Themed as “Jalasya Raksa, Janasya Suraksa”, the Directorate General of Shipping commences a series of knowledge sessions. At the opening session, maritime leaders discussed the way-forward in India’s maritime potential.
The DG Shipping’s 75-year milestone has witnessed transformative reforms. And at the grand conference recently, the industry and the Directorate deliberated on the giant leaps to ensure India’s maritime leadership.
The Directorate General of Shipping successfully commenced a series of milestone conferences and knowledge sharing activities. The first knowledge session themed “Jalasya Raksa, Janasya Suraksa” was held in Mumbai on August 11th, 2025 – honouring the Directorate General of Shipping’s 75 years of dedicated service to India’s maritime sector.
This event, themed “Ocean Sentinel: Maritime Safety and Security in the 21st Century,” brought together a distinguished gathering of maritime leaders, industry stakeholders, and international delegates to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in maritime safety and security.
The conference commenced with inspiring inaugural addresses from eminent dignitaries who emphasized the critical role of maritime safety in global trade and economic prosperity. Their insights set the tone for comprehensive discussions on contemporary maritime challenges and collaborative solutions for the future.
A significant highlight of the event was the signing of strategic Memorandums of Understanding that will strengthen international maritime cooperation. The Directorate General of Shipping formalized partnerships with the International Group of P&I Clubs and the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), demonstrating India’s commitment to global maritime standards and seafarer welfare initiatives.
The conference witnessed the official release of two crucial publications: the Marine Safety Investigation Report 2024 and the Maritime Security Review 2024. These comprehensive documents provide valuable insights into safety trends, incident analysis, and security assessments that will guide policy formulation and industry best practices.
Knowledge sharing formed the cornerstone of the event through expertly curated sessions focusing on maritime administration, regional cooperation, and integrated security threats. Distinguished speakers representing maritime administrations, industry leaders, coast guard officials, legal experts, and international maritime organizations shared their expertise and perspectives on pressing maritime issues.
Four comprehensive panel discussions provided platforms for in-depth dialogue on critical topics affecting the maritime sector. These sessions facilitated meaningful exchanges between participants, fostering collaborative approaches to address complex maritime challenges facing the industry today.
The conference created extensive networking opportunities, enabling maritime leaders to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing relationships. These interactions are expected to yield long-term benefits for the maritime community through enhanced cooperation and knowledge exchange.
This successful gathering reaffirmed India’s position as a significant player in the global maritime landscape while honouring 75 years of the Directorate General of Shipping’s contributions to maritime excellence, safety, and security.
Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, explaining India’s maritime sector, said, “Growth in India’s maritime domain relies on three pillars – Raksha, Suraksha, and Peace. While the global world order is witnessing signs of disorder, India’s maritime chapters have focused on Raksha, Suraksha and are working admirably towards Peace and thereby maritime progress. On the occasion of the 75-year celebrations, we have officers from the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, and the Directorate General of Shipping. These are institutions that have ensured not only the Raksha and Suraksha for India; but also wealth and wisdom. While the world order is changing dynamically, the Directorate General of Shipping has geared to expanding its scope with new legislations, global partnerships, MoUs with the objective of achieving maritime leadership for India.”
Deepak Shetty, IRS, Former Secretary to Govt. of India & Former Director General of Shipping, said, “It is a red-letter day for India’s maritime administration as the Directorate General of Shipping marks its 75th year. Reflecting on six years of service, I recall leading counter-piracy efforts off Somalia that freed 50 Indian seafarers, and the successful redrawing of high-risk areas to lower insurance premiums. Today’s maritime security challenges span piracy, trafficking, cyber threats, and even the risk of vessels as weapons. On this milestone, I applaud the MoUs signed and commend ISWAN’s global welfare work, extending my best wishes for the DG Shipping’s journey towards its centenary.”
Capt. S.I. Abul Kalam Azad, Nautical Advisor (I/c), Directorate General of Shipping, said, “For decades, the Directorate General of Shipping has been a cornerstone of India’s maritime governance—its role extending far beyond seafarer certification to shaping policies that strengthen the Indian flag’s global standing. As it moves from its 75-year milestone toward a centenary vision, the Directorate is intensifying efforts to frame clear, forward-looking regulations aligned with national priorities and global standards. Respected worldwide for precision and credibility, it also educates, guides, and unites stakeholders toward shared goals. With pride in its legacy, we look ahead to its continued leadership in safeguarding and advancing India’s maritime future.”
Capt. B.K. Tyagi, Chairman and Managing Director of Shipping Corporation of India Ltd., said, “I extend heartfelt applause to the Directorate General of Shipping for 75 years of excellence in shaping India’s maritime landscape. Having witnessed its journey over my 35 years in the industry, I have seen its steadfast dedication to producing world-class seafarers, elevating safety standards, and leading with vision—most notably during the COVID-19 crisis. Under Shri Shyam Jagannathan’s leadership, IT reforms and a 24/7 grievance redressal system have brought transparency and efficiency. This milestone belongs not just to the DG Shipping team but to every Indian proud of our maritime achievements. Congratulations, and may the voyage ahead be even more remarkable.”
Capt. Anish Joseph, Deputy Nautical Advisor, Directorate General of Shipping, said, “To guard our seas is to guard our nation. For within the calm of secure waters lies the safety of our people, the welfare of our prosperity, and the promise of our future. With this belief as my guiding star, it is my profound honour and privilege to welcome everyone to the glorious milestone of the 75-years of the Directorate General of Shipping. We are celebrating the legacy of a maritime excellence institution, joined by leading maritime institutions together with the objective of our commitment to safety, security, and progress of our great nation.”
Chirag Bahri, International Operations Manager, ISWAN, said, “Indian seafarers represent the largest workforce in the world, and they face many challenges. The MoU signed with DG Shipping is an honour for ISWAN and couldn’t have at a time as better as the DG Shipping celebrating 75 years of its establishment. With this, we can work together in several areas such as outreach, education, and programs aimed at creating a sustainable and inclusive workplace. This is a great journey to further enhance the well-being of seafarers and their families.”
