National Union of Seafarers of India - NUSI

24/12/2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Warm greetings from National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI).

As the festive season of Christmas and the New Year approaches, we take this opportunity to convey our heartfelt greetings and best wishes to you and your family.

On this auspicious occasion, we are pleased to share good news with our seafaring fraternity. In a move aimed at further supporting and encouraging our seafarers, NUSI has decided to reduce the membership fee to ₹1,000/- (Rupees One Thousand only).

This amount shall be payable once a year as an annual subscription. The revised fee structure will be effective from 1st January, 2026.

You are aware, NUSI has several welfare initiatives for seafarers and their families. To continue availing these welfare benefits, it is advised you to keep your membership up to date.

For updating your membership visit below mentioned link
https://members.nusi.org.in/onlinepayment_entry.php

You can also update your membership at NUSI HO and NUSI Branch offices pan India.

This initiative reflects continued efforts of NUSI to make union membership more accessible while strengthening collective representation and welfare for seafarers and their families.

On behalf of the National Union of Seafarers of India, we wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Safe & Prosperous New Year.

With warm regards,

Milind Kandalgaonkar
General Secretary-cum-Treasurer
National Union of Seafarers of India

21/12/2025

21/12/2025

Seafarers Connect – 2025: Seafarers & Families Get Together

The Maritime Union of India (MUI) and the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) jointly organized Seafarers Connect – 2025, a warm and inclusive get-together for seafarers and their families, at Nerul, Navi Mumbai on 20th December, 2025. The event successfully strengthened the bond between seafarers and their families, acknowledged the invaluable contribution of Indian seafarers to the nation and global trade, and provided a joyful platform for family interaction and community engagement.

One of the major highlights of the programme was the Drawing Competition for Children, which encouraged creativity, imagination, and social awareness among young participants. The competition was conducted in two age groups: 6 to 10 years, with the theme “My Dream Ship / Boat”, and 11 to 15 years, with the theme “Save Water, Save Life”. The children enthusiastically expressed their ideas through art, reflecting both maritime aspirations and a strong sense of environmental responsibility.

The event was further enriched by vibrant cultural performances presented by seafarers and their family members. Karaoke sessions and dance performances created a lively and cheerful atmosphere, allowing participants to showcase their talents while celebrating moments of joy, unity, and togetherness within the seafaring community.

The programme was graced by Mr. Achyut Palav, renowned calligrapher and Padma Shri awardee, who attended as the Chief Guest. His presence and achievements served as a source of inspiration for both children and adults alike. The event was also honoured by the presence of eminent guests from the shipping fraternity, including Capt. S. M. Halbe, Chief Executive Officer, Maritime Association of Shipowners, Shipmanagers and Agents (MASSA); Capt. Purendu Nansi, General Manager, NYK Ship Management (India) Pvt. Ltd.; and Shri Janardan Bahirat, Assistant General Manager, Fleet Management Ltd.

Addressing the gathering, Capt. S. M. Halbe expressed his delight in being part of Seafarers Connect – 2025 and appreciated it as a commendable initiative jointly organized by MUI and NUSI. He highlighted the crucial role played by Indian seafarers in global shipping and acknowledged families as an equally vital pillar of strength behind them. He emphasized that such initiatives foster unity, recognize family support, and nurture future generations through creativity and cultural bonding. Capt. Halbe commended both unions for their continued collaboration and steadfast commitment to the welfare of the seafaring community.

During the programme, Capt. Savio, General Secretary, MUI, addressed the gathering and underscored the importance of unity within the maritime fraternity. He highlighted the continuous efforts undertaken by the unions to safeguard the welfare, dignity, and rights of seafarers and their families, reaffirming their commitment to stand by them both at sea and ashore.

Shri Milind Kandalgaonkar, General Secretary-cum-Treasurer, NUSI, also addressed the audience and spoke on the significance of family-oriented initiatives such as Seafarers Connect. He emphasized how joint programmes reflect the shared vision of MUI and NUSI in working collectively for the holistic welfare of seafarers, extending support not only in professional matters but also in social and cultural spheres.

Both leaders collectively highlighted how MUI and NUSI have consistently come together as a strong and united platform to support the cause of Indian seafarers. Their unity of purpose and collaborative initiatives were presented as a symbol of strength, solidarity, and unwavering commitment to the seafaring community.

Overall, Seafarers Connect – 2025 concluded on a high note, leaving behind cherished memories and further reinforcing the spirit of solidarity, creativity, and cultural bonding among seafarers and their families.

