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India needs to ensure medically fit workforce for its maritime sector which is critical to sustaining its long-term success. This is at a time when the country’s maritime sector is witnessing strong momentum as the government accelerates investments through initiatives such as Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Sagarmala Programme. With growing cargo volumes, expanding port infrastructure and increasing demand for skilled seafarers, India is strengthening its position as a key player in global shipping, said Suhasini Deshmukh, director, MedRabbits Healthcare and Clinic.
While infrastructure and technology remain central to this growth, building a healthy and medically fit workforce is equally critical to sustaining the sector's long-term success, she added.
The maritime industry is placing increasing emphasis on workforce health alongside operational efficiency and safety. According to the BIMCO–International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Seafarer Workforce Report 2026, the global merchant fleet is supported by 2.57 million seafarers, while demand for qualified officers is expected to outpace supply, requiring an additional 113,735 officers by 2030. As the industry expands, strengthening occupational health through standardised medical screening will be critical to ensuring a safe, resilient and future-ready workforce.
Our country is among the world's largest suppliers of seafarers, making workforce health fundamental to maritime safety. With limited access to medical care at sea, comprehensive pre-sea medical assessments help identify underlying health conditions before deployment, ensuring seafarers are fit for the physical and mental demands of the job. Standardised screening strengthens workforce preparedness, enhances safety and reduces operational risks for shipping companies, she said.
This need for reliable and standardised assessments is also reflected in the growing network of DG Shipping-certified medical facilities. DG Shipping-certified medical clinics such as MedRabbits Clinic has been certified by the Directorate General of Shipping to conduct Pre-employment Medical Examinations for seafarers and Merchant Navy officers, enabling eligible maritime professionals to undergo recognised medical assessments before deployment, Suhasini told Pharmabiz.
DG Shipping-certified medical examinations bring consistency and credibility to seafarer health assessments. By following standardised medical protocols, these evaluations ensure that seafarers meet recognised fitness requirements before deployment, supporting regulatory compliance, safer voyages and uninterrupted maritime operations.
Early health assessments are crucial in preventing onboard medical emergencies. Screening for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and vision or respiratory disorders before embarkation enables timely intervention, reducing health risks and enhancing the safety of both seafarers and vessel operations. It also minimises the need for costly medical evacuations and operational disruptions during voyages, she said.
As India's maritime industry becomes increasingly integrated with global shipping networks, maintaining consistent medical standards is more important than ever. International employers expect seafarers to meet recognised health and fitness requirements, making uniform medical screening an important factor in enhancing the credibility and global employability of India's maritime workforce. Standardised assessments also support regulatory compliance while reinforcing India's reputation as a dependable source of skilled and medically fit seafarers, she said.
Preventive healthcare should be viewed as an investment rather than a compliance requirement. Medical screening offers an opportunity to promote healthier lifestyles, improve awareness of chronic diseases and encourage timely medical intervention before deployment. A healthier workforce is more resilient, productive and better equipped to handle the physical and psychological demands of life at sea. As India's maritime ambitions continue to grow, integrating standardised medical screening with a preventive healthcare approach will be essential to building a safer, healthier and globally competitive shipping workforce, said Suhasini.
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