DGMA Directs Shipping Companies to Halt Deployment of Indian Sailors in Hormuz Strait

New Delhi, July 16: The Directorate General of Shipping (DGMA) has instructed ship owners, management companies, and Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) companies to stop the deployment of Indian sailors on vessels passing through the Hormuz Strait until further notice. This directive comes in response to deteriorating security conditions in the Gulf region.

The maritime regulator announced on the social media platform ‘X’ that this measure aims to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of Indian sailors amid ongoing attacks on commercial ships in conflict-affected areas.

According to the DGMA, recent attacks on commercial vessels such as Mombasa B, Al Bahyah, GFS Galaxy, MT Wadiyan, and Al Rekyyat have significantly increased the risks faced by sailors and commercial ships operating in the region.

The advisory also instructs captains of ships operating in the Persian Gulf, Hormuz Strait, and surrounding maritime areas to maintain a high level of security vigilance, closely monitor navigation warnings and safety advisories, and strictly adhere to the ship security plan and other safety measures under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

However, the DGMA has made it clear that ship owners, management companies, and RPSL companies must not deploy Indian sailors on voyages passing through the Hormuz Strait until further notice.

For emergency assistance, the DGMA has urged sailors and ships to contact the DG Communication Center (MMDAC) or the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Center-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) immediately.

The DGMA stated that it is closely monitoring the rapidly changing security conditions in the Gulf region and is fully committed to ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of Indian sailors.

This advisory has been issued at a time when tensions in the Middle East have escalated following U.S. attacks on Iranian military installations. This situation raises concerns about widespread conflict and potential disruptions to maritime trade through the Hormuz Strait.

Reports indicate that the U.S. targeted Iran’s coastal defense and missile installations after re-imposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports on Wednesday. In response, Iran warned that it would limit energy exports from the region, stating that it is engaged in a struggle for survival against the U.S.