The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, led the Government’s extensive outreach and welfare engagement at MILAAP – ITF Seafarers’ Expo 2026, a landmark international seafarer-focused event being held at the Cruise Terminal, Princess Dock, Mumbai, from January 29 to 31, 2026.
Organised by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in collaboration with Indian maritime unions, the Expo is emerging as one of the largest seafarer-centric platforms in the country, with an expected footfall of over 6,000 seafarers and family members across three days. The event brings together seafarers, their families, unions, regulators, welfare institutions, and global maritime stakeholders, fostering dialogue, awareness, and direct engagement on issues central to seafarer welfare and wellbeing.
Inauguration and Distinguished Participation
The Expo formally commenced with a ceremonial opening that included cultural performances and a marching band led by seafarers, followed by a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. A two-minute silence was observed in memory of the late Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Ajit Pawar, as a mark of respect for his contributions.
The inauguration was held in the distinguished presence of Shri Sameer Kumar Khare, Chairman, National Shipping Board, as Chief Guest, and Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, as Guest of Honour. The occasion was also attended by eminent global and national maritime leaders, including Mr. Stephen Cotton, General Secretary, International Transport Workers’ Federation; Ms. Elena Gerasimova, International Labour Organization; and senior representatives of Indian maritime unions such as the National Union of Seafarers of India, Maritime Union of India, and Forward Seamen’s Union of India.
Seafarers’ Welfare Reforms and Insurance Support Announced
A key highlight of the inauguration was the unveiling of the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) logo, symbolising the principles of care, protection, dignity, and lifelong support for Indian seafarers. The unveiling marked an important milestone in the Directorate General of Shipping’s efforts to streamline and strengthen welfare schemes for improved accessibility and wider coverage.
As part of this reform initiative, a new insurance support framework was announced. Under this framework, every eligible seafarer will receive ₹3,000 towards medical insurance, an additional ₹1,000 towards critical illness cover, and ₹1,000 towards term life insurance. The initiative is aimed at reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and ensuring that essential health and life insurance protection is accessible to seafarers and their families, reflecting the Government’s commitment to inclusive and people-centric maritime welfare.
Ongoing Welfare Outreach, Knowledge Sessions and Engagements
As the apex maritime authority for seafarers in India, the Directorate General of Shipping is showcasing a comprehensive welfare and wellbeing presence at the Expo through two dedicated government pavilions. These pavilions are providing information and on-site assistance related to welfare schemes, documentation support, grievance redressal mechanisms, and mental health initiatives. Support for schemes of the Seafarers’ Provident Fund Organisation and the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society is being facilitated, alongside awareness programmes under flagship initiatives such as “Sagar Mein Yog” and “Sagar Mein Samman”.
The Expo continues over the coming days with expert-led sessions focusing on fair treatment and criminalisation of seafarers, ethical recruitment and rights awareness, abandonment issues, the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, and health and safety at sea. These sessions are being addressed by senior officials from the Directorate General of Shipping, the ITF, the ILO, and experienced maritime professionals. Interactive engagements, counselling desks, quizzes, and family-oriented activities are also forming an integral part of the programme, reinforcing the Expo’s inclusive and seafarer-first approach.
By partnering with the International Transport Workers’ Federation and national maritime unions, the Directorate General of Shipping has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening awareness of welfare entitlements, providing on-the-spot support, and deepening trust between the maritime administration and India’s seafaring community.
As MILAAP – ITF Seafarers’ Expo 2026 continues over the coming days in Mumbai, the platform remains open to seafarers, their families, industry stakeholders, and maritime professionals to engage directly with government authorities, unions, and welfare institutions. The Expo offers valuable insights into evolving CSR frameworks, welfare reforms, insurance support mechanisms, and wellbeing initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for Indian seafarers. Through such sustained outreach and dialogue, the Directorate General of Shipping and its partners continue to strengthen trust, transparency, and long-term support for India’s seafaring communit
2 comments
It was an amazing event.
It was a very good initiative by ITF to make all seafarers aware of their rights and also helping them by providing a stage to share all their problems under one roof and also in front of various welfare unions.
Hope it benefits you and your mates too. Best wishes for all times Aditya!