National Union of Seafarers of India - NUSI

08/10/2026

NUSI PAYS HEARTFELT TRIBUTE TO LEGENDARY ACTOR NANA PATEKAR

A Powerful Voice Falls Silent, but His Legacy Will Live Forever.

07/10/2026

INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PLANNING — A STRONG STEP FOR INDIA’S MARITIME FUTURE

The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) welcomes the Union Cabinet’s decision to create a new authority for better coordination and integrated planning across India’s transport sectors — including ports, shipping, railways, roads and aviation. This historic step, aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, will end silos and ensure holistic, seamless and sustainable logistics planning for the nation.

For a maritime nation like India with a 11,098 km coastline and 13 major and over 200 minor ports, stronger integration between ports and the national logistics and industrial network is the need of the hour. stronger integration between ports and the national logistics network is essential. Efficient connectivity can strengthen Indian shipping, improve cargo movement, enhance the competitiveness of our ports and contribute to greater maritime growth and employment.

As India moves towards becoming a global maritime and logistics powerhouse, NUSI believes that Indian seafarers must remain an important part of this growth story.

Infrastructure development must ultimately translate into more ships, stronger Indian shipping, better training, quality employment and greater opportunities for Indian seafarers.

NUSI looks forward to constructive engagement with the Government and maritime stakeholders so that the benefits of India’s integrated transport development also reach the men and women who keep our maritime economy moving.

Strong Ports. Strong Shipping. More Employment. Stronger Indian Seafarers.

— Milind Kandalgaonkar
General Secretary-cum-Treasurer
National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI)

06/10/2026

NUSI CONDEMNS ATTACK ON M.T. ON PEACE — SEAFARERS MUST NOT BECOME TARGETS

The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) strongly condemns the reported attack on M.T. ON PEACE, which has resulted in injuries to several crew members.

We are deeply concerned to learn that 12 crew members reportedly sustained burn injuries of varying severity and 10 crew members were evacuated to Khasab, Oman, for medical treatment. A number of Indian seafarers are among those evacuated.

Our thoughts and prayers are with every injured seafarer and their families. We wish them a speedy and complete recovery.

NUSI appreciates the immediate evacuation of the affected crew and the medical assistance being provided. We are also relieved to note that the families of the Indian crew members have been contacted and are being kept informed.

This incident once again highlights the grave dangers faced by innocent seafarers while simply performing their professional duties at sea.

Seafarers are not participants in conflicts. They are civilian maritime workers who keep global trade and essential supply chains moving. They must never be made targets of violence, warfare or geopolitical confrontation.

NUSI reiterates its call to all concerned governments, international agencies, maritime authorities, shipowners and other stakeholders to take every possible measure to protect seafarers operating in high-risk and conflict-affected waters.

No commercial voyage is more valuable than a seafarer’s life.

NUSI stands in solidarity with the crew of M.T. ON PEACE, their families and the entire seafaring community. We will remain in touch with the concerned stakeholders and extend all possible support required for the welfare of the affected Indian seafarers.

Seafarers deserve safety, protection and the right to return home to their families.

Milind Kandalgaonkar
General Secretary-cum-Treasurer
National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI)

06/10/2026

02/10/2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As we commemorate Gandhi Jayanti and Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti, we pay tribute to two great leaders of our nation whose lives continue to inspire generations.

On the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, we remember his timeless ideals of truth, non-violence, unity, and selfless service. We also honour the birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, whose life and leadership reflected the values of simplicity, integrity, patriotism, humility, and dedication to the nation. His inspiring call of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” continues to remind us of the importance of service, sacrifice, and collective responsibility.

The ideals and values of both these great leaders remain deeply relevant to us today. They inspire us to strengthen our solidarity and remain steadfast in our commitment to the dignity, rights, welfare, and well-being of seafarers and their families.

It gives me immense pleasure to share with you the 15th edition of NUSI SAGARIKA, our quarterly information-sharing magazine. Just as the values of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri continue to inspire generations, we hope this edition of NUSI SAGARIKA will inform, inspire, and connect our seafaring community.

This publication has been created for seafarers, by seafarers, with the aim of providing useful information, valuable insights, and a platform to share the experiences and realities of life at sea.

As you are aware, NUSI has always been a strong advocate for the interests, rights, and well-being of the shipping fraternity, including seafarers of all ranks and their families. NUSI SAGARIKA is one of the many initiatives through which we seek to ensure that the voices of seafarers are heard and their concerns are addressed.

