India's Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has issued a directive asking shipping companies to restrict the deployment of Indian seafarers to conflict zones. The move comes amid heightened security concerns in several regions, particularly in West Asia.
New Advisory for Ship Masters
Ship masters have been instructed to closely monitor navigational warnings and advisories issued by security agencies. This is to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers operating in or near areas of conflict.
Background
The advisory, published on June 14, 2026, follows recent escalations in regional tensions. The DG Shipping aims to minimize risks to Indian maritime personnel by limiting their exposure to dangerous zones.
Companies are now required to review deployment plans and avoid sending Indian crew members to high-risk areas unless absolutely necessary. Non-compliance may lead to regulatory action.
Industry Response
Shipping industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, emphasizing the importance of crew safety. However, some have expressed concerns about potential operational disruptions. The DG Shipping has assured that the measures are temporary and will be reviewed as the security situation evolves.
