India directs shipping firms to avoid deploying seafarers via Hormuz
The advisory calls for heightened vigilance, asks companies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz and shares emergency contacts.
The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has issued an advisory directing shipowners, ship managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders due to the heightened security situation in the Gulf region.
The advisory, issued on July 15, 2026, follows recent attacks on merchant vessels, including Mombasa B, Al Bahyah, GFS Galaxy, MT WEDYAN and AL REKAYYAT. According to the DGMA, these incidents have significantly increased the risks faced by seafarers and commercial ships operating in the conflict-affected region.
The DGMA said the security situation in the Persian Gulf, including incidents that resulted in casualties among Indian seafarers and continuing attacks on merchant vessels during the ongoing conflict, has made it necessary to adopt enhanced precautionary measures to safeguard Indian seafarers serving on ships operating in the region.
The advisory directs masters of vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters to maintain heightened security vigilance. They have also been asked to continuously monitor navigation warnings, security advisories and updates issued by the competent authorities, and implement all applicable Ship Security Measures, Ship Security Plans (SSP) and Company Security Procedures in accordance with the ISPS Code.
For emergencies, the DGMA has advised seafarers and vessels to immediately contact the Maritime Maritime Domain Awareness Centre (MMDAC) DG Communication Centre or the IFC-IOR.
