Government takes transformative step to benefit Indian seafarers working on coastal vessels

Measure also provides major relief to Indian shipowners

The Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division/Immigration) has issued a significant Office Memorandum announcing the complete discontinuation of Sign-on/Sign-off and Shore Leave Pass (SLP) procedures for Crew/Supernumerary serving on Indian Flag Coastal Run Vessels including dredgers, barges, and research vessels operating within port limits.

This crucial reform has been driven and strongly facilitated by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), which proactively highlighted long-standing challenges faced by Indian seafarers during coastal operations.

DGS’s continuous engagement with MHA and its focused efforts have ensured a smoother, more efficient, and sailor-friendly regulatory process.

Under the new framework:

* Port authorities will now maintain crew data and regulate shore access.

* Bureau of Immigration will conduct periodic surprise inspections and review crew lists as required.

* The earlier immigration-based SLP and Sign-on/Sign-off processes for coastal run vessels stand fully discontinued.

This transformative step will directly benefit Indian seafarers working on nearly 800 coastal vessels across India, reducing operational delays and eliminating the need for repeated visits to immigration offices.

It also provides major relief to Indian shipowners, simplifying compliance, improving turnaround time and enhancing overall coastal shipping efficiency.

A major milestone in maritime welfare, this reform marks a significant stride toward improving ease of doing business, strengthening the domestic maritime ecosystem, and supporting the seamless movement of India’s coastal fleet, highlighted a communique.

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