India Restricts Deployment Of Its Seafarers In Conflict Zones After Recent Ship Attacks In Gulf

India’s Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) recently published a circular advising maritime recruitment agencies, shipping companies and other placement firms to restrict deployment of Indian seafarers to conflict zones until further orders.

The news comes after three Indian seafarers lost their lives onboard the MT Settebello following a strike by the U.S forces off Oman.

DG Shipping stated that masters of ships sailing in or crossing the Gulf waters, including the Strait of Hormuz, should be vigilant and keep themselves updates of the security situation and report to the authorities in case an issue arises.

“This Directorate further reiterates that all RPSL companies and shipping companies (maritime recruitment and placement agencies) are advised to restrict deployment or send Indian seafarers to conflict areas until further orders. However, companies may carry out crew change in emergencies with the consent of crew members,” it said.

The circular mentioned that recent developments in the Gulf, especially around the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, led to several security incidents involving commercial ships, especially oil tankers with an Indian crew.

The recent incidents involving tankers MT Marivex, MT Settebello and MV Jalveer during the past few days highlight the growing risk to the lives of seafarers in the region.

The Directorate General of Shipping is monitoring the situation along with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Navy, and Indian Missions abroad to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers, the circular noted.

India also summoned the US charge d’affaires to protest against the U.S. attack on a commercial ship, which left three Indian sailors dead.