The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has advised maritime recruitment and placement agencies to restrict the deployment of Indian seafarers to conflict zones until further orders. However, companies may carry out crew changes in emergency situations with the consent of the crew members.

The safety advisory sent to all stakeholders comes days after three Indian seafarers were killed in the U.S. strike on MT Settebello off the Oman coast. The shipping regulator said the recent developments in the Gulf region, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, had resulted in multiple security incidents involving merchant vessels carrying Indian seafarers.

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Incidents involving MT Marivex, MT Settebello and MV Jalveer during the past few days highlighted the increasing risks faced by commercial ships operating in the region.

Monitor navigational warnings

The DGS directed Masters of vessels operating in or transiting through the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters, to maintain heightened security awareness, closely monitor navigational warnings issued by security agencies, and implement all applicable ship security measures.

“This Directorate further reiterates that all Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) companies and shipping companies are advised to restrict deployment or send Indian seafarers to conflict areas until further orders,” the advisory said.

The DGS said it was closely monitoring the evolving situation in coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy, Indian Missions abroad, and other concerned stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.

Highest degree of vigilance

Keeping in view the escalating security situation in the Gulf Region, the DGS urged all maritime stakeholders to exercise the highest degree of vigilance and caution while operating in the conflict zone and to promptly report any incident involving Indian seafarers to the authorities concerned.

The stakeholders were strongly advised to verify the authenticity of any news/videos of security incidents onboard ships from government sources and to avoid circulating unverified news, social media posts, and fake videos to protect the interests of Indian seafarers.

While the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack on MT Settebello, India summoned the top U.S. diplomat to strongly protest the continuing attacks by U.S. naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman.