National Union of Seafarers of India - NUSI

04/02/2026

Notice : Implementation and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for 24x7 Seafarers Facilitation Counter at T2 Airport. Mumbai. during the Pilot Phase - reg.

03/02/2026

Appointment of National Coordinator – NCC (India)

The National Coordinating Committee of Indian ITF affiliates (NCC) are vital country-level bodies that bring together transport unions to coordinate campaigns, strengthen union power, and align national priorities with regional and global ITF strategies. NCC play a key role in supporting, organising, and defending the rights of transport workers across sectors.

The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) is pleased to inform all affiliates that Mr. Milind Kandalgaonkar, General Secretary-cum-Treasurer, NUSI, has been appointed as the National Coordinator of the NCC (India).

This appointment marks an important step forward in strengthening unity, cooperation, and coordinated action among Indian ITF-affiliated unions representing workers in the maritime, ports, inland waterways, aviation, road, and rail sectors, with a strong and continued focus on seafarers and dock workers.

For Indian affiliates, this leadership further strengthens national representation within the global ITF framework and enhances opportunities for capacity building, leadership development, and knowledge sharing among unions. It also reinforces the NCC-ITF India as a vital platform for coordinated advocacy, policy engagement, and solidarity-based action in advancing workers’ rights, improving working conditions, and ensuring social protection for transport workers across the country.

We extend our best wishes to Mr. Milind Kandalgaonkar for every success in his new role.

02/02/2026

02/02/2026

NUSI Ground Breaking Ceremony (Bhumi Pujan) for “NUSI Seafarers Bhavan” – Seafarers’ Hostel Project in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai

National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), reaffirming its steadfast commitment to the welfare of seafarers and their families, marked a significant milestone with the Ground Breaking Ceremony (Bhumi Pujan) of its upcoming project, “NUSI Seafarers Bhavan and Hostel" at Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, on January 30, 2026.

The project envisages the development of a dedicated seafarers’ welfare complex consisting of two separate buildings. NUSI Seafarers Bhavan building will house a banquet hall, meeting rooms, training and counselling room and other welfare amenities, for families and shipping fraternity, while the second will be a stand-alone hostel building designed exclusively to provide safe, affordable, and comfortable accommodation alongwith recreational facility for seafarers.

Strategically located near the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, with excellent connectivity via the Atal Setu Expressway and a nearby railway station, the site has been carefully selected to ensure seamless accessibility and convenience for seafarers during their travel, rest, and transition periods.

The ceremony was officiated by Mr. Stephen Cotton, General Secretary, International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), and was attended by delegates from the All Japan Seamen’s Union (JSU), along with representatives from DG Shipping and other key maritime stakeholders. Delegates from across the shipping fraternity also participated, reflecting strong solidarity and collective support for initiatives aimed at strengthening seafarer welfare infrastructure in India.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Milind Kandalgaonkar, General Secretary-cum-Treasurer, NUSI, emphasized that NUSI Seafarers Bhavan and Hostel forms a crucial part of NUSI broader vision to enhance welfare facilities and reinforce social security measures for Indian seafarers and their families and the Maritime fraternity.

The ceremony marked an auspicious beginning for a landmark project that underscores NUSI continued commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the seafaring community and building sustainable welfare institutions for the future.

Milind Kandalgaonkar

01/02/2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Union Budget 2026–27 has placed significant emphasis on inland waterways, coastal shipping, and multimodal logistics. Based on our assessment, the key announcements and their implications for seafarers are as follows:

Key Budget Announcements

The Government plans to operationalise 20 new National Waterways over the next five years.

Regional Institutes of Excellence for training in the inland waterways sector are proposed.

A ship repair ecosystem for inland vessels is planned to be developed at Varanasi and Patna.

A Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme has been introduced to encourage modal shift towards coastal shipping and inland waterways, with policy support envisaged up to 2047.

An allocation of ₹10,000 crore has been made for container manufacturing, aimed at strengthening logistics and supply chains.

What this Means for Seafarers:

These initiatives are expected to generate employment primarily in inland waterways and coastal cargo operations, including vessel operations, maintenance, and logistics.

Training infrastructure for inland waterways may open new skill-development opportunities, particularly for river and coastal trade.
Increased coastal cargo movement could gradually create demand for coastal seafarers, provided Indian-flag shipping is actively promoted.
Our Concern, while inland waterways and coastal logistics have received focused attention, mainstream shipping and deep-sea seafarers once again remain largely unaddressed. Critical issues such as:
°Employment generation for Indian seafarers

°Fleet expansion under the Indian flag
°Taxation, social security, and career sustainability

The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) is committed to fighting for your rights and interests. Our recent efforts have focused on pushing for greater attention to mainstream shipping and deep-sea seafarers, who often feel overlooked in national maritime policy and budgetary support.
We've highlighted critical issues affecting you, including employment generation, fleet expansion under the Indian flag, taxation, social security, and career sustainability. Our engagement with the government and stakeholders aims to ensure that the benefits of coastal and inland shipping translate into real, decent jobs for Indian seafarers like you.

