India Becomes the World's Second-Largest Supplier of Seafarers

India has emerged as the world's second-largest supplier of seafarers, contributing 311,936 maritime professionals, or 12.16% of the global seafaring workforce, according to the BIMCO–ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026. India now ranks second only to the Philippines, surpassing countries such as China, Russia, and Indonesia. 

The achievement reflects India's growing maritime strength, expansion of maritime education and training, and the success of government initiatives aimed at strengthening the country's maritime sector.

What is a Seafarer?

A seafarer is a professionally trained person employed on board a merchant ship, cargo vessel, tanker, passenger ship, offshore vessel, or cruise ship.

Major Categories:

Deck Officers.

Marine Engineers.

Ratings (crew members).

Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs).

Catering and hospitality staff.

Seafarers play a crucial role in global trade, as nearly 90% of world merchandise trade by volume is transported through maritime shipping.

BIMCO–ICS Seafarer Workforce Report:

The BIMCO–ICS Seafarer Workforce Report is one of the most authoritative global assessments of the maritime workforce.

Published By

BIMCO (Baltic and International Maritime Council).

International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).

The report estimates the global demand and supply of seafarers and identifies workforce shortages, training needs, and future trends in the shipping industry.

Government Initiatives to Promote the Maritime Workforce:

Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030:

Maritime India Vision 2030 is the Government of India's roadmap for transforming the maritime sector.

Key Objectives:

Increase India's share in the global seafaring workforce to 20% by 2030.

Expand maritime education and skill development.

Promote gender diversity in the maritime sector.

Strengthen port infrastructure and shipping services.

Develop India as a global maritime hub.

Women in the Maritime Sector:

India has witnessed significant growth in the participation of women seafarers.

Key Facts:

Women currently constitute less than 0.5% of Indian seafarers.

Their number has increased by 339% since 2021.

Maritime India Vision 2030 aims to increase women's participation to 2–3% by 2030.

Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA):

The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) is India's maritime regulator under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Functions:

Regulation of merchant shipping.

Certification and welfare of seafarers.

Maritime safety and security.

Implementation of international maritime conventions.

Regulation of recruitment and placement services.

Merchant Shipping Act, 2025:

The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, which came into force on 15 March 2026, modernises India's maritime legal framework.

Major Provisions:

Strengthens safety and welfare of seafarers.

Protects abandoned seafarers.

Regulates recruitment and placement agencies.

Aligns India's maritime laws with international standards.

Enhances legal safeguards for Indian maritime professionals.

About the International Maritime Organization (IMO):

Established: 1948 (came into force in 1958)

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

Secretary-General: Arsenio Dominguez

Functions:

Maritime safety.

Prevention of marine pollution.

Maritime security.

Standard-setting for international shipping.

About Indian Maritime University (IMU):

Established: 2008

Headquarters: Chennai

IMU is India's premier institution for maritime education, training, and research.

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways:

Union Minister: Sarbananda Sonowal.

Responsible for ports, shipping, inland waterways, and maritime policy.

Sagarmala Programme:

Launched in 2015.

Focuses on port-led development.

Promotes coastal shipping, logistics efficiency, and maritime infrastructure.

Exam Focus Points:

Achievement: India becomes the world's second-largest supplier of seafarers.

Global Share: 12.16%.

Number of Seafarers: 311,936.

Top Supplier: Philippines.

Report: BIMCO–ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026.

Target under MIV 2030: 20% global workforce share.

Regulator: Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA).

Related Law: Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.

Related Programme: Sagarmala.

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.