India warns shipping companies against deploying seafarers to conflict areas following Gulf incidents.

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has directed maritime recruitment and placement agencies to halt the deployment of Indian seafarers to conflict zones until further notice. This decision follows the tragic death of three Indian seafarers aboard MT Settebello due to a US military strike on the commercial vessel off the coast of Oman.

In a circular, DG Shipping advised the masters of vessels operating in or traversing the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters, to heighten security awareness, diligently monitor navigational warnings and advisories from Security agencies, and enforce all relevant ship security protocols and Company Security Procedures.

“The Directorate further emphasizes that all RPSL companies and shipping organizations (maritime recruitment and placement agencies) must refrain from deploying Indian seafarers to conflict areas until further notice. However, companies are permitted to conduct crew changes in emergency circumstances with the agreement of crew members,” it stated.
The circular pointed out that recent events in the Gulf region, especially near the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, have led to several security incidents involving merchant vessels with Indian seafarers onboard. Incidents involving MT Marivex, MT Settebello, and MV Jalveer in the past few days have underscored the escalating risks confronted by commercial ships operating in these waters.
Additionally, the Directorate General of Shipping is actively monitoring the situation in collaboration with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy, Indian Missions abroad, and other relevant stakeholders to safeguard the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.

The circular urged maritime companies and stakeholders to maintain the highest level of vigilance and caution while operating in conflict regions.

On Wednesday, India summoned the US charge d’affaires to express strong protest against the US military attack on a commercial vessel off the Oman coast, which left three of the 24 Indian crew members unaccounted for.

In its statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the assault.

“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew members onboard, 21 have been rescued so far, while three Indians are reportedly missing,” it stated.

This incident occurred amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel.