Representations to Parliament of India

• To keep in abeyance PART VI A Section 87 A to D of Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 which prescribed mandatory service on Indian Ships for Officers after obtaining each Certificate of Competency and therefore not being permitted to work on foreign flag ships

Representations to Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Tourism through RajyaSabha Secretariat

• To represent against the adverse provisions of Admiralty Bill
• To represent against setting Headquarters of Indian Maritime University in Chennai

Participation in the IBF (International Bargaining Forum consisting of International Maritime Employers council – IMEC and International Transport- workers Federation – ITF) negotiations with ITF and ITF affiliated unions for wage and service conditions for Indian officers and ratings (IBF agreement)

• To participate in the above negotiations as representatives of ship-owners on a bi-annual or tri-annual basis, as the case may be. Participation in the negotiations with ITF affiliated unions for wage and service conditions for Indian officers and ratings (ITF TCC agreement)
• To participate in the above negotiations as representatives of ship-owners on a bi-annual or tri-annual basis, as the case may be, or annually if required.
• Negotiations with Norwegian and ITF affiliated unions for wage and service conditions for Indian officers and ratings (NIS & Model agreements)

Capt. Rajesh Tandon – Recipient of the Varuna Award (2018)

On 5 April 2018, during India’s 55th National Maritime Day, Capt. Rajesh Tandon was honoured with the Varuna Award for his outstanding contribution to the Indian and international maritime sector. The recognition reflects his over 25 years of dedicated service to the shipping industry, maritime fraternity, and administration, particularly in implementing international conventions such as STCW, MLC, RPS, and SID. Capt. Tandon has been on the Board of the International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC), London, since 2008—serving as Vice Chairman (2011) and Chairman (since 2014). He has represented shipowners at the ILO for conventions related to MLC, SID, and Seafarers’ Minimum Wages, and chaired the International Bargaining Forum negotiations in Manila in 2018.

An alumnus of T.S. Rajendra (1973–75 batch), he began his career with the Shipping Corporation of India, rising to Master in 1983 before joining V. Ships, where he became Managing Director, India (1997–2017). He now serves as Global Director – Industrial Relations & Seafarer Development for V. Group, overseeing global welfare, employment, and training initiatives.

He has served on the Boards of FOSMA and FMIRO, chaired both bodies across multiple terms, and held leadership roles with the Company of Master Mariners of India and The Nautical Institute, India Branch, where he is a Fellow. Capt. Tandon continues to contribute to maritime education and welfare through various trustee and advisory positions, supporting training institutes and seafarer welfare organizations nationwide.

Nibedita Basak – The First Lady Chief Engineer in the making at FOSMA Maritime Institute, Kolkata

Nibedita is serving as 2nd Engineer on self unloader bulk carriers with Wilhelmsen Ship Management. She is currently attending MEO Class I Course at FOSMA Maritime Institute, Salt Lake Kolkata. She completed her B. Tech in Marine Engineering and has nine years of sailing experience.