India Lifts Strait Of Hormuz Shipping Restrictions, Urges Seafarers To Remain On High Alert

India has withdrawn restrictions on the movement of its ships through the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz, allowing Indian shipowners and managers to resume normal operations.

However, the country’s shipping regulator has urged all maritime stakeholders to remain cautious as security concerns in the region continue.

In a revised order issued on June 26, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) said there is no longer any restriction on Indian ship owners, managers or Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies operating ships or deploying Indian seafarers in and out of the Persian Gulf.

It said operations can continue as long as ships follow the security protocols issued by coastal states and security agencies.

The order replaces the DGS advisories issued earlier this month after a series of security incidents involving merchant ships carrying Indian seafarers in the Gulf region.

While the restrictions have been lifted, the DGS advised ship owners, operators and seafarers to continue exercising caution while operating in the Persian Gulf.

The DGS said the International Maritime Organization (IMO), working with coastal states and industry partners, has started measures to evacuate stranded seafarers through a coordinated system involving the IMO, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the Maritime Information Cooperation and Awareness (MICA) Center and coastal states.

The regulator said it is continuing to monitor the situation in coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy, Indian Missions abroad and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.

The restrictions were originally imposed on June 13 after multiple security incidents involving merchant vessels carrying Indian seafarers in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.

The advisory came days after a U.S. strike on MT Settebello off the coast of Oman left three Indian seafarers dead.

A day after that advisory was issued, the United States launched strikes on Iran, which later retaliated by attacking targets in Kuwait and Bahrain, adding to security concerns in the Gulf.

Although shipping operations have resumed, the DGS has instructed masters of vessels operating in or passing through the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters, to remain on high alert.

They have been asked to closely monitor navigational warnings and security advisories and follow all ship security measures and company security procedures.

The DGS also directed Indian seafarers, ship owners, ship managers, operators and RPSL companies to regularly monitor advisories issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Directorate General of Shipping, Indian Missions abroad and other authorities.

Any incident involving Indian seafarers should be reported immediately to the DG Communication Centre and Crew Branch.

The regulator also warned stakeholders against sharing unverified reports, videos or social media posts about security incidents involving ships. It advised them to verify information through official government sources before circulating it.

In addition, the DGS referred to an advisory issued by the Embassy of India in Tehran on June 24, asking Indian nationals in Iran to follow its guidance on travel and residence, including registering with the embassy and monitoring official updates.

Seafarers requiring emergency assistance have been asked to contact the MMDAC (DG Communication Centre).

The DGS said it will continue to closely monitor the security situation in the Gulf while advising the Indian maritime industry to remain vigilant as ships continue operating in the region.

References: thehindu, idrw