims to foster a workplace culture where seafarers feel safe, respected, and protected against any form of abuse onboard ships.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting that stronger behavioural awareness and preventive training are critical in addressing a growing global concern in maritime operations. “This is a proactive step that will significantly enhance the welfare of seafarers,” said a spokesperson from a leading maritime training institute. “By addressing these critical issues head-on, we can create a safer and more respectful environment for all those who work at sea.”
The new training module is expected to cover a range of topics, including recognising and preventing harassment and bullying, understanding the legal framework surrounding these issues, and learning effective communication and conflict resolution strategies. The module will also provide guidance on reporting incidents and accessing support services.
The implementation of this new training competence is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve seafarer welfare. It reflects a growing recognition within the maritime industry of the importance of addressing psychological and social aspects of safety, in addition to the more traditional focus on physical safety.
With this measure, India continues to uphold its leadership in seafarer welfare while strengthening safeguards for those serving at sea. The move is expected to set a benchmark for other countries to follow, further enhancing global standards of maritime safety and welfare.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the need for comprehensive and proactive measures to address crew welfare and workplace safety becomes increasingly apparent. The DGS’s initiative is a step in the right direction, demonstrating a commitment to creating a safer, more respectful, and more supportive environment for seafarers worldwide.