A new federation bringing together Indian seafarer unions, welfare organisations, and maritime charities has been established in Chennai to strengthen collective efforts to address crew abandonment, unpaid wages, and seafarer safety.
The International Transport Employees Federation (ITEF) was formed on October 31 following a meeting of representatives from across India, with participants attending both in person and online.
The federation aims to coordinate initiatives to improve access to legal assistance, support abandoned seafarers, pursue outstanding wage claims and advocate stronger enforcement of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006).
In its launch statement, ITEF identified the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf as key areas of concern, highlighting the need for comprehensive risk assessments, emergency evacuation procedures, medical assistance and appropriate arrangements for the safe repatriation of seafarers operating in high-risk regions.
Cadet welfare is also a major priority. The federation intends to push for stronger safeguards against bullying, harassment and excessive work pressure, while advocating confidential reporting mechanisms, counselling support and independent investigations into serious incidents.
ITEF further emphasised the importance of improving oversight of vessel maintenance, addressing equipment failures and ensuring compliance with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code to enhance operational safety and protect crew members.
Among those supporting the initiative are Amar Singh Thakur, General Secretary of the All India Seafarers Union; Vimalson, General Secretary of the Leo Barnes Union of Seafarers of India; and Jagan Mohan Rao Naidu, President of the Republican Maritime Union.
The federation has invited seafarer unions and welfare organisations operating at ports across India to join the initiative. It is also seeking cooperation with international maritime organisations, shipowners, regulatory authorities and port authorities to strengthen seafarer protection and welfare.
With crew abandonment, wage disputes and workplace safety continuing to pose significant challenges to the maritime industry, ITEF seeks to provide a coordinated platform for collective representation and stronger protection of Indian seafarers’ rights and interests.