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India Urges Seafarers: Extreme Caution in Iranian Waters Amid Tensions

The Directorate General of Shipping has issued a circular advising Indian seafarers and shipping companies to exercise extreme caution and avoid deploying crews to Iran until further notice. It mandates strict adherence to advisories from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Tehran, especially for vessels in Iranian waters or transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Concurrently, a high-level aviation meeting reviewed safety protocols for airlines amid regional airspace restrictions and NOTAMs. These precautions follow heightened Middle East tensions after reported missile strikes in Iran.

Key Points: India Advises Seafarers on Iran Caution Amid Middle East Tensions

  • Seafarers told to avoid Iran deployment
  • Vessels must navigate Strait of Hormuz with caution
  • Airlines monitor airspace restrictions
  • Details of crew in Iran sought
  • High-level meeting reviews aviation safety
2 min read

DGS advises Indian seafarers to remain vigilant in Iranian waters amid tensions

Indian seafarers told to avoid Iran, exercise utmost caution in its waters and Strait of Hormuz following regional strikes and airspace restrictions.

"exercise utmost caution while operating or navigating through the region - DG Shipping circular"

New Delhi, March 1

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has advised Indian seafarers and maritime stakeholders to remain vigilant in light of the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle-East.

In an official circular, the Directorate General of Shipping asked the seafarers to follow official advisories issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India, Tehran, and exercise utmost caution while operating in Iranian waters or nearby regions.

Stakeholders have also been requested to closely monitor the safety and status of Indian crew members and share relevant information with the authorities.

"Indian seafarers currently in Iran were advised to strictly follow advisories issued by MEA and the Embassy of India, Tehran, from time to time. Further, all RPSL. Companies and shipping companies were advised not to deploy or send Indian seafarers to Iran until further notice," the DG Shipping circular read.

"All Indian-flagged vessels and Indian seafarers onboard foreign-flag vessels calling at ports of Iran or transiting through the Strait of Hormuz were advised to exercise utmost caution while operating or navigating through the region, keeping in view the prevailing security situation," it added.

Subsequently, the DGS has asked all RSPL and Shipping companies, Trade Union, Seafarers Unions and other stakeholders to "submit details on all Indian seafarers currently in Iran, Iranian waters or nearby areas to the Crew Branch."

Meanwhile, a high-level meeting through a video conference was convened with the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and other senior officials of the Ministry, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airline operators, and major airport operators across the country.

The review focused on ensuring passenger safety, operational continuity and real-time coordination in light of multiple airspace restrictions and NOTAMs issued in parts of the region, according to a release.

Indian carriers operating international services have been advised to continuously monitor airspace advisories, NOTAMs, and route restrictions issued by the concerned authorities. Airlines have been directed to ensure timely rerouting or diversion of flights, wherever required, strictly in accordance with global safety protocols and established contingency planning procedures.

This comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia following joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities, with Iranian state media claiming that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes. The country has declared 40 days of public mourning.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
My cousin is a merchant navy officer. The family is constantly worried when he's sailing through these high-risk zones. Glad to see the DGS is taking concrete steps and asking for details of all personnel. Communication and coordination are key in such situations.
A
Aman W
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil and trade. Any escalation there impacts everyone. India must navigate this diplomatically while ensuring our citizens' safety. A tough balancing act for MEA.
S
Sarah B
While the advisory is good, I hope the follow-up is robust. Simply issuing a circular isn't enough. There must be a real-time support system for those stranded or in danger, and pressure on companies to repatriate staff if needed.
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Vikram M
The part about airspace is equally crucial. Flight diversions can cause massive delays and chaos. Passengers flying to Europe/US via the Middle East should keep an eye on airline updates. Better safe than sorry.
K
Karthik V
Geopolitical tensions far away have a direct impact on Indian lives and livelihoods. Our seafarers are the unsung heroes of global trade. Salute to them and hope they all return home safe. The government must ensure no Indian is left behind.

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