Centre issues advisory to protect Indian seafarers amid Gulf conflict

Amid the heightened security situation in the Gulf region owing to the renewed fighting between the US and Iran, the Centre has issued an advisory on precautionary measures for the safety and security of Indian seafarers operating in the conflict zone.

The advisory issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, Mumbai, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said: “The safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers, and the security of Indian ships, remain central to the mandate of the Directorate General of Maritime Administration. Recent incidents involving attacks on merchant vessels, including Mombasa B (IMO No 9739501). Al Bahvah (IMO No. 9937799). GFS Galaxy (IMO No. 9401271). MT WEDYAN IMO No. 9524970), and AL REKAYYAT (IMO No. 9397339), over the past few days, have increased the risks faced by seafarers and commercial ships operating in the conflict-affected areas significantly.”

It added: “In view of the heightened security situation in the Persian Gulf region, including incidents resulting in casualties among Indian seafarers and continuing attacks on merchant vessels during the ongoing conflict, the Directorate considers it necessary to adopt enhanced precautionary measures to safeguard the interests of Indian seafarers serving on board ships operating in the region.”

In line with the threat perception, it specified precautionary measures for compliance including “Heightened Security Vigilance"  "Masters of vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters shall maintain a heightened level of security vigilance, continuously monitor navigational warnings, security advisories and updates issued by the competent authorities, and implement all applicable Ship Security Measures, Ship Security Plans (SSP) and Company Security Procedures in accordance with the ISPS Code.

Ship Owners, Ship Managers and RPSL Companies have been directed to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages involving passage through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders.   For any emergency assistance, seafarers and vessels shall immediately contact  MMDAC (DG Communication Centre) and IFC-IOR.

The government on Tuesday had asked the shipping authority to set up a dashboard for providing real-time information about Indian seafarers on each vessel operating in the region, irrespective of the ship's flag.