The Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) of India has introduced a draft order in late 2025 to revise the age norms for vessels operating under the Indian flag andforeign flagged vessels seeking licenses as per the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. This draft order, born out of extensive stakeholder consultations and independent studies, aims to … Read more
The safety and dignity of seafarers are paramount in the maritime industry, yet numerous cases of abandonment, unpaid wages, and unsafe working conditions continue to plague many Indian seafarers aboard foreign vessels. Recognizing this distressing reality, the Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), India, has issued a powerful directive to blacklist vessels repeatedly involved in … Read more
Recently the Indian government passed Coastal Shipping Act, 2025 which lists out the trade license rules so it is essential to understand for anyone, whether for RPSL license holders or seafarers involved in India’s maritime logistics and coastal transportation sectors. This act governs coasting trade by creating a structured licensing system that regulates which vessels … Read more
Understanding rules for seafarer certification, training standards, institution approval, examinations and crew compliance under MS act 2025.
In the global maritime industry, thousands of seafarers work far from home, often in unpredictable conditions. Their safety, wages, working hours, and rights depend on strong systems of protection. This is where a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) becomes extremely important. A CBA is not just another document. It is a legal shield that protects seafarers … Read more
India’s vast coastline stretches over 11,098.81 kilometers, making coastal shipping a vital component of the nation’s maritime landscape. The Coastal Shipping Act, 2025 marks a significant step in modernizing and regulating this sector. This blog unpacks Chapter 1 of the Act, focusing on the key definitions and scope, to help you understand what this means … Read more
Efficient, secure, and transparent crew documentation is the foundation of any thriving maritime industry. On November 20, 2025, the Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), India, released a groundbreaking circular that is set to reshape the process for Indian seafarers traveling abroad to join foreign-flag vessels. This new form–1 (RPSL) for seafarers on foreign-flag vessels … Read more
Learn more about the boosting maritime safety in India with new rules for emergency towing tugs (ETVs) for quick & effective emergency response.
The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, operates a centralized Grievance Redressal – Support Unit (GR–SU) to handle a wide range of seafarer issues. This guide breaks down the official seafarer grievance and crisis management process. Following these protocols is essential to ensure that all complaints are … Read more
The introduction of the Seafarers’ Code of Conduct – Compliance & Enforcement Manual by the Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) which will come into force on January 1, 2026, is a major milestone for the country’s maritime industry. This comprehensive guide isn’t just a rulebook but also a commitment to raising the bar for … Read more
