National Union of Seafarers of India - NUSI

26/11/2025

The ITF and the Indian Government’s Directorate General of Shipping met at ITF House in London today to discuss our joint work on the wellbeing of seafarers.

After positive and engaging discussions, we confirmed that we will work closely together to ensure that Indian seafarers are protected and respected: this is vital work that helps secure seafarers' rights and the future of the maritime industry.

The ITF also spoke about its work to prevent spiralling seafarer abandonment, and its plan expand its program of wellbeing education for transport workers, whether on railways, roads, civil aviation and beyond.

20/11/2025

20/11/2025

Circular No. 17 of 2025 20st November, 2025

Dear Seafarers,

Sub: Discontinuation of Sign-on/Sign-off and Shore Leave Pass (SLP)
Procedures for Indian Flag Coastal Run Vessels – Important Update

This is to inform all Indian seafarers that the Government of India has taken a significant and progressive decision to ease long-standing procedural requirements for crew serving on Indian Flag coastal run vessels.

As per Office Memorandum No. 25016/19/2024-Imm dated 2 November 2025, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the procedures for Sign-on/Sign-off and Shore Leave Pass (SLP) have been discontinued for:

• Indian Flag coastal run vessels

• Dredgers and barges

• Research vessels operating within port limits

Background

Under the earlier system, crew members were required to be physically present at immigration offices for the issuance and bi-weekly renewal of the SLP. This not only caused operational delays but also interfered with essential duties onboard.

There have been several instances when crew members were unable to sign on or sign on thanks to lack of clarity and uniformity in application of rules and regulations. Opaque rules added to the confusion amongst shipowners and crew members alike.

The clarity that this OM brings is immense. It also provides for discontinuation of the procedures thereby resolving a major practical difficulty faced by seafarers and aligns immigration and shore leave requirements with the realities of coastal operations.

Efforts of NUSI

NUSI has been at the forefront of this long-awaited reform.

NUSI has:
• Consistently raised this issue at National Shipping Board (NSB) meetings, strongly advocating the need to remove outdated Shore Leave Pass procedures.

• Highlighted it as one of the key agenda points at NUSI General Body meetings, emphasising its impact on seafarers’ welfare and daily operations.

• Repeatedly taken up the matter with the Directorate General of Maritime Administration and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, urging the Government to simplify the process in line with modern coastal trade requirements.

• Engaged with industry bodies and port authorities, building consensus and pushing for unified implementation across all ports.

• Provided documented feedback and case studies to relevant ministries, demonstrating the operational challenges faced by seafarers due to the Shore Leave Pass requirement.

This coordinated and persistent effort by NUSI played a significant role in bringing about this positive change.

Key Government Stakeholders

We extend our sincere appreciation to the following authorities for their decisive and coordinated action:

• Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPS&W) and Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping): For ensuring smooth implementation of the revised process. MoPS&W has been requested to direct Port Authorities to maintain crew records and regulate shore access.

• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA): For examining the matter in detail and issuing the formal order to discontinue the procedures.

• National Shipping Board (NSB) under the chairmanship of Shri Sameer Khare (Retd. IAS): For providing key advisory support towards enhancing seafarer welfare in the national maritime ecosystem.

Industry Support

This decision has been warmly welcomed by Indian National Shipowners' Association (INSA), Maritime Association of Shipowners Shipmanagers and Agents (MASSA), ICC Shipping Association (ICCSA), Foreign Owners Representatives and Ship Managers Association (FOSMA) and the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI). It is a major step towards improving working conditions and reducing unnecessary administrative burdens for Indian seafarers.

Impact on Seafarers

This reform will greatly ease day-to-day operations for thousands of crew members engaged in coastal shipping. It enhances both efficiency, welfare and quality of life, allowing seafarers to focus on their core duties without procedural disruptions and for shipowners to plan the engagement of crew members.

All Indian seafarers are advised to take note of this important development.
Further guidance, if any, will be communicated in due course.

Long Live NUSI, Long Live Seafarers Unity

Yours sincerely,

Milind Kandalgaonkar
General Secretary-cum-Treasurer

JAI HIND JAI NAVIK JAI NUSI

19/11/2025

NUSI Celebrates World Toilet Day

On the occasion of World Toilet Day, National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) reaffirms its commitment to promoting dignity, hygiene, and safe sanitation for all seafarers. Access to clean and functional sanitation facilities is not just a basic necessity—it is a fundamental right that ensures health, well-being, and respect at sea and on shore.

