National Union of Seafarers of India - NUSI

07/10/2025

Circular No. 14 of 2025 10th October, 2025

Dear Seafarers,

Sub: Immigration and Shore Leave for Indian Seafarers
NUSI Representation in the National Shipping Board meeting in Kochi

We are pleased to inform you that today at the National Shipping Board meeting an important development regarding immigration procedures and shore leave for Indian seafarers serving on Indian vessels was discussed. You are aware that NUSI has been in the forefront for getting shore leave for our seafarers as a right and not a favour.

The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Cochin was invited to interact with the members of the National Shipping Board on 6th October 2025 at Cochin. The primary agenda was to address:

a) Difficulties faced during sign on/off for Indian seafarers, and
b) Issues related to shore leave for Indian seafarers at Indian ports.

After detailed discussions with the FRRO officers, the following clarifications were issued:

A. Coastal Vessels
1. Any Indian-flag vessel carrying cargo or providing services between two Indian ports is considered a coastal vessel by the immigration authorities.
2. For sign on/off purposes, the Master or Agent of the vessel must submit a detailed crew list along with the Passport and CDC of the crew. Based on this, the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) will permit sign on/off.
3. Hence, Indian seafarers on coastal vessels can sign on/off upon submission of the crew list with relevant documents.
4. All Indian seafarers are entitled to shore leave up to 10 days during a port call.

B. Inland Vessels
1. For sign on/off, the Master of the vessel must produce their Certificate of Competency. The remaining crew only need to carry any valid identity document for verification.
2. Therefore, Indian seafarers on inland vessels can sign on/off without any difficulty.
3. All Indian seafarers are entitled to shore leave up to 10 days during a port call.

C. General Clarifications
1. The FRRO confirmed that the instructions in this regard are clear and binding, and Indian seafarers should not face any hindrance in the process.
2. Some ports are operated by BoI officers, while others come under the jurisdiction of the Superintendent of Police or Commissioner of Police.
3. The police authorities are also required to follow the same procedures as laid down by the BoI.
4. If any officer fails to follow the prescribed process, the issue may be escalated to the FRRO under whose jurisdiction the port falls.
5. Any difficulties faced should be reported with full details (vessel name, date of incident, and officer’s name, if possible) to the concerned FRRO in charge of that port.

D. Shore Leave

The FRRO and BoI officers have categorically confirmed that there are no restrictions on granting shore leave to Indian seafarers at Indian ports. All Indian seafarers can be granted shore leave of up to 10 days at a time.

Conclusion

In view of the above, it is now clearly established that there are no obstacles regarding sign on/off and shore leave for Indian seafarers serving on coastal and inland vessels.

This significant clarification has been achieved through INSA ,ICSSA ,MUI and NUSI’s continuous efforts and persistent follow-up with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, the National Shipping Board, and the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS).

We appreciate the dynamic role NSB Chair Shri Sameer Kumar Khare in his approach and ensuring redressal of this long pending issue.

We request all Indian seafarers to take note of these developments. In case of any difficulty or deviation from these procedures, please report the matter with full details to NUSI for further action.

With warm regards,

Milind Kandalgaonkar
General Secretary cm Treasurer
National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI)

01/10/2025

01/10/2025

Dear Seafarers,

I am delighted to announce the release of the Eleventh edition of "NUSI SAGARIKA," our quarterly information-sharing magazine for seafarers. This publication is designed specifically for seafarers, by seafarers, with the aim of providing valuable information and insights into our industry.

As you are aware, NUSI has always been a strong advocate for the interests and well-being of the shipping fraternity, including seafarers of all ranks and their families. "NUSI SAGARIKA" is just one of the many initiatives we undertake to ensure that your voices are heard and your needs are met.

We invite all of you to read this latest edition and share your thoughts and feedback with us. Your input is crucial in helping us better address the challenges and concerns faced by seafarers on a daily basis. We greatly value your insights and suggestions, and we encourage you to send them to us at [email protected]

By working together, we can continue to make a positive impact on the shipping fraternity and improve the lives of seafarers around the country. We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in solidarity,

Milind Kandalgaonkar
General Secretary-cum-Treasurer

30/09/2025

Dear Seafarers,

We are glad to inform you that we have started receiving the entries for the group dance competition. However, we request that all seafarers record a choreographed dance video with the proper background song or music and avoid recording and sending dance practice sessions with background chorus singing or disturbance.

Let your performance be a reflection of your passion, energy, and team spirit. Dance is not just movement—it is an expression of joy, unity, and creativity. We are confident that your dedication will shine through every step, making the competition a celebration of talent and togetherness.