NUSI will continue to work tirelessly to make ocean-going shipping and Indian seafarers a priority in national maritime policy and budgetary support. Your support and solidarity are crucial to our efforts.

Ocean-going shipping and Indian seafarers are no longer ignored in national maritime policy and budgetary support.

We will keep our members informed of further developments and pursue all necessary representations in the interest of seafarers.

With fraternal greetings,

Milind Kandalgaonkar
General SecretaryNational
Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI)

30/01/2026

Inauguration of the MILAAP-ITF SEAFARERS EXPO 2026

The MILAAP – ITF Seafarers’ Expo 2026, a three-day international seafarer welfare and outreach event, commenced today at the Cruise Terminal, Princess Dock, Mumbai, and will continue from 29 to 31 January 2026. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, is leading the Government’s participation at the Expo, which is being organised by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in collaboration with its Indian Affiliates.

Emerging as one of the largest seafarer-centric events in the country, the Expo is expected to witness a footfall of more than 6,000 seafarers and their family members over three days. The event brings together seafarers, their families, trade unions, regulators, welfare institutions, and global maritime stakeholders on a common platform, with a shared focus on welfare, dignity, rights, and wellbeing of seafarers.

The inauguration began with a grand ceremonial welcome featuring 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 Shri Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, as a mark of respect for his contributions.

The Expo was inaugurated in the distinguished presence of Shri Sameer Kumar Khare, Chairman, National Shipping Board, as the Chief Guest, and Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, as the Guest of Honour. The occasion was attended by eminent international and national leaders, including Mr. Stephen Cotton, General Secretary, International Transport Workers’ Federation; Ms. Elena Gerasimova, International Labour Organization; and senior representatives of ITF Indian Affiliates, including the National Union of Seafarers of India, Maritime Union of India, and Forward Seamen’s Union of India.

A significant highlight of the inauguration was the formal unveiling of the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) logo, symbolising the principles of care, protection, dignity, and lifelong support for Indian seafarers. This marked an important milestone in the Directorate General of Shipping’s efforts to rationalise and strengthen welfare schemes, ensuring wider coverage and easier access for seafarers and their families.

As part of this reform initiative, a new insurance support framework was announced, under which every eligible seafarer will receive ₹3,000 as assistance towards medical insurance, an additional ₹1,000 towards critical illness cover, and ₹1,000 towards term life insurance. The initiative aims to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses and ensure that basic health and life insurance protection is accessible to all seafarers, reflecting the Government’s inclusive and people-centric approach to maritime welfare.

During the Expo, the Directorate General of Shipping, as the apex maritime authority for seafarers in India, is showcasing a comprehensive welfare and wellbeing presence through two dedicated pavilions. These pavilions cover welfare schemes, documentation support, grievance redressal mechanisms, and mental health and wellbeing initiatives. On-site assistance is being provided for schemes of the Seafarers’ Provident Fund Organisation and the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society, along with awareness programmes under flagship initiatives such as “Sagar Mein Yog” and “Sagar Mein Samman.”

In Solidarity
Milind Kandalgaonkar
Directorate General of Shipping, India

21/01/2026

PRANAAM – Seafarers Assistance Counter Launched | A Collective Welfare Initiative for Indian Seafarers

We are pleased to inform all our seafarers and their families that, under the joint initiative of National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), The Maritime Union of India (MUI), and the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society (SWFS), in collaboration with the Directorate General of Shipping, a new welfare initiative titled PRANAAM – Seafarers Assistance Counter has been launched.

The PRANAAM Seafarers Assistance Counter was successfully inaugurated on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai, marking a significant milestone in strengthening on-ground welfare, facilitation, and support services for Indian seafarers and their families.

Indian seafarers are the backbone of global shipping, yet they frequently face travel-related challenges during embarkation and disembarkation. The establishment of the PRANAAM counter is a meaningful step towards acknowledging these realities and ensuring that seafarers receive timely assistance, guidance, and institutional support at one of India’s busiest international gateways.

Conceived as a single-point facilitation mechanism, the PRANAAM counter is designed to assist seafarers transiting through the airport by addressing real-time issues related to travel coordination, documentation, and logistical support—thereby reducing stress and ensuring smoother transit for those who spend months away from their families in service of the maritime industry.

The programme commenced with the welcome of dignitaries and invited guests, followed by a formal opening and a welcome address outlining the vision, objectives, and significance of PRANAAM (Proactive Responsive Assistance for Maritime Nationals). The address highlighted the importance of coordinated institutional support and the need to bridge policy intent with the practical challenges faced by seafarers on the ground.

The PRANAAM Seafarers Assistance Counter was formally inaugurated thereafter, symbolising collective action and cooperation among key maritime stakeholders. A detailed presentation was made by Capt. Nitin Mukesh, Dy. DG-cum-Dy. Nautical Advisor, Directorate General of Shipping, explaining the scope, functions, and operational framework of the counter and how it would effectively address transit-related challenges faced by seafarers.

