Key Highlights
India's Global Position
- India ranks 2nd globally in supplying seafarers to the international shipping industry
- Total seafarers supplied: 311,936 (12.16% of global workforce)
- Philippines remains the largest supplier of seafarers globally
Workforce Composition
- Officers: 140,718 (13.41% of global officer workforce)
- Ratings: 171,218 (11.29% of global ratings)
- Global seafaring workforce stands at approximately 2.57 million against a demand of nearly 2.55 million
Growth Trajectory
| Year | India's Global Share |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 5.2% |
| 2021 | ~6% |
| 2026 | 12.16% |
India rose from 5th to 2nd largest supplier of seafarers globally.
Factors Behind Growth
- Expansion of maritime training institutes
- Modernisation of infrastructure
- Improved skill development
- Alignment with international standards
- Digital transformation by Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)
- Compliance with IMO's STCW Convention
Key Legislative Reforms
- Inland Vessels Act, 2021
- Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
- Indian Ports Act, 2025
- Coastal Shipping Act, 2025
- Bills of Lading Act, 2025
- Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 2025
These reforms aim to:
- Modernise maritime governance
- Strengthen seafarer welfare
- Simplify regulations
- Align Indian shipping laws with international conventions
Mission 20%
A strategic initiative to increase India's share from 12.16% to 20% of the global seafaring workforce, with the goal of ensuring one out of every five seafarers worldwide is Indian.
Significance
- Strengthens India's position as a global maritime talent hub
- Enhances role in international trade and supply chains
- Supports objectives of Maritime India Vision 2030
- Aligns with Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
- Promotes Make in India in maritime sector
- Creates high-quality employment opportunities
Constitutional/International Framework
- IMO's STCW Convention: International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers sets minimum standards for seafarer training
- Directorate General of Shipping (DGS): Regulatory body overseeing maritime education and certification
- Maritime India Vision 2030: Strategic roadmap for India's maritime sector development
- Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: Long-term vision for India's blue economy