Maritime Safety – India Issues Fresh Advisory for Seafarers Amid Rising Gulf Security Risks
Maritime Safety –Regional maritime security update and Indian seafarer protection measures – India’s maritime authorities have issued fresh precautionary guidance for Indian seafarers and shipping companies as security concerns continue to grow across the Gulf region.
India has advised shipping companies, vessel operators, and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies not to assign Indian seafarers to ships scheduled to pass through the Strait of Hormuz until further instructions are issued. The recommendation comes as tensions in the Gulf continue to rise, with repeated attacks on commercial vessels increasing concerns over the safety of crews operating in the area.
Advisory Focuses on Seafarer Safety
The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) released the advisory on Wednesday, emphasizing that protecting Indian seafarers and ensuring the security of Indian-flagged ships remain among its highest priorities. The authority stated that the current security environment requires additional preventive measures to reduce risks faced by maritime personnel working in conflict-affected waters.
According to the advisory, the latest developments in the Gulf have created a more challenging operating environment for commercial shipping. Authorities believe that stronger safety protocols are necessary until the regional situation becomes more stable.
Merchant Vessel Attacks Raise Concerns
The DGMA referred to a series of recent attacks involving merchant vessels, including Mombasa B, Al Bahyah, GFS Galaxy, MT WEDYAN, and AL REKAYYAT. Officials noted that these incidents have significantly increased the dangers for commercial ships and their crews navigating through the affected region.
The advisory also highlighted reports of casualties involving Indian seafarers, underscoring the need for greater caution while operating in and around the Persian Gulf and nearby maritime routes.
Enhanced Security Measures for Ships
Ship masters navigating the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and surrounding waters have been instructed to remain on high alert throughout their voyages. They have been directed to closely monitor navigation warnings, official security advisories, and operational updates issued by relevant authorities.
In addition, vessel operators are expected to fully implement all applicable Ship Security Measures, Ship Security Plans (SSP), and Company Security Procedures in accordance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The objective is to strengthen preparedness against any potential security incidents while vessels are operating in high-risk waters.
Deployment of Indian Seafarers Temporarily Restricted
As part of the precautionary steps, the DGMA has specifically instructed ship owners, ship managers, and RPSL companies to refrain from deploying Indian seafarers on ships that are scheduled to transit the Strait of Hormuz. The restriction will remain in effect until the maritime authority issues further directions based on the evolving security situation.
Officials said the temporary measure is intended to safeguard the welfare of Indian maritime professionals while regional tensions continue.
Emergency Assistance Mechanism in Place
The advisory also reminded seafarers and shipping companies to seek immediate assistance whenever required. In case of an emergency, vessels have been asked to establish contact with the DG Communication Centre (MMDAC) or the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), both of which remain available to provide operational support during maritime emergencies.
Regional Tensions Continue
The latest advisory comes against the backdrop of escalating military tensions between the United States and Iran. Continued exchanges of strikes in recent days have contributed to growing instability across the Gulf, prompting maritime authorities to adopt a more cautious approach toward the safety of commercial shipping and Indian seafarers working in the region.