Indian Seafarers Not Deployed to Conflict Zones: Shipping Authority

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has issued a safety advisory recommending that Indian seafarers not be deployed to conflict zones. This directive comes in the wake of heightened tensions in the Gulf region, particularly surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, where security incidents have been reported involving merchant vessels. The advisory affects maritime recruitment and placement agencies, stating that Indian seafarers should avoid conflict areas until further notice. However, in emergency situations, companies are permitted to execute crew changes with the consent of the crew members.

The recommendation follows a tragic incident in which three Indian seafarers lost their lives due to a United States strike on the tanker MT Settebello, located off the coast of Oman. This incident has raised significant concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the region. The DGS noted that an increase in security incidents affecting vessels carrying Indian crew has highlighted the dangers present in these waters.

In their advisory, the DGS urged masters of vessels navigating or transiting through the Gulf region to maintain a heightened level of security awareness. They are also encouraged to closely monitor navigational warnings issued by security agencies and to implement all necessary security measures on board. The DGS advised all Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) companies and shipping firms to refrain from sending Indian seafarers into conflict zones until further notice.

The DGS is actively monitoring the situation in collaboration with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy, and Indian diplomatic missions overseas. This coordination aims to safeguard the welfare of Indian seafarers amidst escalating tensions. Maritime stakeholders are being told to exercise caution while operating in conflict zones and to report any incidents involving Indian seafarers to the relevant authorities promptly.

Additionally, the DGS has called upon stakeholders to ensure that any news related to security incidents on board vessels is verified through official government channels to mitigate the risk of disseminating unverified information or misinformation.

The Ministry of External Affairs has condemned the attack on MT Settebello. In response to the incidents and as part of diplomatic efforts, India has summoned the senior U.S. diplomat to express their concerns regarding ongoing attacks by U.S. naval forces on ships carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman. The government has taken this diplomatic step to assert its position on the safety of its citizens working abroad in these challenging environments.