India Advises Shipping Firms To Keep Seafarers Off Strait Of Hormuz Routes Amid Gulf Tensions

New Delhi: Amid renewed fighting between the United States and Iran, India has directed shipowners, ship managers, and recruitment companies not to deploy Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking trips through the Strait of Hormuz. The development came after two Indian seafarers were killed in attacks on vessels near the Hormuz over the last three days.

What did the DGMA say?

The war between Iran and the US has once again flared up in West Asia. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGMA) has issued a major advisory regarding the safety of Indian seafarers. 

Following the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf region, the DGMA issued Circular No. 36/2026, directing all shipowners, ship managers, and RPSL companies not to deploy Indian seafarers on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz until further orders. It also directed increased security vigilance in the Persian Gulf and surrounding areas.

What is there in the advisory?

In a statement released on social media, the Directorate General of Shipping stated that the security situation in the Gulf region remains critical, prompting this precautionary measure. The circular clearly stated that Indian seafarers should not be deployed on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz until the situation returns to normal.

The advisory also outlines some important precautionary measures. First, there will be a ban on the deployment of Indian sailors on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Second, there will be a heightened security vigil in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the surrounding waters.

Third, all maritime warnings and security advisories will be continuously monitored, and the ISPS Code (International Code for Ship and Port Facility Security) will be strictly enforced. Fourth, in case of any emergency, immediate assistance and reporting will be provided through the IFC-IOR (Information Fusion Centre) and the DG Communication Centre (MMDAC).

What did DGMA say about security?

The Directorate General of Marines (DGMA) stated that it is continuously monitoring the evolving security situation in the Gulf region. The DGMA also assured that it is fully committed to the safety, security, and well-being of Indian seafarers. This advisory comes at a time of growing international concern about tensions in the Gulf region, and at a time of anxiety among shipping companies and families of seafarers.