With reference to the DGMA's recent maritime safety measures, consider the following statements: 1. The DGMA invoked Section 301 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 to ban recruitment. 2. RPSL agencies must provide ₹50 lakh insurance per seafarer for vessels without P&I coverage. 3. The recruitment ban applies specifically to vessels operating in the Sarawak Region. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

DGMA bans Indian seafarers for Malaysian vessels due to recurring fatal accidents

GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims· 16 October 2026

Maritime safety and regulatory compliance: a GS2 International Relations and labor welfare case study.

Why in news

The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) banned the recruitment of Indian seafarers for specific Malaysian vessels following a series of fatal accidents.

Background

The DGMA invoked Section 301 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, following recommendations from the Malaysia Marine Department (MMD). RPSL agencies are now required to provide ₹1 crore insurance per seafarer for vessels without P&I coverage.

Facts for Prelims

BodyDGMA: Directorate General of Maritime Administration
Act / BillMerchant Shipping Act, 2025: Section 301 invoked for recruitment bans
FactInsurance requirement: ₹1 crore per seafarer for vessels lacking P&I coverage
PlaceSarawak Region: Area in Malaysia where recruitment ban applies

Prelims practice question

With reference to the DGMA's recent maritime safety measures, consider the following statements:

The DGMA invoked Section 301 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 to ban recruitment.
RPSL agencies must provide ₹50 lakh insurance per seafarer for vessels without P&I coverage.
The recruitment ban applies specifically to vessels operating in the Sarawak Region.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)2 only
(b)1 and 2 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The insurance requirement is ₹1 crore per seafarer.

For Mains

Q. Examine the challenges in ensuring the safety of Indian seafarers working on international vessels and suggest measures to strengthen maritime safety protocols.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Regulatory oversight: Lack of standardized safety audits for third-party vessels in the Sarawak region
Liability framework: Financial risks to RPSL agencies due to inadequate P&I coverage
Bilateral cooperation: Need for harmonized maritime safety standards between India and Malaysia

Keywords: Maritime Safety · Regulatory Compliance · Seafarer Welfare · Bilateral Protocols · Risk Mitigation

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