In a recent incident in Baltimore, USA, a potential disaster was averted thanks to the swift actions of the crew aboard the freight ship Dali, predominantly comprising Indian sailors. Their quick response after a collision with a bridge prevented a major catastrophe, earning commendation from President Joe Biden for saving lives.
The Dali episode underscores the significant contribution of Indian seafarers to the global shipping industry, which facilitates over 90% of the world's goods trade by volume. India stands as the third-largest provider of seafarers globally, trailing behind China and the Philippines, according to data from the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India.
Between 2013 and 2017, there was a notable 42.3% increase in shipboard job opportunities for Indian sailors. However, despite this growth, India falls behind China, mainly because Chinese sailors primarily serve on Chinese-flagged vessels, while Indian seafarers work on both domestic and foreign ships.
The total count of Indian seafarers rose from 108,446 in 2013 to 154,339 in 2017, with approximately 62,016 marine officers and 82,734 rating ship personnel. Recent estimates suggest a further increase, with around 250,000 Indian seafarers, of which 160,000 are on cargo ships and 90,000 on cruise liners.
India's inclusion on the International Maritime Organization's White List, indicating compliance with the STCW-95 Convention and Code, enhances the desirability of Indian seafarers to international shipping firms.
Experts predict that Indian seafarers' global presence could grow to 20% within the next decade, driven by factors such as quality training institutions, rising literacy rates, an aging seafarer population in Europe, and proficiency in English.
The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the vital role of Indian seafarers, with the Indian government promptly designating them as essential workers despite initial hesitancy from shipping companies due to pandemic concerns.
The conflict in Ukraine has further increased the demand for Indian seafarers as disruptions in Russia and Ukraine affect global seafarer supply.
However, challenges remain, including competition from other career paths like IT, a shortage of onboard training opportunities, and low female representation in the maritime sector. Addressing these obstacles is crucial for India to maintain its trajectory towards contributing one-fifth of the world's seafarers.
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