Directorate General of Maritime Administration bans deployment of Indian seafarers in Malaysia’s Sarawak region
Decision follows recurring fatal accidents of young Indian seafarers over the years
The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has taken a firm stance against the deployment of Indian seafarers in Malaysia's Sarawak region, issuing a ban on recruitment and engagement. This decision comes in response to a worrying trend of recurring fatal accidents involving young Indian seafarers, which have persisted over the years.
The shipping regulator's concern stems from the Malaysia Marine Department's (MMD) findings and recommendations aimed at improving the safety and regulation of Indian seafarers. In accordance with Section 301 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, RPSL agencies are now prohibited from deploying Indian seafarers on vessels operating within the inland, riverine, coastal or port-limit waters of Sarawak.
Furthermore, the DGMA has emphasized the importance of mandatory insurance coverage for Indian seafarers engaged in foreign-flagged vessels, ensuring a minimum coverage of ₹1 crore per seafarer through IRDA-approved Indian insurance companies. This move aims to protect the dignity, safety, and welfare of Indian seafarers, as well as provide financial security for vessels employing them.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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