Introduction: Rising Safety Concerns for Indian Seafarers

• Indian seafarers face escalating safety concerns due to recent attacks on commercial ships in sensitive regions like the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.
• India has submitted three papers to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to address seafarers’ security, contractual terms, and broader maritime security challenges.
• These submissions underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to maritime security and improved conditions for seafarers.

Resurgence of Sea Piracy

• Recent pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia indicate a resurgence of piracy, with vessels like the MV Ruen and MV Lila Norfolk being targeted.
• India calls for vigilance, proactive measures, and international cooperation to combat piracy, aligning with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
• These attacks highlight the importance of international cooperation and adherence to maritime laws to safeguard seafarers and maintain maritime security.

Impact of Unlawful Recruitment Practices

• Unlawful recruitment practices negatively impact seafarers’ well-being and international trade.
• India reports over 200 cases of seafarer exploitation since 2020, urging international coordination to address these issues under the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.
• Improved international cooperation is essential to ensure seafarers’ rights and prevent exploitation in the maritime industry.

Challenges Faced by Indian Seafarers

• Indian seafarers, comprising 9.35% of the global seafaring population, confront various challenges, including recent incidents such as the seizure of MSC Aries and the detention of MT Heroic Idun in Nigeria.
• A survey highlights seafarers’ vulnerabilities, including lack of legal representation and awareness of their rights.
• India’s submissions to the IMO emphasize seafarers’ security and contract terms, necessitating enhanced international cooperation to protect seafarers amidst rising incidents and geopolitical tensions.

Initiatives and Challenges in Ensuring Seafarers’ Rights

• The Indian government and the National Human Rights Commission launched the ‘human rights at sea’ initiative to address abuses against Indian seafarers, including cases of imprisonment and illegal detentions.
• However, challenges persist in holding ship owners accountable for violations and protecting seafarers’ rights under foreign registrations.
• Proactive cooperation among stakeholders is crucial to safeguard human rights in the maritime industry and ensure seafarers’ well-being.

Addressing the Growing Concern of Maritime Piracy

• Maritime piracy poses a growing concern for Indian seafarers, with a more than 10% increase in serious piracy incidents over the last 10 months.
• Private guards on merchant navy ships can deter piracy, but the volatile nature of piracy-prone oceans presents challenges.
• Reports highlight exploitation of Indian seafarers by Iranian shipping companies, underscoring the need for improved protection measures and government support.

Conclusion: Urgent Need for Enhanced Protection Measures

• Recent attacks on commercial ships have heightened safety concerns among Indian seafarers, prompting the need for government support and enhanced protection measures.
• India aims to increase its share of global seafarers to 20% in the next 10 to 20 years, emphasising the importance of improving rights and protection for seafarers in the maritime industry.