In Solidarity,
Milind Kandalgaonkar
General Secretary-cum-Treasurer

19/12/2025

National Shipping Board (NSB) Meeting was held at Visakhapatnam on 18th and 19th December, 2025. The meeting was chaired by Shri Sameer Khare, IAS (Retd.), and focused on reviewing India’s Shipping Strategy. It was organised by the Visakhapatnam Port Authority.

Shri Milind Kandalgaonkar, General Secretary-cum-Treasurer, attended the NSB Meeting and actively participated in the deliberations on key issues concerning the shipping sector. He specifically highlighted matters related to maritime administration and seafarers’ interests, contributing valuable inputs from the stakeholders’ perspective.

Key Discussions & Outcomes:
• Need for a common platform for Indian container manufacturers to improve cost efficiency, quality, and global competitiveness.
• Focus on sustainability, pollution control, and making the Visakhapatnam Cruise Terminal fully operational.
• Review of DCI operations, manpower shortages, training reforms, and fleet modernization with green energy solutions.
• Emphasis on transparent outsourcing, timely project ex*****on, and availability of class-approved spares through Indian manufacturers.
• Interaction with HSL, APMB, IMU, and maritime stakeholders on shipbuilding, port-led development, skill enhancement, and seafarers’ welfare.

Chairman Shri Sameer Kumar Khare, IAS (Retd.), stated:

“India’s maritime growth must be driven by coordination, innovation, and sustainability. Strengthening domestic manufacturing, modernising fleets, and investing in skilled manpower are critical to achieving global competitiveness.”

“Seafarers’ welfare and skill development remain at the core of our maritime ecosystem, and every port must ensure basic welfare facilities as mandated under the MS Act, 2025.”

In Solidarity,
Team NUSI

Milind Kandalgaonkar

18/12/2025

National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) actively participated in the Symposium on Seafarers Recruitment & Welfare, organised by the Directorate General of Shipping (SWFS) on 18th December 2025 at the Civil Services Officers’ Institute (CSOI), New Delhi.

The symposium brought together senior policymakers, government officials, industry leaders, shipowners, manning agencies, welfare organisations and seafarers’ representatives to deliberate on critical issues related to recruitment practices, regulatory challenges and the holistic welfare of Indian seafarers.

The event was graced by several eminent dignitaries, including Shri Rajesh Kumar Sinha, IAS, Special Secretary, Department of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW); Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping; Shri Sushil Mansing Khopde, IPS, Additional Director General; Capt. P. C. Meena, Deputy Director General; Capt. S. I. Abul Kalam Azad, Nautical Adviser-cum-Additional Director General; and Capt. S. K. Darokar, Principal Officer, MMD Kandla.

The Chief Guest, Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, addressed the gathering through a video message. In his address, he outlined a clear leadership vision for building a safe, secure and welfare-centric maritime workforce, aligned with India’s national maritime objectives and long-term development priorities.

Key Highlights of the Symposium
• Strategic insights on RPSL challenges and regulatory compliance
• Government initiatives aimed at reforms in seafarer recruitment
• Emphasis on seafarers’ rights, codes of conduct and welfare schemes
• Discussions on provident fund provisions, wellness programmes and future welfare measures
• Engaging panel discussions with industry experts on recruitment and welfare.

The flagship programme “Sagar Mein Yog”, focused on the wellness and mental well-being of seafarers, was also highlighted during the symposium.

The panel discussion on Seafarers Welfare- a perspective by Industry experts was moderated by Capt. Santosh Darokar, Principal Officer, MMD Kandla. A key question raised during the session focused on how NUSI conducts counselling, awareness programmes, mental well-being support, safety initiatives and overall welfare measures for seafarers who remain on board vessels for long durations.

Mr. Sunil Nair, Assistant General Secretary, NUSI, participated as a panellist in the Panel Discussion on Seafarers Welfare. He highlighted that addressing mental health, counselling and well-being of seafarers is a pressing and ongoing concern. After extensive deliberations, NUSI introduced NUSI Sahara in 2017, a dedicated 24x7 toll-free helpline for seafarers. In addition to telephonic support, counselling sessions are also conducted at NUSI premises and at shipping companies.

Mr. Nair explained that NUSI utilized its experience from NUSI Sahara into making the Sagar Mein Yog, an initiative of the Government of India, more stronger and effective, under guidance of Shri Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping.

NUSI remains steadfast in working closely with the Government of India, Directorate General of Shipping, industry stakeholders and welfare organisations to ensure fair recruitment practices, strong regulatory oversight and comprehensive welfare measures for Indian seafarers.

Click on the link to watch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_X9Qjic9zs

In Solidarity,
Team NUSI

18/12/2025

Calling All Seafarers – Your Voice Matters!

