India urges seafarers to avoid Gulf conflict zones amid risks
The DGS has advised shipping firms to restrict deployment of Indian crew to conflict areas and maintain strict vigilance following recent vessel incidents.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has issued an urgent security advisory calling for heightened vigilance by Indian seafarers and maritime stakeholders amid the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
According to DGS Circular 31 of 2026, recent incidents involving the merchant vessels MT Marivex, MT Settebello and MV Jalveer have highlighted the growing risks faced by commercial ships operating in the region. The Directorate said it is closely monitoring developments in coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy, Indian Missions abroad and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.
The advisory follows DGS Circular No. 09 of 2026 and comes in response to the escalating security situation in the Gulf region. The Directorate has urged Indian seafarers, Masters, ship owners, ship managers, operators, Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies and other maritime stakeholders to exercise the highest degree of vigilance and caution while operating in the conflict zone.
Masters of vessels operating in or transiting through the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters, have been advised to maintain heightened security awareness, closely monitor navigational warnings and security advisories, and implement all applicable ship security measures and company security procedures.
The Directorate has also reiterated its advice to RPSL companies and shipping companies to restrict the deployment of Indian seafarers to conflict areas until further orders. However, companies may carry out crew changes in emergency situations with the consent of the crew members concerned.
The advisory further directs all stakeholders to continuously monitor updates issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Directorate General of Shipping, Indian Missions abroad and other competent authorities. Any incident involving Indian seafarers should be promptly reported to the DG Communication Centre and the Crew Branch.
In addition, stakeholders have been urged to verify the authenticity of news, videos and information relating to security incidents through official government sources and avoid circulating unverified reports, social media posts or fake videos.
The DGS said the advisory should be treated as “Most Urgent” and disseminated among Masters, shipboard personnel, RPSL companies, ship owners, managers and other maritime stakeholders for immediate compliance and necessary action.
The advisory was issued with the approval of the Competent Authority and signed by Capt. Bipin Kumar, Deputy Director General of Shipping (Crew).
The advisory comes amid rising tensions in the Gulf region following recent security incidents involving commercial vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. The waterway is one of the world's most important shipping routes, handling a significant share of global oil and trade flows. Any disruption in the area can affect international shipping operations and the safety of seafarers on board vessels transiting the region.
