The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in India has taken action against 88 vessels and imposed restrictions on 278 others for abandoning Indian seafarers. Abandonment involves leaving seafarers stranded in foreign ports without pay, food, or repatriation support. Indian seafarers face a high risk of abandonment globally, with 1,125 cases reported in 2025 alone by the International Transport Workers’ Federation.
Ships found guilty of abandonment are now under restrictions by the DGS, while repeat offenders are blacklisted, preventing them from hiring Indian seafarers. The DGS emphasized that abandonment is a serious violation of national and international maritime regulations, including the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. A total of 366 vessels have been identified in connection with abandonment cases up to 2026, leading to necessary actions being taken by the authorities.
The DGS has issued show cause notices to Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) holders based on findings of the Seamen’s Employment Office in Mumbai. The challenges in repatriating Indian seafarers from such vessels have caused hardships, non-payment of wages, and psychological distress to the affected seafarers and their families. RPSL licensees are mandated to ensure seafarers’ welfare, financial security for repatriation, and adherence to labor conventions and regulations.
