Lok Sabha Question No. 3182 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-09
Subject: Fair Treatment of Seafarers
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Captain Viriato Fernandes

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3182

ANSWERED ON- 09/08/2024

## FAIR TREATMENT OF SEAFARERS

## 3182. SHRI CAPTAIN VIRIATO FERNANDES

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

(a) the details of Indian seafarers held captive in foreign jails along with the status of their cases;

(b) whether the Government of India is pursuing their issue with IMO convention on "Fair Treatment of Seafarers" and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of lndian seafarers reported missing or dead during service on Merchant ships from 2020 till 2024; and

(d) the details of compensations released till now to the victims' families along with the unsettled claims in this regard?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) As per the information available with the Ministry, the details of Indian seafarers held captive in foreign jails is placed at AnnexureA.

(b to d) The Government has been actively pursuing fair treatment of seafarers in alignment with the IMO Convention on "Fair Treatment of Seafarers." The details are given here under :- i. Engagement with Flag and Port States: The matters are taken up with the Flag State (the country under whose flag the vessel is registered)   and   the   Port   States   (countries   where   the   vessel   is docked or detained). They ensure that the ship-owners and the Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Club (insurance providers for maritime liability) take the necessary steps to address the issues faced by seafarers.

ii.   Consular   Access   via   Indian   Missions:   Indian   missions   abroad provide timely consular access and support to seafarers in distress. This   includes   ensuring   seafarers   have   access   to   legal   aid, communication with family, and other necessary services.

iii. Engagement at IMO Council Sessions: During the 132nd Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, various Port   States   have   been   engaged   to   discuss   and   resolve   issues

related to the fair treatment of seafarers. This engagement ensures international cooperation and adherence to the IMO conventions.

iv. Meetings with Foreign Ambassadors and Consul Generals: The meetings are held with the Ambassadors and Consul Generals of the concerned Port States where Indian seafarers are detained or jailed. These diplomatic engagements aim to expedite the resolution of such cases and ensure fair treatment.

v. Development of Standard Operating Procedures (SoP): A Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) has been developed to systematically handle   cases   involving   the   detention   or   unfair   treatment   of seafarers. This SoP provides clear guidelines for action, ensuring a prompt and effective response to such incidents.

vi. Awareness Campaigns through Safety Videos: The Government ensures   awareness   and   disseminating   safety   videos   to   educate seafarers on their rights and safety measures. These videos aim to raise awareness and prevent incidents of unfair treatment.

vii. Publication of Booklets on Seafarers' Rights: Booklets have been published to inform seafarers of their rights under the Maritime Labour   Convention   2006   and   the   Merchant   Shipping   (Maritime

Labour) Rules 2016. These booklets serve as a valuable resource for seafarers to understand and assert their rights. viii. Strict Action Against Non-compliant Recruitment Agencies: The stringent actions are taken against seafarer recruitment companies that violate the Merchant Shipping (Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers)   Rules   2016.   Further,   the   actions   are   taken   as   per Merchant   Shipping   Notice   11   of   2024   against   RPSL   companies resorting to deceitful practices. This ensures that only compliant and   ethical   recruitment   practices   are   followed,   safeguarding seafarers from exploitation. As per the information available with the Ministry, the details of

lndian   seafarers   reported   missing   or   dead   during   service   on Merchant ships from 2020 till 2024 is placed at Annexure B.

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## Annexure A

| Country             |   Number of Indian Seafarers in foreign jails at present |
|---------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|
| China               |                                                        4 |
| Cote d' Ivoire      |                                                        2 |
| Greece              |                                                        6 |
| Iran                |                                                       58 |
| Italy               |                                                        3 |
| Lebanon             |                                                        1 |
| Mauritius           |                                                        2 |
| Qatar               |                                                        3 |
| Senegal             |                                                        4 |
| Trinidad and Tobago |                                                        2 |
| Yemen               |                                                        1 |

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## Annexure B

|   S.No |   Year |   The number of lndian seafarers reported missing or dead |
|--------|--------|-----------------------------------------------------------|
|      1 |   2020 |                                                        58 |
|      2 |   2021 |                                                        89 |
|      3 |   2022 |                                                        86 |
|      4 |   2023 |                                                        88 |
|      5 |   2024 |                                                        36 |

*****