Indian Merchant Navy Officer Missing From U.S Port, Family Blames Firm For Failing To Provide Updates

An Indian Merchant Navy officer, identified as Dwivedi, has been reported missing after failing to return to his vessel following a shore leave excursion near the Concord Mall Best Buy area in the United States. The officer had departed the ship alongside three colleagues, but his subsequent disappearance has triggered significant concern. His family has publicly criticized the shipping company for a lack of transparent communication and failing to provide timely updates regarding the ongoing search and rescue operations at the U.S. port.

The incident highlights critical responsibilities under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), specifically Regulation 2.4 regarding entitlement to shore leave. Shipping companies are mandated to facilitate shore leave for seafarers whenever possible, provided it does not compromise vessel security or operational safety. Furthermore, under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, masters must maintain strict accountability for crew movements. Failure to provide adequate updates during such crises may lead to investigations by flag state authorities and potential non-compliance findings during Port State Control inspections.

This situation serves as a stark reminder for navigating officers and masters regarding the rigorous documentation required for shore leave protocols. When crew members go missing, the master must immediately notify local authorities and the company’s Designated Person Ashore (DPA). Navigating officers must ensure that all gangway logs are meticulously maintained and that crew members are fully briefed on local security risks and emergency contact procedures before disembarking at any foreign port of call.