A SEAFARER
The Issue
*To,*
The Directorate General of Shipping,
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India
*Subject: Request for Constitution of a Tripartite Wage Review Committee for Indian Seafarers*
Respected Sir/Madam,
In India, seafarers play a vital role in the maritime industry, contributing significantly to the country's economy by ensuring smooth international trade and logistics. A difference exists between current wage benchmarks for seafarers and those used for Government of India employees under the 7th Central Pay Commission, which contributes to financial strain for many essential workers.
In accordance with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, to which India is a signatory, seafarers are entitled to remuneration commensurate with their skills, experience, and responsibilities.
The ITF-IMEC wage scales referenced for Indian seafarers were last revised in 2015. Since then, the Consumer Price Index has increased by approximately 48% from 2015 to 2025 as per data published by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation. Concurrently, costs of STCW training, certification, and maintenance have also risen substantially.
A review of the current structure indicates that senior officers, junior officers, and crew members, who are integral to navigational, operational, and ship safety, are impacted by the absence of periodic wage indexation.
With inflation and the rising cost of living, these professionals face increased financial challenges, which may affect their ability to perform duties effectively over long tenures at sea.
We request that stakeholders be convened to evaluate the current wage benchmarks and consider an indexed pay structure consistent with international practice. An adjustment in overall wages, and in particular basic pay across all ranks, may improve retention and attract skilled professionals to the maritime sector.
Moreover, aligning wage benchmarks with global best practices can further India’s position as a leading maritime nation and demonstrate a commitment to fair labour practices in the shipping industry.
Indian seafarers contribute significantly to national foreign exchange earnings. However, remuneration benchmarks have not kept pace with inflation or government pay standards since 2015.
*1. Background & Context*
India is a leading supplier of seafarers globally. The last major revision of ITF-IMEC wage scales referenced for Indian seafarers was in 2015. Since then, the Consumer Price Index has increased by approximately 48% from 2015 to 2025 as per MoSPI. Concurrently, costs of STCW training, certification, and maintenance have also risen substantially.
*2. Basis for Comparison with Government Standards*
For reference, we place on record the 7th Central Pay Commission structure applicable to Government of India employees in comparable technical grades:
- *Level 10 Officers*: Basic ₹56,100 + 53% DA + HRA + Pension benefits
- *Level 6 Officers*: Basic ₹35,400 + 53% DA + HRA + Pension benefits
- *Level 3 Personnel*: Basic ₹21,700 + 53% DA + HRA + Pension benefits
Seafarers, while engaged in specialized, high-risk, and continuous 24x7 operations for 6-9 month tenures, do not receive Dearness Allowance, HRA, or statutory pension contributions as part of standard contracts.
*3. Humble Requests*
In accordance with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, we request the Ministry to consider:
1. *Constitution of a Tripartite Committee* with representatives from seafarer organizations, shipowner associations, and DG Shipping to review wage benchmarks within 60 days.
2. *Indexation of Minimum Basic Wages* to CPI, with a recommended floor of ₹1,80,000 for Senior Officers, ₹75,000 for Junior Officers, and ₹35,000 for Ratings, effective FY 2026-27.
3. *Introduction of Dearness Allowance* at a rate comparable to 7th CPC, revised biannually.
4. *Risk/Hardship Allowance* for extended tenures and high-risk area transits, as per international best practice.
5. *Mandatory Seafarer Pension Contribution* by employers, in line with EPFO/NPS principles.
*4. Undertaking*
This representation is made solely in the interest of policy review and welfare of Indian seafarers, without reference to any specific employer. We reaffirm our commitment to India’s maritime growth and global competitiveness.
We request the Ministry of Shipping and the Directorate General of Shipping to kindly consider this representation for a time-bound review. This matter is important for the welfare of thousands of seafarers.
We kindly request your favorable consideration.
