Every fifth seafarer is now an Indian: How India’s maritime workforce became dominated by non-officer crew
The number of Indian seafarers has surged over fivefold in the last 15 years, with a significant shift towards non-officer roles, changing the officer-to-rating ratio from 60:40 in 2010 to 35:65 in 2024. This trend contrasts with the global ratio of 45:55, highlighting India's growing presence in the maritime workforce. The increase in non-officer roles, such as cooks and hospitality staff, reflects broader changes in the global shipping industry and India's strategic workforce positioning.