India gets measures adopted on Seafarers Abandonment at IMO : DG Shipping

LONDON : India is pleased to share that its proposal submitted to the 113th Session of the Legal Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) was accepted and supported by the Committee.

The proposal addressed the growing challenge of seafarer abandonment and emphasized stronger practical measures under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) and related guidelines for protection of the human element at sea. India highlighted operational gaps in activation of financial security, verification, and reporting mechanisms, and proposed drafting of a Model Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) with clear timelines and coordinated response measures for cases involving flag States, port States, and States of nationality, along with a secure web-based system to enhance coordination, reporting of data, and verification mechanisms.

The Indian delegation actively participated in the session and was represented by Ms. Akali V Konghay, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice, GoI and Shri Ash Mohomad, Deputy Director General of Shipping, GoI at IMO Hqs London, along with online representation from the Indian Maritime Administration/ Industry representives from 13th April to 17th April, 26.

This reflects India’s continued commitment towards safeguarding seafarers’ welfare, strengthening maritime governance, and meaningful contribution to the progressive development of international maritime law under the auspices of International Maritime Organization.

The delegation also held meeting with Director IMLI, and interacted with Indian students who were on exposure visit to IMO from WMU and IMLI.