Context: Since the West Asia conflict began in February 2026, 16 Indian seafarers have been killed in attacks on merchant ships, highlighting the risks faced by Indian maritime workers in conflict zones.
- India has one of the world's largest seafaring workforces, but seafarers on foreign-flagged vessels may face limited protection and uncertain compensation.
Why Are Indian Seafarers at Risk?
- Large workforce: India is the world's second-largest supplier of seafarers after the Philippines, with over 3.23 lakh registered seafarers in 2025, including more than 1 lakh working on Indian and foreign-flagged vessels, according to the article.
- Foreign-flagged vessels: Many Indian seafarers work on ships registered abroad, making their protection dependent on the flag state's laws, employment contracts and applicable international conventions.
- Conflict-zone exposure: Ships operating near the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden face risks from missile strikes, drones and other attacks.
- Economic dependence: Merchant shipping provides employment and income opportunities, often requiring seafarers to work in hazardous maritime environments.
Regulatory Framework and Its Limitations
- Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping): India's maritime regulator issues advisories and safety guidance but cannot directly stop all Indian seafarers from joining foreign-flagged ships.
- Flag-state jurisdiction: A ship is generally subject to the jurisdiction of the country whose flag it flies, including relevant safety and labour regulations.
- Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006: Establishes minimum international standards for seafarers' working and living conditions, including employment agreements, wages, medical care and social protection.
- Shipowners' responsibilities: Employers and shipowners have obligations under applicable laws and contracts concerning safety, repatriation, insurance and compensation.
- Risk-consent requirements: According to the article, DG Shipping requires recruitment and placement agencies to inform it before an Indian seafarer joins a vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz and to obtain written consent from the seafarer.
Are Indian Seafarers Protected in Conflict Zones?
- Indian-flagged vessels: Indian seafarers on Indian-flagged ships receive protection through Indian maritime laws and applicable international conventions.
- Foreign-flagged vessels: Protection varies according to the flag state, employment contract, applicable conventions and the shipowner's insurance arrangements.
- Limited enforcement: DG Shipping can issue advisories and regulate Indian recruitment agencies, but its authority over foreign-flagged vessels and overseas employers is limited.
- Safety versus employment: Some companies reportedly prohibit seafarers from entering high-risk areas, while others may offer additional compensation for accepting such assignments.
Compensation in Case of Death or Injury
- War-risk insurance: If a seafarer dies in a designated war-risk or high-risk zone, the relevant Seafarers' Welfare Fund Society may provide compensation, subject to applicable eligibility and conditions.
- Compensation figures cited in the article: The article reports that members of the National Union of Seafarers of India may receive ₹10 lakh for accidental death, while members of the Maritime Union of India may receive ₹12 lakh.
- Employment-related benefits: Compensation may also arise from employer liability, contractual provisions, insurance policies and applicable maritime labour laws.
- Disability and illness: Benefits depend on the applicable scheme, employment contract, insurance coverage and the circumstances of the injury or illness.
Key Issues Highlighted by the Article
- Fragmented accountability: Responsibility is divided among flag states, shipowners, recruitment agencies, insurers and national regulators.
- Unequal protection: Seafarers may face different levels of compensation and safety depending on their employer, union membership and contractual arrangements.
- Informed consent: Workers need clear information about the risks of entering conflict zones before accepting assignments.
- Enforcement gaps: Replacing lost documents or making insurance claims can become difficult when employers or vessels operate across jurisdictions.
Way Forward
- Strengthen pre-deployment safeguards: Ensure that seafarers receive accurate, written information about conflict-zone risks and available compensation.
- Improve insurance coverage: Promote adequate war-risk insurance, death benefits, disability compensation and emergency medical support.
- Enhance international coordination: Work with flag states, shipowners, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to strengthen protection.
- Improve accountability: Require transparent employment contracts, reliable grievance mechanisms and clear responsibility for compensation and repatriation.
Important Facts for UPSC Prelims
- DG Shipping: India's maritime administration under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
- IMO: A specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for maritime safety, security and prevention of marine pollution from ships.
- ILO: A UN specialised agency that promotes labour rights and decent working conditions.
- MLC, 2006: An international labour convention establishing minimum working and living standards for seafarers.
- Flag state: The country in which a ship is registered and whose flag it is authorised to fly.
