The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), Synergy Maritime Group and India’s Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), convened in Mumbai to address the critical issue of seafarer mental health and secure compensation for suicide at sea.
Held on April 7, the event was the first time in India that unions, government officials, shipping companies and seafarers’ families have convened to address mental health, suicide and seafarers' death compensation.
Despite suicide being one of the leading causes of death among seafarers – with a 2019 study finding that 20% experience suicidal thoughts – the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) currently omits suicide from its mandatory death compensation provisions. This is mirrored by an absence of such compensation in Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), leaving many families without support.
“The last few months have been like hell on earth for our entire family,” said the brother of Nilesh, a seafarer who died by suicide over eight months ago.
“Nilesh’s death has changed our lives forever. We are physically and mentally exhausted, still searching for answers, still waiting for his belongings to be returned, his laptop, his cell phone.
“No one, until today, contacted us. Not a single rupee has come from the company or any organisation. This is the first time anyone has reached out to us. I see many important people here today speaking about seafarer mental health. Please don’t forget us—the families left behind.”
In a groundbreaking move, India’s DG Shipping committed to ensuring compensation for all seafarer deaths onboard Indian-flagged ships, including suicides, under both new and existing agreements. This step forward marks a significant shift in policy for Indian seafarers, aiming to provide vital support to families and set a new standard for the industry.
Capt. Daniel Joseph, from DG Shipping, said: “Any kind of death on board a ship should be paid compensation – and we will make sure that suicide is covered under the Merchant Shipping Notice 7 of 2020 and 2022 for all Indian vessels. This will come very soon.
“These are our seafarers, and it’s our responsibility to stand by them – not just when they’re at sea, but especially when tragedy strikes. We owe it to them and their families to ensure they are protected and supported.
“India is a democratic country, and we’ve listened to all voices, and now we’re ready to act. This will be implemented very soon.”
Dr Asif Altaf, the ITF’s Wellbeing Coordinator, said: “The maritime industry is facing a long-overdue wake-up call on seafarer mental health. For far too long, the emotional wellbeing of seafarers has been overlooked, despite the immense pressures they face at sea.
“We demand action, accountability, and a commitment to change from every corner of the industry.”
Captain Anshul Rajvanshi, Managing Director of Synergy Maritime, said: “We're working to bring together all stakeholders in the maritime industry to establish a clear framework, so that in the tragic event of a suicide, seafarers’ families receive the support they deserve."
The ITF continues to call upon industry stakeholders and policymakers to implement robust support systems and policy reforms to safeguard the mental wellbeing of seafarers globally.
Notes
The event marked the start of nationwide mental health training for ITF-affiliated unions and seafarers in India. This follows MOUs signed with the Philippine Government in January and Indonesia in September 2024. ITF has also led training in Romania for ten maritime universities from seven Black Sea countries: Albania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Montenegro, Romania, Turkey, and Ukraine.
In recent years, Indian seafarers have faced particularly acute challenges due to the high number facing abandonment: in 2024, more Indian seafarers were abandoned than any other nationality.
