The High Commission of India in Malaysia has noted with concern several accidents/incidents resulting in fatalities of Seamen who are Indian citizens working in vessels in East Malaysia.
Some Seamen from India are promised work in large vessels, but are often placed deceitfully, on small risk-prone vessels in East Malaysia (Sibu, Miri, Kuching, Bintulu etc) by unscrupulous ‘Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers’ (RPS) agencies from India with help of their agents in Malaysia. Low safety standards of such vessels expose them to risks leading to accidents, many of which have turned fatal.
The High Commission of India strongly advises the Seamen from India to take utmost caution if proceeding to join vessels in East Malaysia and also to take necessary safeguards regarding their personal safety at the workplace. Prior to arrival into Malaysia, they must strictly follow guidelines for recruitment, safety and welfare promulgated by Directorate General Shipping (DGS), Government of India and Marine Department, Government of Malaysia. In this regard, following precautions must be observed by all aspiring Seamen from India:
- Engage only RPS agencies that are registered and approved by the Directorate General
of Shipping (DG Shipping), Government of India. The information in this regard is available at Seafarers/Crew Section of DG Shipping Website
[https://dgshipping.gov.in/](https://dgshipping.gov.in/). - Strictly comply with the ‘Emigrate System’ of India and all emigration clearance procedures as laid down in DGS Crew Circular No. 25 of 2024 (link: [https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/writereaddata/ShippingNotices/202408201152177265249DGSCrewCirc25of2024.pdf](https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/writereaddata/ShippingNotices/202408201152177265249DGSCrewCirc25of2024.pdf).
- Follow rules of Immigration Department, Government of Malaysia and enter Malaysia only on an appropriate visa for Seamen and never through visa-free scheme currently available to Indian citizens visiting Malaysia.
In the event that any Seafarer from India finds himself/herself already onboard a vessel in East Malaysia and finds the working conditions dangerous on board, they should report the matter immediately with full details to the DG Shipping DGCOMM Centre as well as the High Commission of India in Malaysia as per details given below:
(i) DGCOMM Centre- First Point of Contact for Seafarer’s Grievances:
– Email: [email protected]
– (24×7) helpline: +91-22-22613668
– (Whatsapp/Calls); +91-9004048406; +91-9004062624
(ii) High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur
– Email: [email protected], Copy to:- [email protected]
– Consulur Emergency (24×7): +60-126020360 (Whatsapp)
(iii). Please provide: full name, contact number and email, passport number, professional/document details (CDC etc), name and IMO number of concerned vessel, port/location, name of Indian RPS agency, name/contact of Malaysian agent, and a brief description of the issues.
