Capt. Kapil Yadav 
Indian seafarers are the backbone of the global supply chain, but their financial security often goes unnoticed. What systems are in place to protect them and their families? The two core pillars of financial protection are The Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) for immediate needs and the Seamen’s Provident Fund Organisation (SPFO) for long-term security. … Read more
The Indian maritime industry is booming meaning, more accidents. To tackle this, the DGS has issued a draft of guidelines and criteria for the empanelment and retention of salvage firms.
Between 2010 and 2022, the deployment of Indian seafarers saw significant trends that shaped new regulations. But rules in the maritime world don’t stand still. They evolve through official directives called circulars. For any Indian seafarer, RPSL agency, or shipowner, staying on top of updates from the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) isn’t just good … Read more
DGS mandates framework initiating medical tests for all Indian seafarers with an INDoS number as of 2025. Know the rules and requirements.
Hey there, and welcome! When you step into the world of maritime, you quickly learn that a huge part of your professional life,from your contracts to your safety,is governed by a foundational set of laws. This legal framework, built on the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, is what gives you a professional identity and security at … Read more
Did you know that over 90% of world trade relies on seafarers, yet their working rights were only standardized globally in recent decades? That fact alone shows why international agreements matter. In today’s shipping industry, every Indian crew member stepping onboard is protected, or at least guided, by frameworks created at the global level. If … Read more
The Bill of Lading Act 2025 presents a modern legal structure for trade and shipping in India. By strengthening the consignments and endorsements rights in the Bill of Lading Act 2025, the act ensures that property rights, liabilities, and legal safety are clearly defined in commercial transactions. For businesses engaged in international and domestic trade, … Read more
The realisation of the Indian Bills of Lading Act of 1856 is a significant moment in India’s maritime and commerce legislative history. The introduction of the new Bills of Lading Act 2025 is a critical update to India’s maritime and trade law in response to present-day commerce. The 1856 Act has governed the rights relating … Read more
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has issued Addendum I to Circular No. 31 of 2025 dated 05 August 2025, reinforcing its commitment to curb fraudulent certification and promote maritime safety. This regulatory update emphasizes the mandatory verification of seafarer certificates issued by foreign administrations not listed in the original circular. The initiative has garnered … Read more
As the global maritime industry accelerates toward decarbonization, India is setting a national benchmark for clean fuel compliance. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has issued Circular No. 32 of 2025, establishing India’s first structured framework for biofuel bunkering. This move is not just timely—it’s transformative. By regulating the safe, certified handling of biofuels like … Read more