India's Directorate General of Shipping advised agencies to restrict seafarer deployment to conflict areas following a US strike on the MT Settebello off Oman, which killed three Indian crew members. The directive aims to enhance seafarer safety amid rising regional tensions.
The directive aims to protect Indian seafarers from escalating risks in conflict zones, particularly in the Gulf region, following a deadly incident involving a commercial vessel.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has issued a directive advising maritime recruitment and placement agencies to restrict the deployment of Indian seafarers to conflict areas until further notice. This decision follows a recent US military strike on the commercial vessel MT Settebello off the Oman coast, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian crew members.
In a circular, the DGS stated that masters of vessels operating in or transiting through the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters, should maintain heightened security awareness, monitor navigational warnings, and implement all applicable ship security measures. The circular explicitly advises all RPSL companies and shipping companies to restrict sending Indian seafarers to conflict zones, though crew changes in emergency situations are permitted with crew consent.
The incident involving MT Settebello, along with other recent incidents like MT Marivex and MV Jalveer, highlights the increasing risks faced by commercial ships in the region. India had summoned the US charge d'affaires to protest the attack, with the Ministry of External Affairs condemning the strike and confirming that 21 of the 24 Indian crew members were rescued, while three remained missing. The events are occurring amidst renewed hostilities between Iran and Israel.