The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) of India has released Circular 36 of 2026, addressing precautionary measures aimed at safeguarding Indian seafarers amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region. The advisory comes following several reported attacks on merchant vessels, including incidents involving the Mombasa B, Al Bahyah, GFS Galaxy, MT WEDYAN, and AL REKAYYAT, significantly heightening security risks.
The Security Situation
Recent events reflect a marked increase in hostility towards commercial maritime operations within the Persian Gulf and surrounding areas, particularly the Strait of Hormuz. This advisory is a proactive response to threats that have resulted in casualties among Indian nationals and underscore the need for immediate action to enhance safety protocols.
Advisory Measures
To mitigate risks, the DGMA has requested ship owners, managers, and Registered Port State License (RPSL) companies to implement the following measures:
- Heightened Security Vigilance: Vessel masters are instructed to maintain an increased level of security vigilance, continuously monitoring navigational warnings and security advisories from relevant authorities while adhering to the ISPS Code guidelines.
- Deployment of Indian Seafarers: Ship owners and managers are directed to abstain from deploying Indian crews on voyages through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice to protect personnel from potential harm.
- Emergency Contact Provisions: A dedicated communication channel is established for seafarers and vessels, enabling them to report emergencies or seek assistance promptly.
Implications for Maritime Operations
This advisory places significant operational constraints on shipping companies reliant on Indian seafarers, particularly those engaged in routes commonly traversing the high-risk areas of the Gulf. The directive to avoid such passages poses real challenges in terms of crew availability, potential delays, and increased operational costs. Companies may need to consider alternative routing or temporary amendments to their crewing strategies to ensure compliance with safety mandates while upholding operational integrity.
Why It Matters
The DGMA’s advisory underscores the importance of comprehensive security measures amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, a region critical to global trade and maritime logistics. Operators must maintain strict security protocols while reevaluating deployment strategies to ensure crew safety. Enhanced vigilance and preparedness will be vital as the situation evolves. As regional conflicts affect shipping operations, operators should anticipate potential market disruptions and plan accordingly, with an emphasis on crew safety and vessel security.
