India asks shipowners to avoid deploying Indian seafarers through Strait of Hormuz

New Delhi, July 16: India has directed shipowners, ship managers and recruitment companies not to deploy Indian seafarers on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders, following a sharp rise in security risks amid renewed tensions between the United States and Iran.The directive, issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) on Wednesday, comes after two Indian seafarers were killed in separate attacks on commercial vessels in the region over the past three days. India is the world's third-largest supplier of seafarers, with more than 3 lakh sailors working on ships across the globe, according to government data.Safety Takes Centre StageIn its order dated July 15, 2026, the DGMA asked shipping companies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice."Companies are directed to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages involving passage through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders," the regulator said in its notice.The DGMA said recent attacks on commercial vessels had significantly increased the risks for seafarers operating in the conflict-hit region. It added that, in view of the heightened security situation in the Persian Gulf, enhanced precautionary measures were necessary to safeguard the interests of Indian seafarers serving on ships operating in the area.The regulator also instructed masters of vessels to remain alert to the evolving security situation in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters, while continuously monitoring navigational warnings.The notice further said that the DGMA would continue to closely monitor developments and remained committed to protecting the safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers.Deaths Trigger Diplomatic ResponseThe advisory follows the deaths of two Indian nationals in separate attacks on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the growing dangers in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.Rohan Kumar, 31, from Bihar's Gopalganj district, was killed in missile attacks on two Emirati oil tankers, MT Mombasa and MT Al Bahiyah, in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday.District Magistrate Sameer Saurabh confirmed Kumar's death and said an official had been sent to the family to complete the paperwork required to repatriate his body.In a separate incident, Herambh Karmarkar, 30, from Pune, went missing after an attack on the cargo vessel MV GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman. He was later confirmed dead by the Indian Consulate in Dubai."We express our deepest condolences at the tragic demise of an Indian national due to an attack on the commercial vessel MV GFS Galaxy on 12 July 2026," the mission said in a post on X.The incidents have also prompted a diplomatic response. On Tuesday, Iranian Deputy Chief of Mission Mohammad Javad Hosseini was summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs, where Joint Secretary Anand Prakash, who handles the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran division, lodged a strong protest over the attacks.Also Watch: 'Heightened Security Situation': DGMA Advises Indian Seafarers Against Sailing Through Hormuz As US-Iran Conflict Intensifies Security Concerns IntensifyThe government's latest advisory reflects growing concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region. With tensions between the US and Iran showing little sign of easing, India has chosen to prioritise the safety of its seafarers while keeping a close watch on developments in one of the world's most strategically important maritime corridors.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

DGMA directs shipowners and recruitment firms not to deploy Indian crew on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating US-Iran tensions.

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has directed ship owners, 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, citing the heightened security situation in the Gulf region. Also Watch:Advisory for Indian Maritime StakeholdersIn view of the heightened security situation in the Gulf region, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), through DGMA Circular No. 36 of 2026, has directed Ship Owners, Ship Managers and RPSL Companies to avoid… pic.twitter.com/s8XgKI1ifn— Directorate General of Shipping, Govt. of India (@dgshipping_IN) July 15, 2026 Taking to the social media platform X, the maritime regulator said the move was aimed at safeguarding the safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers amid continuing attacks on merchant vessels operating in the conflict-affected region.Recent attacks on merchant vessels -- including Mombasa B, Al Bahyah, GFS Galaxy, MT WEDYAN and AL REKAYYAT -- have significantly increased the risks faced by seafarers and commercial ships operating in the area, the DGMA said.In addition, the advisory directed masters of vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters to maintain heightened security vigilance, continuously monitor navigational warnings and security advisories, and strictly implement Ship Security Plans and other measures under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.Strait Of Hormuz Ship Traffic Slows As Security Risks Keep Vessel Crossings Low However, ship owners, ship managers and RPSL companies have been instructed not to deploy Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages involving passage through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders.For emergency assistance, the DGMA asked seafarers and vessels to immediately contact the DG Communication Centre (MMDAC) or the Indian Navy's Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).The DGMA said it continues to closely monitor the evolving security situation in the Gulf region and remains committed to safeguarding the safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers.Secret Ship Crossings Increase Through Strait Of Hormuz As US-Iran Tensions Rise The advisory comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East after US strikes on Iranian military installations stoked fears of a wider regional conflict and potential disruptions to shipping through Hormuz.Reports claim that the United States targeted Iran's coastal defence and missile facilities on Wednesday after reimposing a naval blockade on its ports.In response, Iran threatened to curb more regional energy exports, saying it was engaged in an existential war with the US.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

DGMA advises against deploying Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz due to deteriorating security in the Gulf region.

India’s Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has issued an advisory asking ship owners, ship managers and recruitment agencies to temporarily avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, citing increased security risks in the Gulf region.The advisory, issued on Wednesday, comes after a series of attacks on merchant vessels operating in and around the Persian Gulf, with some incidents resulting in casualties among Indian seafarers. The maritime regulator said the safety, security and welfare of Indian crew members, along with the protection of Indian vessels, remain its highest priority.Advisory for Indian Maritime StakeholdersIn view of the heightened security situation in the Gulf region, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), through DGMA Circular No. 36 of 2026, has directed Ship Owners, Ship Managers and RPSL Companies to avoid… pic.twitter.com/s8XgKI1ifn— Directorate General of Shipping, Govt. of India (@dgshipping_IN) July 15, 2026 The DGMA highlighted recent attacks involving merchant ships, including Mombasa B, Al Bahyah, GFS Galaxy, MT WEDYAN and AL REKAYYAT, which have increased concerns over the safety of commercial shipping operations in the region."In view of the heightened security situation in the Persian Gulf region, including incidents resulting in casualties among Indian seafarers and continuing attacks on merchant vessels during the ongoing conflict, the Directorate considers it necessary to adopt enhanced precautionary measures," the regulator said.The advisory also directed masters of vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters to maintain strict security measures. Ships have been instructed to closely monitor navigational warnings, security updates and advisories issued by relevant authorities.The DGMA further asked vessels to comply with all applicable safety protocols under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, which lays down security standards for ships and ports involved in international trade.West Asia Conflict: US Intensifies Strikes Across Iran As Strait Of Hormuz Crisis Deepens, Raising Fears Of A Wider Regional War | Video For emergency assistance, Indian seafarers and vessels operating in the region have been advised to contact the DGMA Communication Centre or the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, handling a significant portion of global oil and gas shipments. The recent escalation of tensions in the Gulf has disrupted shipping activity and raised concerns over the safety of crews and commercial vessels.The DGMA’s advisory is aimed at reducing risks for Indian maritime workers until the security situation improves and further directions are issued.

In a post on X, the maritime regulator said the decision had been taken to protect the safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers as hostilities in the region continue to intensify. The DGMA noted that several merchant vessels, including Mombasa B, Al Bahyah, GFS Galaxy, MT WEDYAN and AL REKAYYAT, have recently come under attack, highlighting the growing risks to commercial shipping and crews transiting the area.