The Birth of FOSMA
Incidentally the birth of FOSMA, on November 3, 1989, was the culmination of the efforts of
seven major foreign Shipowners representatives / Ship Managers in Mumbai to address issues relating to employment of Indian seafarers on foreign flag vessels.
The Association's first achievement and perhaps the most important one,
was the “keeping in abeyance” of the implementation of an amendment to the Merchant Shipping Act , wherein it was mandatory for Indian officers to work on Indian flag vessels for a stipulated number of years, before they could seek employment on foreign flag.
Foreign Ship Managers had no real representation with the administration regarding matters relating to Officers Certification and other
crucial issues. With certification matters becoming more stringent there was a need for continuous dialogue with governmental departments for complying with national and international rules and regulations concerning education, training standards, recruitment procedures, certification procedures etc.
Background History of Indians employed on board
Until the late 1950’s Indian Officers predominately manned Indian Flag Vessels. On the other hand, Indian Ratings have for over a century been manning foreign flag ships mostly British.
The 60’s saw a new trend wherein services of Indian Officers started to be requisitioned for foreign flag ships. Steadily India became an important provider of manpower for ship owners all over the globe.
From small beginnings, FOSMA has today risen to its present eminent position comprising of Twenty
Nine major companies as members which represents a majority of Indian Seafarers working on Foreign Flag vessels.
- Norway
- Sweden
- Holland
- United Kingdom
- Belgium
- France
- Monaco
- Germany
- Greece
- Italy
- Switzerland
- Austria
- United States of America
- Canada
- Brazil
- Japan
- Korea
- Hongkong
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Iran
- Kuwait
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- Australia
- Malaysia
