DG Shipping pledges stronger protections for Seafarers’ Rights
MUMBAI : Directorate General of Shipping strengthens commitment to Seafarers’ Rights in Northern States. Captain Daniel Joseph, the Deputy Director General of Shipping of DGS, reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of merchant navy seafarers. Addressing a gathering at the Tagore Theatre Auditorium in Chandigarh on Friday, he assured that seafarers from Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh will now have better access to channels for voicing their concerns and protecting their rights.
The event, themed “Seafarers’ Rights and Employment,” featured Captain Joseph as the chief guest and saw the launch of a key initiative spearheaded by Captain Sanjay Parashar. This initiative, introduced in Chandigarh, aims to bridge the gap between seafarers and the authorities, ensuring timely resolution of their issues.
During the program, seafarers were given an open platform to discuss their challenges. Captain Joseph stressed that the protection of Indian merchant navy seafarers’ rights remains a top priority for the DGS. He acknowledged that seafarers from Punjab and neighboring states often struggle to access assistance due to reliance on offices in Mumbai or Delhi and a lack of awareness about online procedures. This gap has, at times, resulted in missed opportunities for seafarers to claim their rightful entitlements. The new initiative is expected to address these challenges effectively.
Captain Daniel Joseph, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by merchant navy seafarers. Speaking at an event titled “Seafarers’ Rights and Employment” at the Tagore Theatre Auditorium in Chandigarh on Friday, Captain Joseph highlighted that the DGS has been actively coordinating with various government departments to resolve seafarers’ issues. He assured the development of better policies and programs aimed at improving the quality of work and life for seafarers.
The event also drew attention to the risks and challenges of life at sea. It was emphasized that ensuring sailors’ safety is of paramount importance, given the dangers of sea voyages. Concerningly, 81 Indian sailors are currently imprisoned in foreign jails. Suggestions were made to leverage modern technology, implement a faster justice system, and adopt advanced safety measures to provide better protection for sailors.
Seafarers from across North India shared their experiences and raised pressing concerns during the program. Many reported instances of exploitation and unfair treatment, particularly in rural areas of Punjab and neighboring states, where fraudulent agents scam young men aspiring to join the merchant navy. The seafarers called for stringent action against such unscrupulous entities and urged immediate measures to curb these practices.
The event underscored the DGS’s commitment to creating a safer and more equitable environment for Indian merchant navy professionals.