NUSI continues to work towards creating healthier and safer working environments for Indian seafarers, supporting global efforts to improve sanitation standards and awareness.

Clean toilets. Safe sanitation. A healthier tomorrow.

13/11/2025

Launch of “Sagar Mein Yog” Learning Management System (LMS) at Mangalore

13/11/2025

Launch of “Sagar Mein Yog” Learning Management System (LMS) at Mangalore

The “Sagar Mein Yog” Learning Management System (LMS) was formally launched on 13 November 2025 at Mangalore by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Cabinet Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The event was graced by Shri Shyam Jaganathan, Director General of Shipping, and Shri Sushil Mansing Khopde, Additional Director General of Shipping, along with senior officials, maritime training leaders, and industry stakeholders.
Capt. Bhasin (MSC) was also present during the ceremony.

As part of the programme, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also inaugurated the newly renovated Mangalore Marine College and Technology (MMCT) near Kuppepadavu. The institute has been upgraded with state-of-the-art training infrastructure, including a Full Mission Bridge Simulator, Engine Room Simulator, Steering and Control systems, and an advanced LNG Bunkering Simulator—positioning MMCT among the leading maritime training centres in the region.

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a memento to the Hon’ble Minister by Shri Milind Kandalgaonkar, General Secretary-cum-Treasurer, National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), on behalf of the seafaring community.

In his keynote address, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal outlined the government’s strategic vision for strengthening India’s maritime sector. He emphasized the pivotal role of the maritime domain in national development, global trade leadership, and youth empowerment.

He reiterated that the government’s initiatives under Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030) aim to modernize ports, improve logistics efficiency, enhance seafarer training, and expand India’s footprint in the global maritime supply chain. The Minister also connected these efforts to the long-term roadmap of Maritime Vision 2047, which envisions India as a world-class maritime nation by the centenary of Independence—focusing on sustainable shipping, smart ports, green energy transition, digital maritime ecosystems, and globally competitive seafarers equipped with the highest standards of skill and wellness.

Appreciating the “Sagar Mein Yog” initiative, he commended the collaborative efforts of the Directorate General of Shipping and NUSI. He noted that the programme plays a crucial role in the holistic development of Indian seafarers—nurturing mental resilience, physical well-being, and inner balance. By integrating yoga and wellness practices into seafarer training, the initiative supports the larger national goal of building a healthier, more capable maritime workforce aligned with the aspirations of MIV 2030 and Maritime Vision 2047.

The launch marks another step toward India’s commitment to preparing its seafarers for a future-ready maritime economy—one that is technologically advanced, globally respected, and anchored in human-centric development.

Milind Kandalgaonkar

Directorate General of Shipping, India

07/11/2025

SEAFARERS UNITY DAY 2025

Milind Kandalgaonkar

Directorate General of Shipping, India

03/11/2025

SEAFARERS UNITY DAY

01/11/2025

NUSI – Sailing Toward Dignity

At the heart of India Maritime Week, amid the grandeur of technology and innovation, the DG Shipping and NUSI stall stood out — not for its size, but for its soul. Under the banners Sagar Mein Samman and Sagar Mein Yog, the spirit of India’s seafaring community came alive — one rooted in dignity, wellness, and equality. Through its partnership with DG Shipping, NUSI (National Union of Seafarers of India) is steering a quiet revolution at sea — empowering women to take their rightful place on deck, building pathways through scholarships and leadership training, and nurturing holistic well-being through yoga, meditation, and mental health support.

Initiatives like NUSI Sahara, offering 24/7 counselling for seafarers and their families, reveal NUSI’s deeper mission — to protect not only livelihoods but also lives and emotions. What I witnessed was more than a display — it was empathy in motion, a glimpse of India’s maritime future where progress is measured not only in ships and trade but in honor, humanity, and hope.

Dr. Jose Matheickal, Director (Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division) at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), visited the DG Shipping stall and appreciated how DG Shipping, together with NUSI, has pioneered a National Wellness Curriculum for Seafarers — a remarkable step toward a more caring and inclusive maritime industry.

Click the link below to read the entire article https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7390042304901844992-CuLj?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAl6f5IB6PjYzOwS3_NNAp27R5W2_1s5cbQ

Through NUSI vision and commitment, India is truly sailing toward dignity — redefining maritime leadership with a human heart.

In Solidarity,
Team NUSI