The advisory directs vessel masters to maintain heightened security vigilance, follow ISPS Code protocols and seek immediate assistance from Indian maritime authorities or the Indian Navy in case of emergencies.
Iranian soldiers patrol the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran on April 30, 2019. (Photo: Xinhua/IANS)
India has asked shipping companies to stop deploying Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz until further orders, citing the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf and a series of attacks on commercial ships.
The advisory, issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), comes as authorities seek to reduce risks to Indian crew members operating in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors. The Directorate said the safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers remain its foremost priority.
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In a circular issued on Wednesday, the DGMA directed ship owners, ship managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies to refrain from assigning Indian seafarers to ships scheduled to pass through the Strait of Hormuz until further instructions.
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The Directorate said the decision follows a sharp deterioration in the regional security environment, including recent attacks on merchant vessels and incidents that have resulted in casualties involving Indian seafarers.
According to the advisory, recent attacks involving merchant vessels, including Mombasa B, Al Bahyah, GFS Galaxy, MT WEDYAN and AL REKAYYAT, have significantly increased the risks faced by commercial shipping and crew operating in the conflict-affected region.
“In view of the heightened security situation in the Persian Gulf region, including incidents resulting in casualties among Indian seafarers and continuing attacks on merchant vessels during the ongoing conflict, the Directorate considers it necessary to adopt enhanced precautionary measures to safeguard the interests of Indian seafarers serving on board ships operating in the region,” the advisory said.
The DGMA instructed masters of vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters to remain on heightened alert.
They have been directed to continuously monitor navigational warnings and security advisories issued by competent authorities. Masters must also ensure that Ship Security Measures, Ship Security Plans (SSP) and Company Security Procedures are fully implemented in line with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
The advisory further instructed shipping companies and RPSL firms to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on voyages involving the Strait of Hormuz until the order is reviewed.
For emergencies, the Directorate asked ships and seafarers to immediately contact the DG Communication Centre (MMDAC) or the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) for assistance.
The advisory has been issued against the backdrop of heightened military tensions between the United States and Iran following continued exchanges of strikes in recent days.
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