Merchant Navy Welfare Board (India) and Global Seafarers Organisation launch Nationwide Campaign – “My Harassment-Free Ship”
KAKINADA : In a landmark move to promote seafarer dignity and workplace safety, the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (India) and the Global Seafarers Organisation (GSWO) Joint Action Committee have officially launched the IMO Day of the Seafarer 2025 campaign titled “My Harassment-Free Ship” across all Indian ports.
This campaign aligns with the global theme initiated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to create a harassment-free working environment at sea. IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez urged maritime welfare organizations to actively support seafarers’ rights—a call which MNWB and GSWO have embraced with a coordinated national rollout.
Dr. N. Reuben Paul, Chairman of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (India) launched the initiative at Indian ports and engaged with port officials to ensure regional implementation. At Kakinada Port, the campaign was inaugurated by Capt. Dharma Sastha, Port Officer, AP Maritime Board, who reiterated the port’s strong commitment to crew safety and welfare.
In a key development, Dr. N. Reuben Paul met with Shri Ajith Kumar Sukumaran, Chief Surveyor & Addl. Director General of Shipping, and Capt. Dr. Daniel Joseph, Deputy Director General of Shipping, Government of India. The campaign was officially launched at the national level, followed by substantive discussions on regulatory enforcement and seafarers’ welfare.
Dr. N. Reuben Paul called upon the Directorate General of Shipping to direct Port State Control (PSC) officers to:
- Conduct targeted inspections focusing on harassment-related violations.
- Enforce full compliance with MLC anti-harassment provisions.
- Ensure seafarers are aware of their rights and can report issues confidentially.
- Hold company leadership, DPAs, and Crew Managers accountable in cases of negligence.
MNWB’s helpline data indicates many seafarers hesitate to report abuse due to fear of blacklisting or job loss, with some suffering psychological trauma or leaving their careers altogether. This campaign aims to end such patterns by reinforcing systemic accountability.
Capt. Daniel Joseph emphasized:“In alignment with this year’s IMO theme, every vessel—whether in India or globally—must enforce a strict no-harassment policy with zero tolerance. Seafarer welfare is a shared responsibility and a global maritime priority.”
Dr. N. Reuben Paul extended his gratitude to the Directorate General of Shipping for its continued support, underlining the importance of collaboration between regulatory bodies and welfare organizations.
This united effort reinforces India’s leadership in the global movement for the protection, safety, and dignity of seafarers, and contributes meaningfully to building a more inclusive and just maritime industry.
