Seafarer's update

*Greetings Seafarers* We’re delighted to have you on the SEAFARER'S UPDATE CHANNE ! We do continuously work to keep you updated through Our FREE weekly E-magazines and daily news. Share our WhatsApp channel link with your seafarer friends. whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va… Thank you!

Jai Shree Ram 🙏🙏

⚓ Urgent Concern: C1/D Visa Negligence Impacting Indian Seafarers’ Employment India is recognized as one of the world’s largest suppliers of skilled seafarers, ranking among the top three globally. However, a serious concern is emerging that is directly affecting the employment opportunities of Indian maritime professionals. Today, nearly 90% of shipping companies, crew manning agencies, and vessel managers require seafarers to hold a valid US C1/D Visa as a standard employment condition. This visa is essential for transit and joining vessels at major international ports, especially those in the United States. Despite this growing requirement, a large number of Indian seafarers are either reluctant or failing to obtain the C1/D Visa from the U.S. Embassy/Consulates in India. Whether due to lack of awareness, fear of rejection, improper guidance, or procedural delays, this negligence is proving costly. 🚨 The Impact: Indian seafarers are losing job opportunities across global fleets Shipping companies are increasingly hiring from other countries Employment of seafarers from Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, China, and Bangladesh is rising steadily India’s strong position in the global maritime workforce is at risk ⚠️ A Wake-Up Call: If this trend continues, Indian seafarers may face long-term decline in global demand, despite their skills and experience. ✅ The Way Forward: Seafarers must prioritize obtaining the C1/D Visa Manning agencies and unions should guide and support candidates through the visa process Awareness campaigns must be conducted to highlight its importance Authorities should consider facilitating smoother visa assistance mechanisms 🤝 Collective Responsibility: It is crucial for all stakeholders — seafarers, unions, training institutes, and recruitment agencies — to act responsibly and proactively. Securing a C1/D Visa is no longer optional; it is a basic requirement for global maritime employment. @IndianEmbassyUS @USAndIndia

🇮🇳 Indian Government Confirms Tragic Loss of Indian Seafarers The Ministry of External Affairs and Indian shipping authorities have officially confirmed the death of three Indian seafarers amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. This is an irreparable loss for the maritime community and a heartbreaking tragedy for the families who have lost their loved ones while they were serving the nation at sea. ⚓ Union Appeal We, on behalf of the seafarers’ fraternity, urgently appeal to: Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) Directorate General of Shipping to immediately: ✔ Process compensation for the families ✔ Provide financial relief and emergency support ✔ Offer counselling & welfare assistance ✔ Ensure all statutory benefits are released without delay 🕯️ Our seafarers continue to sail in dangerous waters so the nation’s trade and economy keep moving. The least we can do is stand with their families in this hour of grief. May their souls rest in peace. The Union stands firmly with the bereaved families. President:- Mr. Sanjay V Pawar All India Seafarers Union & General Workers Union @dgshipping_IN @shipmin_india

⚓ Union Advisory for Indian Seafarers & Maritime Community The All India Seafarers Union advises all Indian seafarers and maritime stakeholders currently in Iran or nearby regions to stay alert and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Tehran for any assistance regarding repatriation or emergency support. Due to the evolving situation in the region, any seafarer or Indian citizen requiring help to return to India should immediately contact the Indian Embassy. 🇮🇳 Indian Embassy – Tehran (Emergency Assistance) ☎️ +98-21-88755103 / 104 / 105 📱 Emergency Helpline: +98 912 810 9115 +98 912 810 9109 +98 912 810 9102 +98 993 217 9359 📧 Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in 🌐 Website: indianembassytehran.gov.in⁠� 🛟 Important Instructions for Seafarers: • Stay in touch with your shipping company and local authorities • Keep your passport and travel documents ready • Follow updates from the Indian Embassy and Government of India • Avoid sharing or forwarding unverified information on social media The All India Seafarers Union stands with all Indian seafarers and their families and will continue to monitor the situation closely. ⚓ Stay Safe – Stay Connected – Stay Informed #IndianSeafarers #SeafarersUnion #MaritimeSafety #RepatriationSupport #IndianEmbassy #ShippingCommunity 🚢🇮🇳

"ITF Seafarers' Expo 2026 happening at Princess Dock, Mumbai! 🌊 Free entry for seafarers & families. Learn about rights, career paths, and enjoy family activities 📍 29-31 Jan, 11 AM - 5:30 PM Register now. Registration Link itfseafarers.org/en/seafarers-e… #seafarer #uniuon #xpo

This Republic Day, we salute Indian seafarers who proudly carry the Tricolour across the seas. At sea or ashore, the spirit of India sails on. Happy 77th Republic Day 🇮🇳 Team Seafarer Update #ProudIndian #MeraBharat #JaiHind

Spreading warmth on Basant Panchami. Raj Kumar behalf of Seafarer Update contribute blankets to UMA Marine Club, Patna, for seafarer welfare. #SeafarerWelfare #BasantPanchami2026 @Seafarerupdate @NewsTanksVoiceofSea @MarineClub #Marine #seamanhostel #rahulseamanhostel

🌟 Wishing all seafarers, whether onboard or at home, a Happy New Year! 🌟 Cheers to a great year ahead! 🎉 #Seafarers #HappyNewYear #MaritimeCommunity