We encourage all our brothers and sisters to read this latest edition and share your thoughts, suggestions, and feedback with us. We also invite seafarers to share their experiences, stories, and journeys at sea. Your stories can inspire fellow seafarers, bring greater attention to the realities of life at sea, and create wider awareness of the challenges, achievements, and contributions of our seafaring community.

Your participation and input are invaluable in helping us better understand and address the challenges faced by seafarers in their daily lives and at sea. We greatly value your insights, suggestions, experiences, and stories, and encourage you to share them with us at [email protected].

By standing together and working collectively, we can continue to make a meaningful difference to the shipping fraternity and contribute towards improving the lives and well-being of seafarers and their families across the country.

We sincerely appreciate your continued support, solidarity, and participation, and look forward to hearing from you and reading your stories.

In solidarity,

Milind Kandalgaonkar
General Secretary-cum-Treasurer
National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI)

01/10/2026

NUSI DELIVERS — LONG-PENDING WAGE REVISION MOVES TOWARDS IMPLEMENTATION

Important Update for Seafarers Working on Andaman & Nicobar Administration Vessels

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The implementation of the revised and agreed wages for seafarers serving on vessels of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration has been pending with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for nearly a year.

NUSI fully understands the financial difficulties this delay has caused to our seafarers and their families. Therefore, instead of allowing the matter to remain pending, NUSI deputed its Port Blair Branch Representative Shri Dharvinder Ram to New Delhi to personally pursue the matter with the Ministry of Home Affairs and expedite the approval.

On 1 October 2026, the NUSI representative met Shri Deepak Virmani, IAS, Director, Ministry of Home Affairs, and held detailed discussions regarding the pending wage agreement.

The discussions resulted in two important developments:

1. Wage Agreement Moving Towards Approval
The approval concerning the wage agreement for all three sectors is expected to be communicated to the Andaman & Nicobar Administration within the next two weeks. Thereafter, the agreement is expected to be signed and implemented, paving the way for the revised wages to be reflected in the October 2026 month-end salary for all categories of seafarers.

2. Faster Wage Revision in Future
It was also indicated that, in future, it may not be necessary to send the wage revision file to the Ministry of Home Affairs, enabling wage revisions to be dealt with at the Andaman & Nicobar Administration level itself. This can significantly reduce unnecessary delays in future wage revisions.

For NUSI, this is not merely about a wage agreement. It is about ensuring that seafarers receive their rightful wages without unnecessary delay.

NUSI will continue to follow up the matter until the revised wage agreement is formally approved, signed and implemented.

Our seafarers have waited long enough. NUSI will pursue the matter until they receive what is rightfully due to them.

We will keep you updated of the developments.

NUSI — Always with Seafarers and their Families.

NUSI ZINDABAD!
SEAFARERS’ UNITY ZINDABAD!

Milind Kandalgaonkar
General Secretary-cum-Treasurer
National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI)

30/09/2026

NUSI Strongly Condemns Heinous Killing of Innocent Indian Seafarer by Somali Pirates on MT Honour 25 - Demands Highest Punishment and Global Action

The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) expresses its deepest shock, anguish and unequivocal condemnation of the brutal and heinous killing of 5 innocent seafarers, including one Indian seafarer, by Somali pirates on board the hijacked tanker MT Honour 25.

As per Reuters and confirmation by Puntland authorities, Somalia on 29th September 2026, the Palau-flagged product tanker MT Honour 25 with 17 crew was hijacked in April 2026. During the rescue operation by Puntland Maritime Police Force, the pirates mercilessly killed 5 crew - 3 from Pakistan, 1 from Myanmar and 1 from India. Four others were injured including one more Indian seafarer.

This is the first killing by Somali pirates in over a decade and marks a dangerous resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden region.

NUSI condemns this cowardly act in the strongest words:

1. We mourn our Indian brother: NUSI pays heartfelt tribute to the brave Indian seafarer who lost his life while on duty serving global trade. We stand firmly with his family in this hour of grief. An Indian seafarer is the pride of the nation.

2. Demand for Justice: NUSI demands that the 16 captured pirates be tried under the strictest anti-piracy laws and given the highest punishment. Piracy that results in murder is not just a crime at sea, it is a crime against humanity.

