Should Indian seafarers stop serving on sanctioned ships?, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• Three Indian seafarers were killed in recent U.S. attacks on ships allegedly carrying Iranian cargo, deemed sanctioned vessels.
• An Indian captain was arrested in the U.K. after his Russian-linked vessel, supposedly under Western sanctions, was detained in the English Channel.
• India has over 5 lakh registered seafarers, with approximately 3.2 lakh active, constituting one in five global seafarers.
• Indian seafarers contribute an estimated $6 billion to $9 billion annually in foreign exchange.
• India recognizes UN Sanctions as binding but views unilateral sanctions as legally contested beyond the imposing nation's jurisdiction.

Detailed Insights:

• The incidents highlight the increasing risks faced by Indian seafarers caught in geopolitical conflicts and the complexities of international sanctions.
• Shipping accounts for about 90% of global trade by volume, making seafarers crucial for the world economy and India's energy security.
• India imports over 85% of its energy requirements, predominantly via sea routes, underscoring the strategic importance of maritime trade.
• The Directorate General of Shipping has issued guidelines advising seafarers to be aware of vessel types and associated risks.
• India advocates for diplomatic engagement on international platforms like UNCLOS and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to protect seafarer rights.
• The legal position on unilateral sanctions and jurisdiction on the high seas remains contested, allowing India to question arrests or attacks on its citizens.
• Vulnerable seafarers, often struggling for employment, are susceptible to recruitment for risky jobs on sanctioned or "dark fleet" vessels.
• The government could consider maintaining a dynamic list of high-risk vessels and mandate recruitment agencies to exercise caution.

Key Concepts Involved:

• UN Sanctions: Binding international restrictions imposed by the United Nations Security Council under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
• Unilateral Sanctions: Restrictions imposed by individual countries or groups (e.g., U.S., U.K., EU) that are legally contested beyond their jurisdiction.
• Dark Fleet: Vessels engaged in illicit activities, often using deceptive practices like fraudulent registration or switching off identification systems.
• Flags of Convenience (FoC): Practice of registering commercial ships in foreign countries to reduce operating costs or avoid strict regulations.
• United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): An international treaty establishing a legal framework for all marine and maritime activities.
• International Labour Organization (ILO): A United Nations agency that sets international labor standards and promotes social protection and work opportunities for all, including seafarers through the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).