Sim-Binding Rule Triggers Concern Among Indian Seafarers, Many Sailors Share Their Problems via Email and WhatsApp! News Tanks New Delhi. The Central Government’s order making SIM-binding mandatory for messaging apps has started affecting Indian seafarers the most. After the order, there is visible resentment among sailors. Several seafarers have shared their concerns with News Tanks through email and WhatsApp. Seafarers said that while working on ships, their SIM cards remain without network for weeks. In such a situation, if WhatsApp or Telegram stop functioning because of SIM-binding, it will become extremely difficult to stay in touch with their families. One seafarer wrote: "We spend months at sea. Our SIM doesn’t get network. If the app stops working, we will be completely cut off." Seafarers also informed that international roaming is not available at every foreign port they arrive at. In such a situation, OTP, bank alerts, card transaction notifications will also not be received. Another sailor said: "If something goes wrong with our bank account, we get an alert immediately. If the app doesn’t work, what will we do?" According to the seafarers, this decision has been implemented without understanding their real conditions. For those living at sea, messaging apps are the only lifeline to stay connected with family and banking. Many sailors wrote: "We already stay away from home for long periods. If the app also stops, the situation will become even worse." Seafarers have demanded that the government reconsider this rule and create a special exemption or an alternative secure system for Indian sailors working abroad. In the messages received by News Tanks, sailors have urged that this issue be brought to the attention of the concerned ministry. @JM_Scindia @dgshipping_IN @InSeaandshore @sarbanandsonwal @Shantanu_bjp @shipmin_india

"Hey! Just a quick weekly update from *Seafarer Update* it's going to be a busy weekend. Click here to read ⬇️ acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc…

🚨 IMPORTANT ADVISORY FOR ALL INDIAN SEAFARERS 🚨 Issued by: Directorate General of Shipping, Govt. of India (DGS) 📅 Dated: 26 November 2025 The Directorate General of Shipping has issued a serious warning regarding fraudulent recruitment scams involving certain Maritime Training Institutes, RPSL companies, and unauthorized agents. Recently, a DGS-approved institute R.R. Marines Academy, Jaipur has been reported for illegal recruitment activities, taking money from seafarers under the false promise of shipboard jobs. The institution has now been suspended pending investigation. ⚠️ Seafarers are strongly advised to stay alert and avoid falling victim to job scams. 🔴 Common Fraud Tactics Used by Scammers • Demanding money for: Registration or agency fees “Guaranteed” or fast-track job placements Visas, medicals, or air tickets • Fake or unsolicited job offers via WhatsApp/social media • No transparent office address or valid license • Vague or incomplete employment contracts • Pressure to make immediate payments 🛡️ How to Protect Yourself ✔ Verify RPSL License using DGS official link ✔ Never hand over your original passport/CDC to anyone ✔ Apply only through official company websites or licensed recruitment partners ✔ Check recruiter details directly on the DGS website ✔ Do NOT trust WhatsApp job offers or social media postings 📞 Report Any Suspicious Activity Immediately DG Shipping 24×7 Helplines: ☎ +91-22-22613668 📱 WhatsApp: +91-9004048406 / 9004062624 📧 Email: support.dgs@gov.in ⚓ Message to All Seafarers #Staycautious. #Stayinformed. Verify every offer before trusting anyone with your money or documents. Your awareness can protect your career and save you from financial loss. All India Seafarers Union is always with Seafarers 🇮🇳✊

Wishing you a very happy chhat from seafarer Update May you and your family be blessed by sun god and chhathi Maaiya. 🙏🙏

Stay Updated with the Latest Seafarer E magazine! Check out our e-magazine for the latest updates, insights, and stories from the world of seafaring! 🌊📖 Click here to read ⬇️ acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc…

"Wishing you a very Happy Diwali from Team Seafarer Update!"🪔🪔 #shipping #aliinternationalship #Seafarers #jobopportunity #tankervessel #oiler #ab #bosun #hiringnow #ShippingWorldwide #Sailorslife #Marine #fresher #dpvessel #offshore #Crew #Ship #Sea #happydiwali2025

Stay Updated with the Latest Seafarer E magazine! 3rd August 2025. Check out our e-magazine for the latest updates, insights, and stories from the world of seafaring! 🌊📖 Click here to read ⬇️ acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc… #shipping #Seafarers #jobopportunity

Great work by Capt Manish Sharma , Pankaj and team. They are the one who challenged @dgshipping_IN Circular 31 / 2025. Ban lifted by Honorable High Court Bombay. Indian Seafarers can now join with any CoC and CoP on any ship Globally. Unity among Seafarers and Shipping Fraternity

"The Sailors' Union of India protest, held on July 29 at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, was a powerful display of unity among seafarers and officers. The new DG circular 31/2025 has raised. whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va…

On 29th July 2025, thousands of Indian seafarers will gather in Delhi to stage a massive Dharna and send a strong message to the MoPSW against the unjust circular that is snatching away the livelihood of over#20k seafarers and impacting nearly#One lakh family members.

Click here to read ⬇️ @Seafarerupdate E Magzine Quotes @AllSeafarers Union Seafarers Pention Conversation 1946 Rights.