Seafarers Protest, Legal Action & Industry Shake-up
In July 2025, the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), India, issued Circular No. 31 of 2025, triggering widespread outrage, protests, and legal backlash across India’s maritime sector. Framed as a measure to curb fraudulent certifications and elevate seafarer training standards, the circular has instead left thousands of Indian seafarers jobless, uncertain, and angry.
This blog explores everything you need to know:
- What Circular No. 31 says
- Why it’s controversial
- Ground-level protests
- Legal battles
- Industry reactions
- Possible outcomes
📜 What is DG Shipping Circular No. 31 of 2025?
Title: Restrictions on Employment of Indian Seafarers Holding CoCs from Non-MRA Nations
Date Issued: 18 July 2025
Circular Link: Official DG Shipping PDF
⚙️ Core Guidelines of the Circular
- Ban on Non-MRA CoCs
Indian seafarers holding Certificates of Competency (CoC) or Certificates of Proficiency (CoP) from countries not under a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with India will no longer be eligible to work on Indian-registered or RPSL (Recruiting and Placement Service License) vessels. - Approved Countries List
Only CoCs from the following countries are accepted:- India
- UK
- Malaysia
- UAE
- Iran
- Sweden
- South Korea
- Conditional Approval for Training in Select Countries
CoCs issued by Singapore, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand may be accepted only if the candidate physically studied and trained there and the issuing authority confirms it. - Blacklisted Countries
CoCs from the following, even if STCW-compliant, are now rejected:- Panama
- Liberia
- Belize
- Honduras
- Cook Islands
- Others not in the MRA list
- RPSL Companies’ Responsibility
Companies hiring seafarers must now verify the authenticity of their certificates and ensure compliance with the circular.
🚨 Why Is the Circular So Controversial?
🔒 Sudden Disqualification
Thousands of Indian seafarers have pursued CoCs from countries like Panama, Liberia, or Belize—historically accepted due to lower costs and easier procedures. Overnight, their documents became invalid, despite years of sea experience.
🧾 No Transition Period
The circular provided no grace period or transition mechanism for those already sailing or waiting for placement, throwing entire careers into jeopardy.
💸 Financial and Mental Strain
Seafarers invest ₹6–10 lakh for foreign certifications. Now jobless, many face EMIs, personal loans, and family pressures.
🗣️ No Stakeholder Consultation
Unions, training institutes, and placement agencies were not consulted, prompting criticism of DG Shipping for issuing unilateral policies.
⚠️ Perceived Favoritism
Many allege the circular favors expensive Indian maritime institutions, pushing cadets away from cost-effective foreign options.
🔥 Protests Across India
📍 Mumbai
- Mass protest outside DG Shipping office (July 24–26)
- Led by GSUI (Global Seafarers Union of India) and FSUI (Forward Seamen’s Union of India)
- Over 700 seafarers participated with slogans like “We are not fake, we are certified” and “Rollback Circular 31”
📍 Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, Vizag
- Candle marches and press conferences held in port cities
- Social media campaigns launched using hashtags like #JusticeForSeafarers, #StopCircular31, and #LetUsSail
📢 Union Reactions
- FSUI: Called the circular “anti-seafarer and anti-labour”
- NUSI (National Union of Seafarers of India): Expressed “deep concern” and urged DG Shipping to reconsider
- GSUI: Threatened legal action and international escalation via ITF
⚖️ Legal Battle Begins
🏛️ Bombay High Court Intervention
- GSUI and affected seafarers filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
- On July 29, 2025, the High Court issued a temporary stay on implementation of Circular No. 31
- The court criticized the lack of transitional support and asked DG Shipping to justify its decision
📝 Petition Highlights
- Circular violates Article 19(1)(g): Right to practice any profession
- DG Shipping exceeded jurisdiction under the Merchant Shipping Act
- No public consultation was held
📣 DG Shipping’s Response
- Maintains that the circular is necessary to curb fraudulent CoCs obtained without proper sea-time or training
- Says it’s part of India’s commitment to IMO quality compliance
- Acknowledged the stay and stated it would review and consult stakeholders after court directives
🌐 Industry Reactions
| Stakeholder | Reaction |
|---|---|
| RPSL Companies | Express concern over sudden hiring disruption and crew shortages |
| Training Institutes | Mixed response: Indian institutes support; foreign-linked institutes oppose |
| Ship Owners | Worry over vessel delays, compliance issues, and manning shortages |
| Maritime Lawyers | Predict lengthy litigation, possibly ending in partial rollback |
🔮 What’s Next?
✅ Likely Outcomes:
- Revised circular with phased implementation
- New MRA agreements with countries like Panama or Liberia
- Option for certificate revalidation under Indian regime
- Creation of a transition window for current seafarers
⚠️ Possible Risks:
- Rise in unemployment
- Legal delays may stall DG policy reform
- Decline in global competitiveness of Indian seafarers
- Mental health crisis among young mariners
🧾 Summary Table
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Circular Number | 31 of 2025 |
| Date Issued | July 18, 2025 |
| Key Action | Rejects CoCs from non-MRA countries |
| Impact | Thousands of seafarers jobless |
| Legal Status | Temporarily stayed by Bombay High Court |
| Next Steps | Stakeholder meetings and policy revisions underway |
🧭 Conclusion
⚖️ Legal Developments & Interim Relief
Future policy-making based on stakeholder consultations
On August 2, 2025, the Bombay High Court granted an interim stay on the enforcement of Circular 31/2025. The stay came in response to a PIL filed by GSUI, on behalf of affected seafarers, citing constitutional concerns and livelihood impacts, estimated to affect over 25,000 individuals.
The GSUI has welcomed the court’s decision and is now pressing the central government for:
Full revocation of the circular,
A Joint Review Committee including union representation,
Recognition of CoCs from IMO‑compliant countries under structured oversight,
⚠️ Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only. For legal interpretations or individual advice, consult maritime legal professionals or refer to DG Shipping’s official circulars and notices.
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