Symposium on Seafarers’ Recruitment & Welfare held in Kolkata ; DG Shipping reaffirms commitment to ethical maritime manpower practices
KOLKATA : A prestigious Symposium on Seafarers’ Recruitment and Welfare was successfully convened in Kolkata under the aegis of the Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The event brought together key stakeholders from the maritime sector, including Recruitment and Placement Services License (RPSL) holders, industry representatives, and senior officials, to deliberate on strengthening India’s maritime manpower ecosystem.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sushil Mansing Khopde, IPS, Additional Director General of Shipping, shared strategic insights on the evolving challenges faced by RPSL holders in a dynamic global maritime environment. His address focused on enhancing regulatory compliance, improving transparency in recruitment processes, and reinforcing the protection of seafarers’ rights.
The session highlighted critical regulatory concerns, including adherence to established compliance standards, prevention of fraudulent recruitment practices, and the importance of maintaining accurate documentation and reporting systems. Shri Khopde emphasized the need for ethical recruitment mechanisms aligned with international maritime conventions and best practices, thereby safeguarding the dignity and welfare of Indian seafarers.
Underscoring the importance of collaborative governance, he called for stronger coordination between regulators, RPSL agencies, and industry stakeholders to ensure seamless monitoring and enforcement. He also stressed the role of digital monitoring mechanisms and data-driven oversight to enhance accountability, prevent malpractices, and improve service delivery.
The symposium further deliberated on capacity-building initiatives aimed at empowering RPSL holders with updated regulatory knowledge, technological tools, and standardized operating procedures. The roadmap discussed during the session envisions strengthening India’s maritime manpower framework while enhancing the global credibility of Indian seafarer recruitment systems.
The event reaffirmed the Directorate General of Shipping’s commitment to safeguarding seafarers’ welfare and promoting transparent, ethical, and globally compliant recruitment practices. By fostering dialogue and shared responsibility, the symposium marked a significant step toward reinforcing robust maritime governance and ensuring sustainable growth of India’s seafaring community.