The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Shri Sushil Mansingh Khopade, IPS, Additional Director General of Shipping, who, in his address, emphasised the need for structured and permanent welfare mechanisms and reaffirmed DG Shipping’s commitment to initiatives that place seafarers’ welfare at the centre of maritime governance.

The Guests of Honour, Shri Andrew Watt, Regional Manager – Home Office International Operations, British High Commission, and Shri Hitarth Mankodi, Chief Operating Officer, CSMIA, also addressed the gathering, sharing perspectives on international cooperation, airport facilitation, and the importance of seamless support systems for seafarers operating in a global industry.

The programme concluded with the presentation of mementos to dignitaries, followed by a vote of thanks and a stakeholder interaction session, allowing meaningful engagement among all participants. The event ended with informal interactions and refreshments.

The launch of the PRANAAM Seafarers Assistance Counter represents a positive and concrete step forward in enhancing seafarer welfare, operational efficiency, and coordinated institutional support. NUSI, along with MUI and SWFS, reiterates its commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that Indian seafarers and their families receive the dignity, care, and support they rightfully deserve.

Milind Kandalgaonkar
Directorate General of Shipping, India

21/01/2026

PRANAAM – Seafarers Assistance Counter Launched | A Collective Welfare Initiative for Indian Seafarers

We are pleased to inform all our seafarers and their families that, under the joint initiative of National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), The Maritime Union of India (MUI), and the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society (SWFS), in collaboration with the Directorate General of Shipping, a new welfare initiative titled PRANAAM – Seafarers Assistance Counter has been launched.

The PRANAAM Seafarers Assistance Counter was successfully inaugurated on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai, marking a significant milestone in strengthening on-ground welfare, facilitation, and support services for Indian seafarers and their families.

Indian seafarers are the backbone of global shipping, yet they frequently face travel-related challenges during embarkation and disembarkation. The establishment of the PRANAAM counter is a meaningful step towards acknowledging these realities and ensuring that seafarers receive timely assistance, guidance, and institutional support at one of India’s busiest international gateways.

Conceived as a single-point facilitation mechanism, the PRANAAM counter is designed to assist seafarers transiting through the airport by addressing real-time issues related to travel coordination, documentation, and logistical support—thereby reducing stress and ensuring smoother transit for those who spend months away from their families in service of the maritime industry.

The programme commenced with the welcome of dignitaries and invited guests, followed by a formal opening and a welcome address outlining the vision, objectives, and significance of PRANAAM (Proactive Responsive Assistance for Maritime Nationals). The address highlighted the importance of coordinated institutional support and the need to bridge policy intent with the practical challenges faced by seafarers on the ground.

The PRANAAM Seafarers Assistance Counter was formally inaugurated thereafter, symbolising collective action and cooperation among key maritime stakeholders. A detailed presentation was made by Capt. Nitin Mukesh, Dy. DG-cum-Dy. Nautical Advisor, Directorate General of Shipping, explaining the scope, functions, and operational framework of the counter and how it would effectively address transit-related challenges faced by seafarers.

The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Shri Sushil Mansingh Khopade, IPS, Additional Director General of Shipping, who, in his address, emphasised the need for structured and permanent welfare mechanisms and reaffirmed DG Shipping’s commitment to initiatives that place seafarers’ welfare at the centre of maritime governance.

The Guests of Honour, Shri Andrew Watt, Regional Manager – Home Office International Operations, British High Commission, and Shri Hitarth Mankodi, Chief Operating Officer, CSMIA, also addressed the gathering, sharing perspectives on international cooperation, airport facilitation, and the importance of seamless support systems for seafarers operating in a global industry.

The programme concluded with the presentation of mementos to dignitaries, followed by a vote of thanks and a stakeholder interaction session, allowing meaningful engagement among all participants. The event ended with informal interactions and refreshments.

The launch of the PRANAAM Seafarers Assistance Counter represents a positive and concrete step forward in enhancing seafarer welfare, operational efficiency, and coordinated institutional support. NUSI, along with MUI and SWFS, reiterates its commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that Indian seafarers and their families receive the dignity, care, and support they rightfully deserve.

Milind Kandalgaonkar
Directorate General of Shipping, India

19/01/2026

Today marks a significant milestone in the journey of Sagar Mein Yog.
An MoU was signed with The Art of Living in the august presence of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, strengthening our shared commitment to holistic well-being for seafarers.

Sagar Mein Yog is an initiative of the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW). The initiative has followed an inspiring journey—from the launch of its logo to the development of a comprehensive training module. This journey progressed through Train-the-Trainer programs, successful implementation of the modules, and the creation of a dedicated Learning Management System (LMS) specifically designed for seafarers.

This collaboration marks a powerful step forward in institutionalizing structured, accessible, and impactful yoga and wellness practices for the maritime community.

Milind Kandalgaonkar
Directorate General of Shipping, India

17/01/2026

MILAAP - ITF SEAFARERS EXPO 2026

Milind Kandalgaonkar
Directorate General of Shipping, India