The Global Seafarers Union of India (GSUI) has raised serious concerns over a recent directive issued by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), which bans certain foreign maritime administrations and their affiliates from conducting or promoting maritime training in India without prior written approval.
The order, designated as Order No. 08 of 2025 and issued on August 1, mandates an immediate halt to such foreign training activities operating without authorization. It warns that non-compliance could result in blacklisting and legal proceedings under the Merchant Shipping Act and the Information Technology Act.
GSUI Flags Fallout for Indian Seafarers
Responding to the directive, GSUI cautioned that the move could severely affect Indian seafarers, many of whom have acquired their Certificates of Competency (CoCs) and Certificates of Proficiency (CoPs) through foreign-affiliated institutions functioning in India.
“These training routes, which met the standards of the International Maritime Organization’s STCW Convention, were a crucial gateway for candidates from economically weaker backgrounds,” said Gaurav Porwal, GSUI member and a petitioner in the public interest litigation (PIL) against DG Shipping’s earlier Circular 31 of 2025.
Speaking at a press conference in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday, Porwal stated that the sudden implementation of the new directive, without consultation or a transitional plan, could jeopardize thousands of careers. “Many seafarers have already invested time and resources into these courses. They now face the risk of job loss or invalidation of their certifications,” he added.
The directive comes just days after the Bombay High Court granted a stay on Circular 31 of 2025, which had attempted to bar Indian seafarers from sailing with foreign-issued CoCs unless approved by Indian authorities. GSUI has called the timing of this new order “troubling” and said it lacks procedural fairness.
Union Seeks Transition Plan and Policy Clarity
GSUI President and former Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Balaram Patil emphasized that the union supports regulatory quality but insists on a fair and inclusive process. “We are not against regulation. But sudden policy shifts without stakeholder involvement threaten not only seafarers’ livelihoods but also India’s foreign remittance flow,” Patil warned.
In its official response, the union demanded immediate clarification from DG Shipping regarding the future of those already trained under foreign systems. It has also called for a defined transition period for students currently enrolled in such programs and the publication of transparent approval criteria for foreign training providers.
Call for Transparent Communication and Stakeholder Inclusion
GSUI further urged the government to ensure open and consistent communication with the seafaring community to curb misinformation and panic. The union stressed the importance of involving seafarers’ unions and maritime training institutes in future policy decisions.
“This is not just an institutional matter,” the union stated. “It is a livelihood issue affecting thousands of Indian families. If needed, we are prepared to pursue democratic and legal routes to ensure justice and clarity for our members.”
The GSUI has reiterated its call for calm, policy transparency, and inclusive dialogue to protect the future of India’s seafaring workforce.
