{
  "id": 14770889,
  "title": "DGMA bans deployment of Indian seafarers in Sarawak Region of Malaysia",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/dgma-bans-deployment-of-indian-seafarers-in-sarawak-region-of-malaysia",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T19:14:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/dgma-bans-deployment-of-indian-seafarers-in-sarawak-region-of-malaysia/article71587997.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has prohibited the recruitment and deployment of Indian seafarers in the Sarawak Region of Malaysia, citing a recurring pattern of fatal accidents involving young Indian seafarers in that area. The shipping regulator pointed to a history of such incidents occurring year after year and directed Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) companies to cease employing Indian seafarers for Inland, Riverline, and Coastal Vessels operating in the Sarawak Region. This decision came as part of a bilateral engagement between India and Malaysia, during which the Malaysia Marine Department provided findings and recommendations for preventive measures to minimize risks of accidents and fatalities among Indian seafarers. The DGMA invoked the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, specifically Section 301, to enforce this ban on RPSL agencies. Additionally, the DGMA mandated mandatory insurance coverage for Indian seafarers engaged in foreign-flagged vessels, ensuring a minimum coverage of ₹1 crore per seafarer from IRDA-approved Indian insurance companies.",
  "summary": "Decision follows recurring fatal accidents of young Indian seafarers over the years",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}