The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has instructed maritime recruitment and placement agencies to restrict deployment of Indian seafarers to conflict areas, particularly the Persian Gulf and adjoining waters, until further orders.
The shipping regulator issued a circular advising all RPSL companies and shipping companies (maritime recruitment and placement agencies) to restrict deployment or sending of Indian seafarers to conflict zones, though crew changes may proceed in emergency situations with crew members’ consent.
This advisory comes days after three Indian seafarers on board MT Settebello were killed following a US military strike off the Oman coast, which prompted India to summon the US charge d’affaires to protest the attack on the commercial vessel.
The DGS circular noted that recent security incidents involving merchant vessels carrying Indian seafarers, including MT Marivex, MT Settebello, and MV Jalveer, have highlighted increasing risks in the Gulf region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.
According to the International Maritime Organization, there have been 46 attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, underscoring the escalating security situation.
The regulator directed vessel masters operating in or transiting through the Gulf region to maintain heightened security vigilance, closely monitor navigational warnings and advisories from security agencies, and implement all applicable ship security measures and company security procedures.
The DGS is closely monitoring the evolving situation in coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Navy, Indian missions abroad, and other stakeholders to ensure safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.
The circular also asked maritime companies and stakeholders to exercise the highest degree of vigilance and caution while operating in conflict zones.
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