3. Immediate Support: We urge the Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs and DG Shipping to immediately bring back the mortal remains of the Indian seafarer with full honours, ensure best medical treatment for the injured Indian seafarer, and provide full compensation and job security to the families.

4. Global Call: NUSI calls upon the International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and the international community to immediately deploy robust naval patrols and enforce the Best Management Practices (BMP5) as piracy is again on the rise due to instability in the region.

Seafarers are the backbone of world trade. They cannot be left to be soft targets for pirates. The killing of an unarmed Indian seafarer doing his duty is unacceptable.

NUSI will take up this matter at the highest level with ITF London and with the Indian Government.

We demand - Safe Seas, Safe Seafarers.

In solidarity,

Milind Kandalgaonkar
General Secretary-cum-Treasurer
National Union of Seafarers of India

28/09/2026

Successful Conclusion of Three-Year NUSI Norwegian (NIS) Agreement – Enhanced Wages, Benefits and Employment Conditions

NUSI has successfully concluded the three-year revision of the NUSI Norwegian Agreement, effective from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2029.

The revised agreement brings enhanced wages, allowances, compensation, Provident Fund, and gratuity benefits, along with improved employment conditions and career opportunities for Indian ratings and petty officers.

Key highlights include increased salaries, higher death/disability compensation, improved allowances, priority for ratings pursuing COC qualifications, and stronger provisions for seafarer welfare and future-ready training.

A significant step forward for the welfare, dignity, and career growth of Indian seafarers.

Jai Hind | Jai Navik | Jai NUSI

26/09/2026

NUSI SALUTES INDIA’S STRONG VOICE FOR SEAFARERS AT THE UNITED NATIONS

“These attacks must stop.” — Dr. S. Jaishankar

The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), on behalf of Indian seafarers and their families, expresses its sincere appreciation to Hon’ble External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar for raising the critical issue of the safety and security of seafarers at the United Nations.

At a time when merchant ships and innocent seafarers are facing serious threats in the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, Black Sea and other conflict-affected waters, India has once again made it clear before the international community:

Seafarers are civilians.
Seafarers keep global trade moving.
Their lives must be protected.

Dr. Jaishankar’s powerful message that there can be “no justification for such violence and loss of life” and that “these attacks must stop” gives confidence and moral strength to thousands of Indian seafarers serving across the world.

NUSI also welcomes the initiative of India and Liberia to establish the “Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers.” International cooperation is essential to ensure that seafarers are never left alone when they face conflict, attacks, prolonged confinement, delayed repatriation or other crises at sea.

To every Indian seafarer sailing far away from home:

Your safety matters.
Your sacrifice is recognised.
Your voice is being heard at the highest international level.

NUSI will continue to stand firmly with Indian seafarers and their families and work for their Safety, Security, Welfare, Dignity and Rights.

Jai Hind!
Jai Navik!
NUSI Zindabad!

National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI)

25/09/2026

NUSI CONGRATULATES CAPT. B. K. TYAGI

Heartiest Congratulations to Capt. B. K. Tyagi on being elected President of the Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA) for 2026–27

On behalf of the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) and the Indian seafaring community, I extend our warmest congratulations to Capt. B. K. Tyagi, Chairman & Managing Director, Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), on his election as President of the Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA) for the term 2026–27.

NUSI shares a long-standing association with the Shipping Corporation of India, built over decades of engagement on matters concerning Indian shipping and, most importantly, the men and women who serve at sea.

Capt. Tyagi’s journey from joining SCI as a Trainee Nautical Officer Cadet to becoming a Master Mariner and eventually leading SCI as its Chairman & Managing Director gives him a deep understanding of both life at sea and the responsibilities of maritime leadership.

At a time when Indian shipping is entering an important phase of growth and transformation, strong cooperation between shipowners, seafarers, maritime unions and the Government will be essential. We look forward to continuing our constructive engagement with INSA under Capt. Tyagi’s leadership, particularly in advancing seafarer employment, training and future skills, safety, welfare, social security and decent working conditions.

When Indian shipping grows, Indian seafarers must grow with it.

NUSI wishes Capt. B. K. Tyagi every success in his new responsibility and looks forward to working together towards a stronger Indian shipping industry and a secure, skilled and respected Indian seafaring community.

Congratulations, Capt. B. K. Tyagi!

Milind Kandalgaonkar
General Secretary-cum-Treasurer
National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI)
On behalf of NUSI and the Indian seafaring community