10/08/2026
SUI-BMS Actively participates in interaction on seafarer security, safety & welfare and e- Inauguration!
Mumbai, 8 August 2026: The Sailors’ Union of India (SUI-BMS) actively participated in the Interaction on Seafarer Security, Safety & Seafarer Welfare and the inauguration of the e-Samudra Project, held at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, under the leadership of Hon’ble Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. The programme was attended by Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), Shri Sushil Khopade, Additional Director General of Maritime Administration, senior government officials, maritime authorities, shipowners, RPSLs, training institutions, seafarers’ unions and other representatives of the Indian maritime industry.
The programme commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, symbolising knowledge, progress and the collective commitment towards strengthening maritime safety, enhancing seafarer welfare and building a modern, transparent and technology-driven maritime ecosystem. The inaugural session was followed by addresses from senior officials, who highlighted the Government’s vision for a digitally empowered and seafarer-centric maritime administration.
Shri Sushil Khopade, Additional Director General of Maritime Administration, highlighted the growing importance of India in the global maritime sector and stressed the collective responsibility of the Government, industry and maritime stakeholders towards ensuring the safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers. He also emphasised the important role played by RPSL agencies and welcomed e-Samudra as a significant step towards digital transformation in maritime administration.
In his keynote address, Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Maritime Administration, outlined the vision of DGMA for a digitally empowered, transparent and seafarer-centric maritime administration. He highlighted the transformative role of the e-Samudra platform in promoting faceless governance, improving ease of doing business and providing seamless digital services to maritime stakeholders. He also referred to important initiatives such as the e-Navik Portal, Seafarer Tracking Dashboard, Digital Seafarers Employment Agreement and strengthened welfare mechanisms, which are aimed at creating a safer, smarter and more resilient maritime ecosystem in line with the Government of India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, emphasised the Government’s commitment to building a modern, transparent and digitally empowered maritime sector. He highlighted maritime security, ethical recruitment, seafarer welfare and digital transformation as important priorities for the future of Indian shipping.
Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, in his address, reaffirmed the Government of India’s vision of building a modern, efficient, sustainable and globally competitive maritime nation, with seafarers at the heart of India’s maritime transformation. He described -Samudra as an important milestone towards simpler, transparent and stakeholder-centric maritime governance and emphasised the need for stronger measures concerning seafarer safety, security, welfare and wellbeing. He called upon all stakeholders to work collectively to ensure that every Indian seafarer remains safe, respected and supported throughout their professional journey.
A proud moment for the Indian maritime fraternity was the recognition accorded by the Hon’ble Union Minister to the active ’ unions for their valuable and sustained contribution towards the welfare, safety, security and protection of Indian seafarers and their families.
The programme also placed strong emphasis on the security and safety of Indian seafarers in the present geopolitical environment. With seafarers increasingly exposed to risks arising from armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions, piracy, missile and drone attacks and other maritime security threats, the need for effective real-time monitoring, communication, emergency response and welfare support has become more important than ever. Presentations on the Seafarer Tracking Module, LRIT–MMDAC and e-NAVIK highlighted the role of technology and real-time information in improving the security, safety and operational support available to Indian seafarers working across international waters.
The wide participation of Government authorities, shipowners, RPSLs, seafarers’ unions, training institutions, cadets and other maritime social partners demonstrated the importance of a coordinated and collective approach to seafarer welfare, safety, security and maritime governance. The technical session concluded with a Q&A interaction involving RPSL companies and cadets, providing an important platform for stakeholder engagement and discussion on various issues concerning Indian seafarers and the maritime sector.
SUI-BMS remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the rights, safety, security, welfare and dignity of every Indian seafarer. The Union believes that technological and administrative reforms must ultimately translate into tangible benefits for seafarers not only during normal operations but also during wars, armed conflicts, geopolitical crises, emergencies and other critical situations. SUI-BMS will continue to engage constructively with the Government, DGMA, shipowners, RPSLs and other maritime stakeholders to strengthen seafarers’ protection, promote ethical recruitment and employment, ensure timely assistance and repatriation, and secure a safer, fairer and more dignified future for Indian seafarers and their families.
SUI-BMS welcomes the e-Samudra initiative and the Government’s continued focus on seafarer welfare, safety and security, while reiterating that the welfare and protection of the Indian seafarer must remain at the centre of every maritime policy and reform.
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