Press Release – Seafarers Honour and Dignity Seminar (26 Sept 2026)
On 26 September 2026, VR Maritime organised the Seafarers Honour and Dignity Seminar at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi. The gathering brought together former National Shipping Board member Captain Sanjay Parashar, former Director General of Shipping Amitabh Kumar, Delhi Police DCP and IPS officer Sachin Sharma, and host Sonika Parashar, among other maritime professionals.
Captain Parashar highlighted that maritime security has become a major global challenge and stressed that Indian seafarers should not be targeted during wars or conflicts. He noted that seafarers keep the nation’s supply chain operational, citing their continued service during the COVID‑19 pandemic when they ensured the movement of essential goods and fuel. Referring to ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz, he urged the Government to provide ₹1 crore in assistance to the families of Indian seafarers who lose their lives in conflict situations, and called for an expanded role of Indian Navy warships to safeguard seafarers in high‑risk regions. He also advocated for effective utilisation of the existing national maritime security mechanism to protect Indian seafarers operating in such zones.
The seminar discussed the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) schemes, emphasizing that information on assistance, education, financial support, and family‑welfare programmes must reach seafarers at the grassroots level. Captain Parashar appealed to seafarers to stay informed about their rights and to utilise these schemes whenever needed, underscoring the equal importance of social and economic security for maritime families.
Former DG Shipping Amitabh Kumar stressed the necessity for the Government to maintain clear, real‑time data on the number of Indian seafarers present in the Hormuz region and the vessels on which they are deployed. He reiterated that, in any crisis, the safety of seafarers must be the top priority and that seafarers should strictly adhere to the Safety Management System prescribed on board.
Delhi Police DCP Sachin Sharma, who previously served as a seafarer, shared personal memories of life at sea, describing the challenges faced by maritime workers. His remarks added a personal perspective on the occupational hazards inherent to the profession.
During the event, seafarers who had safely returned after navigating the Hormuz region under challenging circumstances were honoured, along with senior maritime professionals who have made long‑standing contributions to the sector. The programme concluded with a reaffirmation of the seminar’s objective: to recognise the contribution of seafarers in keeping India’s maritime supply chain operational and to raise safety and welfare issues on a broader platform.
Disclaimer: The press release is provided under an arrangement with PNN; PTI assumes no editorial responsibility.