NEW DELHI: India’s maritime regulator, the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), has issued a security advisory urging recruitment and placement agencies to “restrict the deployment of Indian seafarers to conflict areas until further orders.” However, the regulator noted that companies may carry out crew changes in emergency situations with the consent of the crew members.
Background of the Advisory
This advisory comes in the wake of recent security incidents involving merchant ships carrying Indian seafarers. Notably, attacks on three foreign-flagged ships in the Gulf of Oman resulted in the tragic loss of three Indian lives on a single vessel. The incidents involving MT Marivex, MT Settebello, and MV Jalveer have underscored the growing risks faced by commercial ships operating in the war-hit region.
Heightened Security Measures
In the advisory, DG Shipping has directed vessels operating in or transiting through the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters, to maintain heightened security vigilance. The regulator has advised masters of vessels to closely monitor navigational warnings and advisories issued by security agencies, and to implement all applicable ship security measures and company security procedures.
Recommendations for Maritime Companies
The advisory also calls on maritime companies and stakeholders to exercise the highest degree of vigilance and caution while operating in conflict zones. It emphasizes the need for continuous assessment of the security situation and adherence to best practices for crew safety.
This proactive measure by DG Shipping aims to protect Indian seafarers from the escalating risks in the region, ensuring their safety while maintaining necessary maritime operations under controlled conditions.
