Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Internal security
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– Maritime security
– Indian Ocean region
– International Maritime organisation
Context
With Indians playing a significant role in keeping the global shipping industry running, their welfare and safety acquires significance
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 25th April 2024
The Indian seafarer deserves better in choppy high seas
The safety and security of Indian seafarers have become a pressing concern in light of recent attacks on commercial ships in sensitive maritime regions. India has taken proactive measures by submitting three papers to the International Maritime Organization’s Legal Committee, addressing critical issues such as seafarers’ security and contract terms.
Challenges Faced by Indian Seafarers
- Geopolitical Tensions:
- The Red Sea region is characterized by geopolitical tensions and conflicts, which can escalate rapidly and impact maritime operations.
- Seafarers may encounter challenges related to territorial disputes, military activities, and political instability in the area, affecting their safety and navigation.
- Piracy and Maritime Insecurity:
- Recent pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia and incidents in the Gulf of Guinea highlight the resurgence of piracy.
- Indian seafarers are increasingly vulnerable to piracy threats, endangering their safety and well-being.
- The growing number of serious piracy incidents poses significant risks to Indian seafarers serving on cargo vessels worldwide.
- Unlawful Recruitment Practices:
- Indian seafarers often face exploitation and abuse due to unlawful recruitment practices by international recruiters.
- False promises of high salaries and opportunities in the Middle East lure seafarers into exploitative employment arrangements.
- Seafarers are subjected to overwork, insufficient food, and forced transportation of illegal cargo, despite paying hefty fees for overseas jobs.
- Lack of Legal Representation and Rights Awareness:
- A survey indicates that a majority of Indian seafarers lack legal representation and are unaware of their rights.
- Seafarers often feel unfairly treated and encounter challenges in accessing legal recourse for grievances.
- Limited awareness of contractual terms and rights leaves seafarers vulnerable to exploitation and mistreatment by employers and recruiters.
Initiatives Taken by India to Safeguard Seafarers
International Advocacy and Cooperation:
- India actively participates in international forums like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to address maritime security concerns and advocate for seafarers’ rights.
- India submitted three papers to the IMO’s Legal Committee, highlighting issues such as seafarers’ security, contract terms, and broader maritime security challenges.
- Indian navy and embassy officials work in close coordination to rescue seafarers in distress.
Legal and Regulatory Measures:
- The Indian government has launched the ‘human rights at sea’ initiative in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to address abuses against Indian seafarers.
- Efforts have been made to hold ship owners accountable for violations against Indian seafarers operating under foreign registrations to evade taxes.
- India advocates for the enforcement of international maritime conventions such as the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, to protect seafarers’ rights and ensure fair treatment.
Measures to Protect Seafarers
Enhanced Maritime Security:
- Increase Patrols and Surveillance:
- Strengthen maritime patrols and surveillance in piracy-prone areas, such as the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, to deter pirate attacks and ensure the safety of seafarers.
- Collaborate with international partners and maritime organizations to conduct joint operations and information sharing to enhance security.
- Deployment of Armed Guards:
- Allow for the deployment of trained armed guards on merchant navy ships operating in high-risk areas to provide immediate response and defense against pirate attacks.
- Ensure that armed guards adhere to international regulations and guidelines to minimize the risk of escalation and collateral damage.
- Implementation of Best Management Practices (BMP):
- Promote the adoption and implementation of Best Management Practices (BMP) by shipping companies and vessel operators to enhance security measures onboard ships.
- BMP includes measures such as maintaining a strict watch, implementing physical barriers, and conducting regular security drills to prepare crew members for potential threats.
Protection of Seafarers’ Rights
- Enforcement of Maritime Labor Standards:
- Strengthen enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with international maritime labor standards, including the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006.
- Monitor working conditions onboard ships and take prompt action against employers or shipowners who violate seafarers’ rights, including issues related to wages, working hours, and living conditions.
- Establishment of Grievance Redressal Mechanisms:
- Establish effective grievance redressal mechanisms to address complaints and grievances raised by seafarers regarding their working conditions, safety concerns, or violations of their rights.
- Provide accessible channels for seafarers to report incidents and seek assistance, including through maritime labor unions, national authorities, and international organizations.
- Awareness and Training Programs:
- Conduct awareness and training programs for seafarers to educate them about their rights, responsibilities, and available support services.
- Empower seafarers with knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to potential threats, including piracy, illegal recruitment practices, and human rights abuses.
- Collaborate with industry stakeholders, training institutions, and maritime organizations to develop comprehensive training modules tailored to the needs of seafarers.
Emergency Response and Assistance
- Emergency Response Coordination:
- Establish coordinated emergency response mechanisms to provide timely assistance and support to seafarers in distress situations, including incidents of piracy, ship hijackings, or maritime accidents.
- Ensure seamless coordination among national authorities, maritime rescue centers, naval forces, and international organizations to facilitate rapid response and rescue operations.
- International Cooperation and Diplomacy:
- Strengthen diplomatic efforts and international cooperation to address maritime security challenges and protect the rights of seafarers globally.
- Engage in multilateral dialogues, bilateral agreements, and diplomatic initiatives to promote maritime safety, security, and the welfare of seafarers on a global scale.
Conclusion
The safety and well-being of Indian seafarers are paramount for India’s maritime industry and global trade. Recent incidents underscore the urgent need for enhanced protection measures and government support to address the challenges faced by Indian seafarers, including piracy, unlawful recruitment practices, and exploitation.
Related Topics
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
- The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982 is an international agreement that establishes the legal framework for marine and maritime activities.
- It is also known as Law of the Sea. It divides marine areas into five main zones namely- Internal Waters, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the High Seas.
- It is the only international convention which stipulates a framework for state jurisdiction in maritime spaces. It provides a different legal status to different maritime zones.
- It provides the backbone for offshore governance by coastal states and those navigating the oceans.
- It not only zones coastal states’ offshore areas but also provides specific guidance for states’ rights and responsibilities in the five concentric zones.
Related PYQ
In 2012, the longitudinal marking of the high-risk areas for piracy was moved from 65° East to 78° east in the Arabian Sea by International Maritime organisation. What impact does this have on India’s maritime security concerns? [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2014]
Practice Question
Discuss the challenges faced by Indian seafarers in the contemporary maritime landscape and evaluate the measures taken by the Indian government to address these challenges. [150 words]