Credits: Institute of Supply Chain Management
Between 2013 and 2017, the Indian maritime industry experienced a remarkable 42.3% surge in the number of shipboard jobs available for Indian sailors. Despite this notable growth, India still trails behind China, which dominates the global seafaring landscape with a 33% share of the world’s seafarers. However, the disparity between these two maritime giants is noteworthy: Chinese sailors predominantly serve on Chinese-flagged vessels, while Indian seafarers are distributed across both domestic and international ships. This global dispersion could shift as India expands its domestic fleet, potentially altering the dynamics of the maritime workforce.
The number of Indian seafarers aboard ships increased significantly from 108,446 in 2013 to 154,339 in 2017. Of these, 62,016 were marine officers and 82,734 were rating ship personnel, as per reports in the open sources. Current estimates suggest that the total number of Indian seafarers has surged to approximately 250,000, with around 160,000 holding professional certifications and serving on cargo ships, and approximately 90,000 engaged in cruise liner operations, as reflected by media reports. This dramatic rise highlights India’s growing prominence in global maritime affairs.
India’s maritime reputation is further bolstered by its consistent presence on the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) White List, which identifies countries fully compliant with the STCW-95 Convention and Code. This status reflects India’s robust systems for seafarer licensing, oversight of training facilities, flag state control, and port state inspections. Being on this list enhances the attractiveness of Indian seafarers to international shipping companies, cementing India’s role as a key player in the global shipping industry.
Looking ahead, experts forecast that Indian seafarers could comprise 20% of the global maritime workforce within the next decade. This anticipated growth is driven by several factors: the proliferation of quality maritime training institutions in India, rising literacy rates, an aging seafarer population in Europe, and the proficiency of Indian sailors in English. Despite having approximately 166 maritime training institutes across the country, only around half of the available pre-sea training slots are filled, signaling a significant opportunity for expanding India’s maritime workforce.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has further intensified the demand for Indian seafarers. Prior to the war, Russia and Ukraine together accounted for roughly 15% of the global seafarer supply. The disruption caused by the conflict has led shipping companies to seek replacements from countries like India, further highlighting the country’s growing maritime significance.
However, India’s maritime sector faces several challenges that must be addressed to realize its potential. The merchant navy competes with other lucrative career paths, such as IT, for young talent. Additionally, there is a shortage of training opportunities aboard ships and a low representation of women in the maritime workforce. Overcoming these obstacles is crucial for India to enhance its share in the global seafaring community.