New Delhi: The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has directed maritime recruitment and placement agencies to stop deploying Indian seafarers to conflict-hit areas in the Gulf region until further orders, following a series of attacks on commercial vessels that have raised serious concerns about the safety of Indian crew members.
The advisory comes days after three Indian seafarers aboard MT Settebello lost their lives in a strike on the commercial vessel off the coast of Oman. The incident was one of several maritime security events reported in the Gulf of Oman and nearby waters in recent days.
In a circular issued to shipping companies and recruitment agencies, the DGS instructed that Indian seafarers should not be sent to conflict zones for the time being. However, emergency crew changes may still be carried out if the crew members provide their consent.
The shipping regulator also advised masters of vessels operating in or transiting through the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters, to remain on high alert. Vessel operators have been asked to closely monitor navigational warnings and security advisories and ensure that all ship security protocols and company procedures are strictly followed.
According to the DGS, recent developments in the region have significantly increased risks for merchant ships carrying Indian nationals. The authority pointed to incidents involving MT Marivex, MT Settebello and MV Jalveer as examples of the growing security challenges faced by commercial shipping in the area.
The Directorate said it is continuously monitoring the evolving situation in coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy, Indian diplomatic missions abroad and other stakeholders to safeguard Indian seafarers.
The advisory also called on shipping companies and maritime stakeholders to exercise the highest level of caution while operating in waters affected by the ongoing conflict. The Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman remain among the world’s most important maritime trade routes, making the safety of commercial shipping a key concern for authorities.
