India has issued a strong advisory to shipping companies, urging them to temporarily stop deploying Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz until further notice as security conditions in the region continue to deteriorate.
The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) released the advisory following recent attacks on two commercial vessels operating in the strategically important waterway, highlighting growing concerns over the safety of Indian maritime personnel amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
DGMA Directs Shipping Companies to Suspend Deployments
Under the advisory, ship owners, ship managers, and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies have been instructed to avoid assigning Indian seafarers to vessels that are scheduled to pass through the Strait of Hormuz until the government issues further directions.
The move is intended to reduce the exposure of Indian maritime professionals to the increasing security risks in one of the world’s busiest and most sensitive shipping routes.
Masters Ordered to Maintain Maximum Security Vigilance
The DGMA has also instructed masters of vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and adjoining waters to maintain the highest level of security awareness.
Masters have been directed to:
- Continuously monitor navigational warnings and security advisories.
- Follow updates issued by competent maritime authorities.
- Implement all applicable ship security measures in accordance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
- Exercise heightened operational caution while transiting the region.
The advisory reinforces the importance of strict compliance with international maritime security procedures as threats to commercial shipping continue to rise.
Attacks on Two Tankers Prompt Emergency Measures
The advisory follows attacks earlier this week on two commercial tankers:
- MT Al Bahiyah
- MT Mombasa
The two vessels carried a combined crew of 46 seafarers, including 30 Indian nationals.
The incidents resulted in significant casualties among Indian crew members:
- One Indian seafarer was killed aboard MT Al Bahiyah.
- One Indian crew member was injured on MT Al Bahiyah.
- Nine Indian nationals were injured aboard MT Mombasa.
The attacks have intensified concerns regarding the safety of merchant vessels operating through the Strait of Hormuz.
Government Orders Real-Time Monitoring Dashboard
In response to the deteriorating security situation, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has directed the DGMA to establish a comprehensive vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard.
The system will provide real-time information on every Indian seafarer serving aboard vessels operating in:
- Persian Gulf
- Strait of Hormuz
- Gulf of Oman
The dashboard will track Indian seafarers regardless of the vessel’s flag state, enabling authorities to quickly identify vessel locations and coordinate assistance if required during emergencies.
Strengthening Protection for Indian Seafarers
The latest advisory represents one of India’s strongest precautionary measures aimed at safeguarding its seafarers working in high-risk maritime regions.
With geopolitical tensions continuing to threaten commercial shipping in the Middle East, the DGMA’s instructions emphasize proactive risk management, enhanced vessel security, and closer monitoring of Indian maritime personnel until regional stability improves.