Regulator bars 366 foreign-flagged ships from hiring Indian seafarers

New Delhi: DG Shipping, the maritime regulator, on Thursday barred 366 foreign-flagged ships from engaging Indian seafarers for allegedly abandoning seafarers – non-payment of wages, denial of compensation in cases of death or disappearance, undue suffering of crew members and lack of Indian maritime assistance. This is in violation of national maritime regulations and international obligations, DG Shipping said while warning Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) holders against placing seafarers on these vessels. In a notification issued to RPSL companies and all Indian seafarers, it placed 278 vessels under the “restricted” category and the remaining 88 under the “blacklisted” category. DG Shipping has directed all RPSLs to submit details of Indian seamen employed on these vessels within 14 days. “…In view of the serious violation of civil welfare, practice of abandonment and non-compliance with international norms, 366 vessels are prohibited from engaging Indian seafarers immediately through any RPSL company authorized by DG Shipping, unless compliance with the aforesaid provisions is ensured.”