India Implements New Measures for Seafarer Safety in Hormuz

In response to an escalation of maritime security concerns in the Persian Gulf, the Indian government has launched a new initiative aimed at safeguarding its seafarers. The announcement follows the tragic death of Indian seafarer Rohan Kumar, who was killed during a missile attack on two Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that the initiative dubbed "Seafarer-First" will ensure that every Indian national on every vessel, regardless of the flag, is accounted for. This move aims to bolster the safety and welfare of Indian crew members operating in the region.

The initiative will entail the establishment of an operational dashboard by the Directorate General of Shipping which will track each vessel's location, ownership, cargo details, crew strength, welfare, threat assessments, intended voyages, and next ports of call. This information will be updated in real-time, enhancing situational awareness for stakeholders.

The government’s response is part of broader measures being implemented amid rising tensions following attacks on two merchant vessels. The vessels MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa were reported to carry a combined total of thirty Indian seafarers among a larger crew. The missile assault resulted in the death of one Indian crew member and injuries to several others, with two currently in serious condition.

In a meeting with high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Indian Navy, and the Directorate General of Shipping, Minister Sonowal evaluated the security situation and India's contingency plans for its seafarers. He mandated real-time monitoring of vessels and appointed dedicated liaison officers for Indian crew members affected by the maritime incidents.

Sonowal condemned the attacks, asserting that they targeted defenceless civilian vessels. "I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayers to the Indian seafarer who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty," he stated, reassuring families that the government is committed to supporting them.

As part of the newly initiated measures, each liaison officer will act as a central contact point for families, providing updates on medical situations, travel documentation, family assistance, and other resources.

The Ministry of External Affairs, along with local Indian missions, will coordinate access to information regarding navigational safety, medical evacuation, and ongoing investigations while ensuring that no Indian seafarer is sent to sea without adequate support and information regarding risks.

The Indian government has engaged with multiple international maritime organisations to address safety concerns and assert the rights of seafarers and vessels in transit. Sonowal also stressed the importance of conducting fresh threat assessments for all vessels navigating the conflict zone, advocating for informed decisions based on maritime authorities' guidance.

A 24/7 grievance support system has been activated for Indian seafarers and their families, offering assistance through various communication channels. The comprehensive approach reflects the government's commitment to prioritising the welfare of its maritime workforce.

In these challenging times, the Indian government emphasises a coordinated approach across multiple ministries and agencies to guarantee the safety of its seafarers and support the uninterrupted flow of international trade through the crucial maritime routes of the Persian Gulf.