New Delhi, July 14: Amid escalating security concerns in the Gulf region, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has issued an advisory directing shipping companies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz until further orders.
The advisory comes in the wake of recent attacks on merchant vessels in the region, which have heightened concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and maritime personnel.
Advisory Issued Amid Rising Gulf Tensions
According to the DGMA, the deteriorating security environment in and around the Strait of Hormuz has significantly increased the risks faced by merchant ships operating in one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
Shipping companies have been advised to refrain from assigning Indian crew members to vessels passing through the area until the security situation improves.
Safety of Indian Seafarers a Priority
The DGMA said the advisory has been issued as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian seafarers employed on international merchant vessels.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint through which a substantial portion of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies transit every day.
Emergency Contact Mechanism
The maritime administration has also instructed Indian seafarers to immediately contact:
- DGMA Communication Centre, or
- Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) operated by the Indian Navy,
in the event of any emergency or security-related incident while at sea.
Impact on Global Shipping
The latest advisory reflects growing concerns over maritime security in the Gulf, where attacks on commercial vessels have raised insurance costs, disrupted shipping operations and prompted several countries to review safety measures for their merchant fleets.
Indian authorities said they are closely monitoring the evolving situation and will issue further guidance as required.