The worldwide population of seafarers serving on internationally trading merchant ships is estimated at 1,892,720 seafarers, of which 857,540 are officers and 1,035,180 are ratings.
The Indian seafarers employed on ships worldwide increased from 108446 in 2013 to 154349 in 2017. India now provides 9.35% of the global seafarers and rank third in the list of the large seafarers supplying nation to the world maritime industry.
Over the past decade, the number of Indian seafarers has experienced a significant growth rate of about 270 per cent, with the number of certificates of competency issued for entry-level deck officers increasing by 85 per cent – 24th Aug 2023
The total population of Indian seafarers is estimated at about 250,000. The government of India, in co-operation with the stakeholders of the Indian maritime industry, aims to increase the global share of Indian seafarers from 12 per cent to at least 20 per cent over the next few years