We are eagerly awaiting your well-performed dance videos.

📌 Submission Deadline: 30th October 2025
📌 Category: Group (Minimum 3 members)
📌 Format: MP4 | Duration 3–5 mins

Register now at: www.nusi.org.in (Forms Section) or Click the link https://forms.gle/654SQhGXS4oXyMEK6

Milind Kandalgaonkar

25/09/2025

Celebrating Talent at Sea: Indian Seafarers Wins
ITF Seafarers' Trust Life at Sea Photography Competition 2025

Today, on World Maritime Day, ITF Seafarers’ Trust proudly announced the winner of the Sixth Life at Sea Photography Competition 2025. The competition received an overwhelming response from seafarers globally, with over a thousand submissions showcasing breathtaking images that highlighted the unique life at sea.

Since its inception in 2020, the ITF Seafarers’ Trust Life at Sea photography competition has provided seafarers with a platform to share their unique perspectives with the world. Through exhibitions and presentations, the competition has highlighted the challenges, beauty, and stories of life at sea, bringing seafarers’ voices to a wider audience.

This year’s entries reflected a noticeable improvement in quality, making the judges' task all the more difficult. The panel included Mr. Jericho Mifania, a seafarer and passionate photographer from the Philippines who won the 2024 Trust Photo Competition; Mr. Richard Meade, Editor-in-Chief of Lloyd’s List and a veteran journalist; Ms. Natasha Brown, Head of the IMO Outreach and Communications Office; and Mr. Christian Cravo, an internationally acclaimed photographer.

After a rigorous selection process, Mr. Parwaz Mukadam emerged as the grand winner, securing the first prize of £1,000 (GBP), equivalent to INR 1,19,694/-. His winning photograph, titled ‘When Nature takes command”. He said of the image: "In the vastness of the ocean, danger can rise without warning. A waterspout forms ahead, reminding us no matter the size of the ship, nature always has the final say."

Mr. Mukadam, an Ordinary Seaman (OS) with Synergy Marine Group, is a proud member of the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI). His passion for photography, which he has nurtured alongside his seafaring career, shines through in his work.

In a heartwarming moment, Mr. Mukadam, met with NUSI General Secretary-cum-Treasurer, Mr. Milind Kandalgaonkar, and discussed his journey in photography. For the past ten years, Mr. Parwaz has balanced his career at sea with a love for capturing life through the lens. Inspired by his friends who were professional photographers, he took up the art form and, over time, developed his own unique creative vision. Driven by a passion for photography and video editing, he has honed his skills over time, turning his passion into his "creative escape."

Seafaring is no easy profession, filled with challenges and responsibilities. Yet, it’s through these challenges that seafarers like Mr. Mukadam find moments of inspiration that fuel their creative passions. His story stands as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and dedication that define the global seafaring community.

Mr. Parwaz Mukadam’s achievement brings immense pride not only to the Indian maritime community but to all seafarers who embody the spirit of innovation and creativity. His recognition highlights the diverse talents that seafarers possess, proving that even amidst the demanding realities of life at sea, there is always room for personal expression and growth.

Congratulations to Mr. Parwaz Mukadam for making both the Indian seafaring fraternity and the nation incredibly proud with his extraordinary talent and achievement!

Milind Kandalgaonkar

19/09/2025

Golden Achiever Award

Milind Kandalgaonkar

18/09/2025

Caring for Our Seafarers: Welfare Schemes by SWFS

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has issued Circular No. 39 of 2025 highlighting the various welfare schemes administered by the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society (SWFS). These schemes are designed to support Indian seafarers and their families at different stages of life and during times of need.

Key Schemes at a Glance

1.⁠ ⁠Survivor Benefit Scheme (SBS)
Financial assistance to the nominee of a seafarer who passes away within 24 months of sign-off.
Support amount: up to ₹4,00,000.

2.⁠ ⁠Invalidity Benefit Scheme (IBS)
For seafarers declared permanently unfit due to injury.
Support amount: up to ₹6,00,000.

3.⁠ ⁠Family Benefit Welfare Scheme (FBWS)
Assistance for children of seafarers on completing pre-sea training or postgraduate studies.
Support amount: ₹25,000–₹50,000.

4.⁠ ⁠Maternity Benefit Scheme (MBS)
Financial support for Indian women seafarers during maternity (limited to two deliveries).
Support amount: ₹25,000.

5.⁠ ⁠Old Age Benefit Scheme (OABS)
One-time assistance when a seafarer attains 65 years of age (with minimum service conditions).
Support amount: ₹50,000.

