Maritime body sounds alarm on order to retire ‘old’ ships

25 Jun 2025 GS 2 Polity
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Context :The International Maritime Federation (IMF) has raised serious objections to DG Shipping’s Order 6/2023, which mandates the retirement of ships over 20 years old and imposes penalties on Recruitment and Placement Services Licence (RPSL) companies.

International Maritime Federation (IMF) 


  • The International Maritime Federation (IMF) is an industry-led, non-statutory body formed on 08 January 2015.

  • It was founded by Indian entrepreneurs from:

    • Crew Management Companies

    • Maritime Training Institutions

    • DG Shipping-approved Medical Practitioners

  • Its core objective is to promote the growth, rights, and welfare of Indian seafarers and to act as a credible platform to influence maritime policymaking.

Vision and Purpose:

  • To serve as a unified voice for Indian maritime professionals.

  • To facilitate public-private collaboration in maritime policymaking.

  • To ensure welfare, rights protection, and skill development for Indian seafarers.

Legal and Institutional Linkages:

Though not a statutory authority, IMF works closely within India's maritime legal framework:

  • The Merchant Shipping Act, 1958

  • Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006 – India is a signatory

  • Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers Rules, 2016

  • Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) – Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

  • Participates in:

    • Sub-committees of DG Shipping

    • Working Group of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

Key Roles and Functions:

  • Policy Engagement:

    • Active participation in DG Shipping policy formulation, especially regarding vessel regulation, RPSL licensing, and seafarer welfare.

  • Advocacy:

    • Recently opposed DG Shipping Order 6/2023, which mandates the scrapping of vessels over 20 years old.

    • Warned of the socio-economic fallout: potential loss of 700 vessels and 20,000 seafarer jobs.

  • Data-Based Representation:

    • Highlights global maritime data to argue that well-maintained older ships often have better safety records.

  • Skill and Welfare Promotion:

    • Promotes training standards, fair working conditions, and legal awareness among seafarers.

Membership and Structure:

  • Voluntary membership from:

    • Maritime training centres

    • Ship management firms

    • Manning agencies

    • Maritime medical professionals

  • Organisational structure includes:

    • Executive Council

    • Working Committees (on training, legal affairs, policy, welfare)

    • Representation in national and international maritime forums



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