International Maritime Federation - IMF

13/09/2026

May Lord Ganesha bring you joy, prosperity, and success.

08/09/2026

“One Industry. One Voice. A Collective Call for Practical Maritime Regulation”

The International Maritime Federation (IMF) has taken the lead in bringing RPSL stakeholders together to collectively examine the implications of DGMA Order 22 of 2026, particularly the proposed ₹1 crore insurance requirement per seafarer.

The consultation brought the concerns of the industry directly to the table: Where did the ₹1 crore figure come from? Who should carry the liability? Can appropriate insurance actually be secured at sustainable costs? And can smaller RPSLs realistically absorb another major financial and compliance obligation?
The discussion went beyond simply opposing the requirement. Participants explored constructive alternatives, including security and surety bonds backed by insurance providers, while also seeking greater clarity on the legal and regulatory basis of the proposed framework.

A key message emerged: seafarer protection is essential, but regulation must be practical, proportionate and sustainable.

FSUI supported the collective effort and brought the seafarer-welfare perspective into the discussion, reinforcing the need to protect both seafarers and the employment ecosystem that supports them.

The meeting agreed on a collective way forward. IMF will consolidate industry concerns and recommendations, seek formal support from participating stakeholders, submit the collective representation to DG Shipping and the Ministry, and seek a physical meeting with the authorities. A signature campaign is also being considered to demonstrate the strength of the industry's collective position.

This is not about resisting regulation. It is about ensuring that regulation works.
IMF will continue to provide the platform for dialogue, representation and constructive engagement between the maritime industry and the authorities.



Directorate General of Shipping, India Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways PMO India International Maritime Organization - IMO ITF - International Transport Workers' Federation ITF Asia Pacific - International Transport Workers' Federation

03/09/2026

May Krishna’s grace bring you endless bliss and prosperity!

01/09/2026

150+ RPSLs, Ship Owners/Managers and Maritime Professionals. One collective voice.

The IMF supported by FSUI Web Meeting brought the Indian maritime industry together to discuss smarter, practical and secure regulation—while ensuring ease of doing business for RPSLs, protecting seafarers, seafarer jobs and the future of Indian maritime.

From concerns to evidence. From individual voices to a collective industry position.

Directorate General of Shipping, India Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways International Maritime Organization - IMO PMO India ITF - International Transport Workers' Federation ITF Asia Pacific - International Transport Workers' Federation

27/08/2026

Celebrating the beautiful bond of love, protection, and togetherness.
Happy Rakshabandhan!

25/08/2026

May Eid bring peace, joy, and countless blessings to you and your loved ones.
Eid Mubarak!

25/08/2026

Celebrating the spirit of Onam with joy, prosperity, and togetherness.
Happy Onam!

24/08/2026

A meaningful milestone in my journey of contributing to seafarer welfare and professional development.

I was privileged to be part of the launch of Seafarers Global Maritime Executive Education Academy’s flagship Executive Certificate in Maritime Resilience & Human Performance, an initiative focused on preparing the seafarer of tomorrow with not just technical competence, but also the human capabilities needed to thrive in a demanding maritime environment.

During the programme, I had the opportunity to speak on an aspect of seafarer wellbeing that deserves far greater attention: financial wellness. Financial security is closely connected to emotional wellbeing, family stability and professional resilience. For young seafarers in particular, developing the discipline of financial planning, building savings and ensuring adequate insurance protection can make a profound difference to their lives and those of their families.

As an industry, we must look beyond the traditional definition of seafarer welfare. A resilient seafarer is not only technically competent, but also financially secure, emotionally aware, mentally resilient and better equipped to manage pressure both at sea and ashore.

I am grateful to Seafarers Global and the Heartfulness Institute for creating a platform that brings these dimensions of human performance into the heart of maritime education.

It was especially encouraging to see these efforts recognised in Bhandarkar Shipping News, alongside the wider industry discussion on building the seafarer of tomorrow.

The future of maritime is not only about smarter ships and new technology. It is about building stronger, more resilient and better-supported people who operate them.



Directorate General of Shipping, India Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

20/08/2026

The IMF–FSUI Maritime Stakeholder Consultation on 19 August brought together more than a 100 representatives from RPSLs, shipowners, ship managers and maritime stakeholders together for a focused discussion on two critical issues:

• MLC Board reporting and information-sharing requirements
• Seafarers Tracking Module and vessel latitude/longitude reporting

The discussion moved beyond “compliance” to the practical questions that matter:

• What information should be shared, and with whom?
• Who actually has access to accurate vessel-location data?
• How will sensitive information be protected?
• Who acts when a vessel is identified in a high-risk area?
• Most importantly, does the reporting mechanism actually improve seafarer safety?

The stakeholder poll reinforced many of the concerns raised during the discussion and provided IMF with valuable evidence of the industry's collective position.

The strongest consensus was clear: the industry supports seafarer safety and effective regulation, but regulation must be practical, proportionate, secure and linked to a clear outcome.

A highly constructive consultation, with candid industry perspectives and a clear path towards taking the collective concerns forward with the authorities.

Directorate General of Shipping, India Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

27/05/2026