Unpaid Seafarer Salary India: Your Rights & What to Do

Unpaid wages is one of the most common and most serious problems Indian seafarers face. Companies delay, agents disappear, and too many seafarers suffer in silence. Here’s exactly what your rights are and exactly what to do.

Your Legal Rights Under MLC 2006

The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC 2006) — ratified by India — gives you ironclad wage protection rights:

Article 2.2: Seafarers are entitled to receive wages at no longer than monthly intervals.

Article 2.2.2: Wage statements must be provided before and on the date of payment.

Article 2.2.5: In case of dispute, seafarers can complain to the flag state authority.

Regulation 2.5: Abandon ship provisions — if wages are unpaid for 2+ months, seafarers may have grounds to terminate the SEA (Seafarer Employment Agreement) and claim repatriation.

These are international treaty obligations. They apply to all vessels calling Indian ports regardless of flag.

Indian DG Shipping Wage Protection Rules

Under DG Shipping Circular MSN, Indian seafarers are entitled to:

• Payment on or before the last working day of each month
• Allotment facility (direct payment to family) if requested
• Detailed wage slip with all deductions shown
• No unauthorized deductions

If Your Wages Are Not Paid: Step-by-Step Action

Step 1: Written Communication (Day 1 of delay)

Email the company/manning agent formally: “Dear [Name], I wish to bring to your attention that my wages for [month] due on [date] have not been credited as of [today’s date]. I request immediate resolution.”

Keep a copy of all communications.

Step 2: Company Response Window (7 days)

Give them 7 days to respond and resolve. Most genuine delays are resolved here.

Step 3: Contact DG Shipping (Day 8+)

File a formal complaint at: dgshipping.gov.in → Grievance Portal → Seafarer Grievance

Alternatively contact DG Shipping directly:

• Helpline: 022-22614646 (Mumbai)
• Email: dgship-mum@nic.in

Include: Your full name, INDoS number, vessel name, company name, amount owed, documentation of non-payment.

Step 4: ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation)

ITF is an international union that specifically handles seafarer wage theft. They are often the fastest and most effective for foreign-flag vessels.

• ITF India contacts: Various port inspectors in Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata
• Online complaint: itfseafarers.org
• ITF can detain a vessel in port until wages are paid — extremely powerful tool

Step 5: Seafarer Ombudsman / Labour Court

For Indian-flag vessels: Maritime Labour Division, Bombay High Court or appropriate labour tribunal.

On Ship: Don’t Sign Anything Under Pressure

If a company asks you to sign “satisfaction of payment” or “no dues” documents while wages are outstanding — refuse. These documents are used to prevent future claims.

You are not required to sign any document under duress. If threatened, note the date, time, person’s name, and witnesses.

Prevention: Check Before You Join

Before accepting any contract:

• Verify the company on RPSL (Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers) register: dgshipping.gov.in → RPSL
• Check company reputation in seafarer forums (r/IndianMariners, maritime WhatsApp groups)
• Ensure your SEA (Seafarer Employment Agreement) specifies exact wage rate and payment dates

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Facing wage problems or need to know your rights in a specific situation? Ask SailorGPT — confidential guidance on seafarer rights and DG Shipping complaint procedures.