Yours faithfully,
Indian Seafarers & Signatories
1,559
The Issue
*To,*
The Directorate General of Shipping,
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India
*Subject: Request for Constitution of a Tripartite Wage Review Committee for Indian Seafarers*
Respected Sir/Madam,
In India, seafarers play a vital role in the maritime industry, contributing significantly to the country's economy by ensuring smooth international trade and logistics. A difference exists between current wage benchmarks for seafarers and those used for Government of India employees under the 7th Central Pay Commission, which contributes to financial strain for many essential workers.
In accordance with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, to which India is a signatory, seafarers are entitled to remuneration commensurate with their skills, experience, and responsibilities.
The ITF-IMEC wage scales referenced for Indian seafarers were last revised in 2015. Since then, the Consumer Price Index has increased by approximately 48% from 2015 to 2025 as per data published by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation. Concurrently, costs of STCW training, certification, and maintenance have also risen substantially.
A review of the current structure indicates that senior officers, junior officers, and crew members, who are integral to navigational, operational, and ship safety, are impacted by the absence of periodic wage indexation.
With inflation and the rising cost of living, these professionals face increased financial challenges, which may affect their ability to perform duties effectively over long tenures at sea.
We request that stakeholders be convened to evaluate the current wage benchmarks and consider an indexed pay structure consistent with international practice. An adjustment in overall wages, and in particular basic pay across all ranks, may improve retention and attract skilled professionals to the maritime sector.
Moreover, aligning wage benchmarks with global best practices can further India’s position as a leading maritime nation and demonstrate a commitment to fair labour practices in the shipping industry.
Indian seafarers contribute significantly to national foreign exchange earnings. However, remuneration benchmarks have not kept pace with inflation or government pay standards since 2015.
*1. Background & Context*
India is a leading supplier of seafarers globally. The last major revision of ITF-IMEC wage scales referenced for Indian seafarers was in 2015. Since then, the Consumer Price Index has increased by approximately 48% from 2015 to 2025 as per MoSPI. Concurrently, costs of STCW training, certification, and maintenance have also risen substantially.
*2. Basis for Comparison with Government Standards*
For reference, we place on record the 7th Central Pay Commission structure applicable to Government of India employees in comparable technical grades:
- *Level 10 Officers*: Basic ₹56,100 + 53% DA + HRA + Pension benefits
- *Level 6 Officers*: Basic ₹35,400 + 53% DA + HRA + Pension benefits
- *Level 3 Personnel*: Basic ₹21,700 + 53% DA + HRA + Pension benefits
Seafarers, while engaged in specialized, high-risk, and continuous 24x7 operations for 6-9 month tenures, do not receive Dearness Allowance, HRA, or statutory pension contributions as part of standard contracts.
*3. Humble Requests*
In accordance with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, we request the Ministry to consider:
1. *Constitution of a Tripartite Committee* with representatives from seafarer organizations, shipowner associations, and DG Shipping to review wage benchmarks within 60 days.
2. *Indexation of Minimum Basic Wages* to CPI, with a recommended floor of ₹1,80,000 for Senior Officers, ₹75,000 for Junior Officers, and ₹35,000 for Ratings, effective FY 2026-27.
3. *Introduction of Dearness Allowance* at a rate comparable to 7th CPC, revised biannually.
4. *Risk/Hardship Allowance* for extended tenures and high-risk area transits, as per international best practice.
5. *Mandatory Seafarer Pension Contribution* by employers, in line with EPFO/NPS principles.
*4. Undertaking*
This representation is made solely in the interest of policy review and welfare of Indian seafarers, without reference to any specific employer. We reaffirm our commitment to India’s maritime growth and global competitiveness.
We request the Ministry of Shipping and the Directorate General of Shipping to kindly consider this representation for a time-bound review. This matter is important for the welfare of thousands of seafarers.
We kindly request your favorable consideration.
Yours faithfully,
Indian Seafarers & Signatories
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Petition created on 28 June 2026