6.⁠ ⁠Death on Board Benefit Scheme (DBBS)
For cases of death or presumed death occurring while on duty onboard.
Support amount: ₹2,00,000.

7.⁠ ⁠Ex-Gratia Support Benefit Scheme (ESBS)
Monthly support for families of abandoned/stranded seafarers (up to 12 months).
Support amount: ₹10,000 per month.

8.⁠ ⁠Award to Meritorious Child of Seafarers (AMCS)
Recognition for children of seafarers topping university-level final degree/postgraduate exams.
Award: ₹25,000.

How to Apply

Application forms are available on the DG Shipping website or from the SWFS office at Nau Bhavan, Ballard Estate, Mumbai.

Deadlines vary by scheme (ranging from 2 months to 3 years depending on the benefit).

Beneficiaries should keep their contact and banking details updated with SWFS.
Contact SWFS

📍 Nau Bhavan, Ground Floor, R. K. Marg, Ballard Estate, Mumbai – 400 001
📞 022-20826980 / 22626981
📧 [email protected] | [email protected]
Seafarers are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply on time. These schemes are meant to ensure that our maritime community and their families receive support when it matters most.

Milind Kandalgaonkar


Directorate General of Shipping, India

16/09/2025

An unforgettable and inspiring conversation with Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS – Director General of Shipping.

⚓ Dear Indian seafarers, Kathan – Communicating Stories is your platform, created to bring forth the stories that inspire, motivate, and unite us.

🙏 We appeal to you to Like, Share & Subscribe so that, together, we can carry these voices across oceans and celebrate the unity and pride of Indian seafarers everywhere.

https://youtu.be/SQAFR1j-qK0

Milind Kandalgaonkar

Directorate General of Shipping, India

From a humble beginning to leading some of India’s most critical administrative divisions, Mr. Shyam Jagannathan IAS is a beacon of perseverance, service, an...

13/09/2025

Bro. Madhu Pillai, Petty Officer of DCI and Golden Member of NUSI, along with Bro. Vinay Pai, NUSI Branch Representative, visited DCI vessels DR-8 and DR-20.

They briefed our DCI brothers about the ongoing issue of outsourcing of manning and also explained various NUSI welfare initiatives.

Brothers, this is the time to stand together in unity and solidarity. ✊

Milind Kandalgaonkar

National Union of Seafarers of India - NUSI

12/09/2025

Dear Seafarers,

As part of the upcoming “Seafarers Unity Day” celebrations on 6th November, 2025 NUSI is delighted to announce a “Group Dance Competition” for all ranks of Indian seafarers on-board ships. This is your opportunity to showcase hidden talents, teamwork, creativity and camaraderie while at sea!

📌 Submission Deadline: 15th October 2025
📌 Category: Group (Minimum 5 members)
📌 Format: MP4 | Duration 3–5 mins

The winners will be awarded on Seafarers Unity Day – 6th November, 2025

🔹 Prizes:
🥇 1st Prize – 1500 USD
🥈 2nd Prize – 900 USD
🥉 3rd Prize – 600 USD

Let’s make the stage come alive with your moves, creativity, and unity at sea! 🌊💫

👉 Register now at: www.nusi.org.in (Forms Section) or scan the QR code on the poster.

Stage is Yours – Show Your Rhythm, Your Moves, Your Unity! 🎶

In Solidarity,
Milind Kandalgaonkar
General Secretary-cum-Treasurer

ITF Seafarers Trust

10/09/2025

Standing Strong with Seafarers 🌊⚓

National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) once again stood firmly by the side of a seafarer in need, ensuring that his rights and dignity were protected.

In November 2024, Mr. Ashok Solanki, serving onboard MT Mersini (IMO No: 9405899) of World Tankers, vessel covered under the NUSI CBA, was compelled to sign off on medical grounds. The sudden turn of events left him and his family facing deep uncertainty, as his health condition restricted him from continuing his seafaring duties.

NUSI immediately stepped forward with full support. With persistence and commitment, the union took up Mr. Solanki’s case, guiding him through the challenging process of securing his rightful compensation. Through dedicated follow-ups with the P&I Club, NUSI ensured that Mr. Solanki received his Medical Disability Compensation, bringing much-needed relief and security to him and his loved ones.

The mission of NUSI, has always been the welfare and dignity of seafarers. Every effort we make is to ensure that no seafarer ever stands alone, whether at sea or on shore.

🌊 To every seafarer and family — you are never alone.

💙 Your safety, your rights, and your future will always be our priority.