08/01/2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Sub: Historic Agreement: DG Shipping and ITF Join Forces to Boost Seafarer Wellness
In a landmark development for welfare of our seafarers, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has joined forces with the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) to launch a comprehensive initiative addressing the wellbeing of India’s maritime workforce. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on January 7, 2025, in Mumbai, a significant step forward in addressing the mental health and wellbeing including physical health challenges faced by India's maritime workforce.
The MoU was formalized by Director General of Shipping, Mr. Shyam Jaganathan, and ITF’s Global Inspectorate Coordinator, Mr. Steve Trowsdale. This partnership will establish a network of specially trained instructors across maritime training institutes, who will deliver advanced wellbeing programs to seafarer trainees and maritime professionals.
“This collaboration prioritizes the mental health and overall wellbeing of our seafarers by adopting global best practices and fostering innovation,” said Mr. Jaganathan at the signing ceremony. “Seafarer welfare isn’t just a focus area—it’s essential to the future of our maritime industry.”
The ceremony was attended by representatives from three key ITF-affiliated Indian seafarer unions: The Maritime Union of India (MUI), National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), and Forward Seafarers' Union of India (FSUI). Their involvement highlights the collective effort to address the unique challenges faced by Indian seafarers.
NUSI General Secretary-cum-Treasurer Shri Milind Kandalgaonkar emphasized the timely nature of this agreement, noting the unique pressures faced by seafarers during extended voyages. Mr. Steve Trowsdale reaffirmed ITF’s commitment to providing resources and expertise to strengthen the program’s impact.
Dr. Syed Asif Altaf, Global Well-being Program Coordinator (ITF) acknowledged the years of planning and collaboration that culminated in the MoU, calling it a noble and much-needed step that will yield significant benefits for seafarers.
This partnership between DG Shipping and ITF, supported by MUI, NUSI, and FSUI, sets a new benchmark for seafarer welfare initiatives. As the program is implemented across maritime institutes, it promises to foster a more resilient, healthier workforce, equipped to navigate the demands of modern seafaring.
India’s leadership in seafarer welfare through this initiative not only strengthens the nation’s maritime sector but also serves as a model for similar efforts globally. This collaborative effort reaffirms India’s commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of those who keep global trade moving—our seafarers.
With warm regards,
Milind Kandalgaonkar
General Secretary-cum-Treasurer