This petition is deeply personal and speaks to an issue that affects over 10,000 of my fellow seafarers who are currently onboard with Flags of Convenience COC (FOCs). We have been putting our lives at risk while maintaining vital trade routes, only to find that DG Shipping's circular 31 of 2025 threatens to render us jobless.

This circular bans Indian seafarers from possessing Certificates of Competency (COCs) from numerous countries, putting tens of thousands of seafarers at risk of unemployment. This arbitrary decision not only undermines the livelihood of us seafarers but causes a significant disruption in our maritime industry. There are more than 20,000 skilled workforce who are on the verge of losing their jobs if this circular is implemented.

We urge the relevant authorities to reconsider the implementation of this circular. We should not be punished for upskilling and enhancing our careers to better the maritime industry and global trade. Instead, we should be supported in our endeavours. We are calling for the immediate reversal of DG Shipping's circular 31 of 2025. Please, sign this petition. Save our jobs and protect the future of Indian maritime industry.