India restricts deployment of seafarers to conflict zones, Shipping authority issues fresh advisory

Days after three Indian seafarers onboard MT Settebello were killed following a US military strike off the Oman coast, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has advised maritime recruitment and placement agencies to restrict the deployment of Indian seafarers to conflict areas until further orders.In a circular, the shipping regulator also directed vessels operating in or transiting through the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters, to maintain heightened security vigilance amid escalating risks in the region, reported news agency PTI.“This Directorate further reiterates that all RPSL companies and shipping companies (maritime recruitment and placement agencies) are advised to restrict deployment or send Indian seafarers to conflict areas until further orders. However, companies may carry out crew change in emergency situations with the consent of crew members,” it said.The circular noted that recent developments in the Gulf region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, have led to multiple security incidents involving merchant vessels carrying Indian seafarers.Incidents involving MT Marivex, MT Settebello and MV Jalveer in recent days have highlighted the increasing risks faced by commercial ships operating in the region, it said.The DGS advised masters of vessels operating in or passing through the area to maintain heightened security awareness, closely monitor navigational warnings and advisories issued by security agencies, and implement all applicable ship security measures and company security procedures.The regulator said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy, Indian missions abroad and other concerned stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.The circular also asked maritime companies and stakeholders to exercise the highest degree of vigilance and caution while operating in conflict zones.The advisory comes after India on Wednesday summoned the US charge d’affaires to strongly protest a US military attack on a commercial vessel off the Oman coast that left three of the 24 Indian crew members missing.In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack.“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and three Indians are reportedly missing,” it had said.The incident came amid renewed hostilities between Iran and Israel.