The World Maritime University (WMU) is conducting an important research study under the Deep Dive Project, focusing on the digitalization of the maritime industry and the digital skills of seafarers. This research aims to better understand the challenges and opportunities faced by seafarers in today’s increasingly digital maritime environment.

We invite all seafarers—whether currently sailing or recently ashore—to participate in this short online survey and share your valuable experiences and insights.

🔗 Survey Link:
https://wmuhq.questionpro.eu/SeafarerDigiSkills

Confidentiality: All responses are anonymous and will be used strictly for academic research purposes.

Your participation will directly contribute to improving maritime education, training, and policies related to digitalization in the shipping industry.

We kindly request that you also share this survey with fellow seafarers in your network to help us reach a wider audience.

Thank you for your valuable time and support.

Fair winds and following seas,

In Solidarity,
Milind Kandalgaonkar
National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI)

DEEP DIVES PROJECT: SEAFARERS’ DIGITAL SKILLS QUESTIONNAIRE

16/12/2025

Connect 2025 Seafarers And Their Families Get-Together
20th December, 2025

16/12/2025

Inauguration Ceremony of Training of Trainers Program under "Sagar mein Yog" Initiative at NUSI Holiday Home and Conference Centre, Lonavala - 15th December, 2025

The Training of Trainers program under the "Sagar mein Yog" initiative, a collaborative effort between the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) and the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), was inaugurated today with an Yoga session at morning followed by lamp lighting ceremony.

The ceremony was graced by Deputy Director General of Shipping, Capt. Nitin Mukesh, NUSI Vice President Mr. Louis Gomes, NUSI Organising Secretary Mr. Suresh Solanki and yoga training expert, Mr.Rudresh Kumar Singh, Ms.Sushma Yenge, International Yoga Professional

In their speeches, the dignitaries emphasized the significance of incorporating yoga into the curriculum of Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs). They highlighted the importance of yoga in enhancing the physical and mental well-being of seafarers, which is crucial for their profession.

Capt. Nitin Mukesh stated, "Yoga is an essential aspect of holistic development, and its inclusion in the MTI curriculum will benefit the students immensely. We are committed to promoting yoga among seafarers and supporting their overall well-being."

Mr. Louis Gomes added, "As seafarers, they face unique challenges, and yoga can help them cope with stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle. We are proud to partner with DG Shipping to introduce yoga in MTIs."

The yoga training expert Mr. Rudresh Kumar Singh emphasized the role of trainers in implementing the yoga curriculum effectively, saying, "The success of this initiative depends on the trainers. They must lead by example and inspire students to adopt yoga as a way of life."

The ceremony concluded with a yoga training session, setting the tone for the Training of Trainers program.

Milind Kandalgaonkar
General Secretary-cum-Treasurer
Directorate General of Shipping, India

16/12/2025

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) is hosting a one-day Symposium on Seafarers’ Recruitment & Welfare, “हर लहर, हर यात्रा – नाविक का कल्याण”, bringing together senior government officials, maritime leaders, and industry experts to discuss recruitment reforms, seafarer welfare, rights, and the future of India’s maritime workforce.

15/12/2025

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

On 15th December 2025, Shri Milind Kandalgaonkar, General Secretary-cum-Treasurer of the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) and Deputy Chairman of the Indian Sailors Home Society (ISHS), along with other key stakeholders from the maritime sectors, met with Shri M. Angamuthu, IAS, Chairman of the Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA).

The meeting focused on the welfare and well-being of Indian seafarers. Shri Milind Kandalgaonkar highlighted the importance of the seafarers hostel and emphasised how its development can significantly contribute to the safety, comfort, and overall welfare of seafarers, particularly those visiting Mumbai for employment, training, and other official purposes. He stressed that the hostel plays a crucial role in providing affordable accommodation, security, and a supportive environment for seafarers while they are away from their homes.

The discussions underscored the need to preserve the heritage building associated with seafarers welfare, recognising its historical and cultural significance to the maritime community. The importance of maintaining and upgrading the Memorial Hall, which stands as a tribute to the invaluable contributions and sacrifices of Indian seafarers, was also emphasised.

In addition, Shri Milind Kandalgaonkar highlighted the initiative of NUSI towards sustainability through the NUSI solar project, stressing the need to promote renewable energy solutions within seafarers welfare infrastructure to ensure long-term environmental and economic benefits.

The interaction reaffirmed the continued commitment of NUSI to working closely with government authorities and maritime institutions to strengthen welfare infrastructure and enhance the quality of life of Indian seafarers.

In solidarity,

National Union of Seafarers of India

12/12/2025

DGS Circular 55 of 2025
Seafarers Advisory on Avoiding Fraud, Cheating, and unauthorised Recruitment during Employement