NEW DELHI: In a significant development for India’s maritime workforce, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has issued the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Shore Leave Passes (SLP) for crew members and supernumeraries serving on Indian-flag coastal vessels. The new SOP, which has been circulated to all stakeholders for immediate implementation, marks a major policy reform aimed at improving the welfare of Indian seafarers while enhancing operational efficiency across the country’s ports.
The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) described the move as a historic victory achieved after years of persistent advocacy, continuous representations, and constructive engagement with the Government of India, the National Shipping Board (NSB), and the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA). According to NUSI, the reform fulfills a long-standing demand of Indian seafarers by recognizing shore leave as a fundamental right, essential for their health, well-being, and dignity, in accordance with the provisions of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, and the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
Key Benefits:
• No requirement for seafarers to physically visit Immigration Offices for the issue or extension of Shore Leave Passes within port limits.
• Shore leave will now be facilitated directly through the Port Authorities using a simplified procedure.
• Sign-on and sign-off procedures have also been streamlined, significantly reducing delays and unnecessary administrative formalities.
• Faster sign-on and sign-off procedures will help reduce vessel turnaround time and improve the efficiency of port operations.
• This will improve the quality of life of Indian seafarers while enhancing operational efficiency for coastal shipping.
Under the newly introduced SOP, seafarers will no longer be required to physically visit Immigration Offices for the issuance or extension of Shore Leave Passes within port limits. Instead, shore leave will be facilitated directly through Port Authorities using a simplified procedure. The reforms also streamline sign-on and sign-off formalities, significantly reducing administrative delays and unnecessary paperwork. The simplified process is expected to accelerate vessel turnaround times, improve the efficiency of port operations, and support the continued growth of India’s coastal shipping sector while ensuring a better quality of life for seafarers.
NUSI acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, DGMA, the National Shipping Board, Port Authorities, and other stakeholders in bringing the reform to fruition. The union emphasized that the achievement demonstrates the value of sustained dialogue and collective action in addressing the concerns of India’s maritime community. It also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its efforts towards creating a safer, fairer, and more dignified working environment for every Indian seafarer.
