**Executive Summary**
This DGS Circular 01 of 2026, dated January 14, 2026, is an advisory to Indian seafarers and shipping stakeholders following an advisory from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding the deteriorating security situation and ongoing protests in Iran. It advises caution and outlines specific actions for seafarers in or traveling to Iran. All stakeholders are required to regularly monitor official websites and social media for updates.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Travel Advisory:**
* Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid travel to Iran until further notice.
* Indian citizens currently in Iran are advised to leave the country at the earliest using available means of transport, including commercial flights.
* **Advice to Stakeholders:**
* Indian seafarers, RPSL companies, shipping companies, trade unions, and maritime stakeholders are strongly advised to closely monitor the safety, security, and status of Indian crew members onboard vessels operating in Iranian waters or nearby regions.
* RPSL companies and shipping companies are advised not to deploy or send Indian seafarers to Iran until further orders.
* **Precautions for Vessels and Seafarers:**
* Indian-flagged vessels and Indian seafarers on foreign flag vessels calling at Iranian ports or transiting the Strait of Hormuz are advised to exercise utmost caution.
* **Instructions for Seafarers in Iran:**
* Seafarers awaiting joining vessels or repatriation are requested to:
* Remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement ashore.
* Follow the Embassy of India, Tehran's official advisories and social media updates.
* Adhere to safety protocols advised by local authorities.
* Coordinate, where feasible, through RPSL companies, shipping companies, trade unions, or local agents for safe departure.
* **Monitoring and Contact:**
* All stakeholders are requested to regularly monitor:
* Directorate General of Shipping official website (www.dgshipping.gov.in).
* MEA official website (www.mea.gov.in).
* Embassy of India, Tehran's official social media handles.
* For assistance or emergency queries, the DG Communication Centre can be contacted at:
* Email: dgcommcentre-dgs@nic.in
* WhatsApp: +91 8657549760
* Alternate Numbers: +91 22 22613606 / +91 8657549760 / +91 8657549752
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Seafarers**
* **Impact:** Increased risk and potential disruption to employment, especially for those planning to travel to or currently in Iran.
* **Action Required:** Avoid travel to Iran, follow advisories, maintain vigilance, and contact the DG Communication Centre for assistance.
**RPSL Companies and Shipping Companies**
* **Impact:** Potential disruption to crew deployment and operations in the region.
* **Action Required:** Avoid deploying or sending Indian seafarers to Iran, monitor the situation, and assist seafarers in Iran with safe departure.
**Trade Unions and Maritime Stakeholders (INSA, FOSMA, MASSA)**
* **Impact:** Need to ensure the safety and security of Indian crew members in the region.
* **Action Required:** Monitor the situation, disseminate information to members, and provide assistance where needed.
**Indian Nationals in Iran**
* **Impact:** Elevated safety risk due to the deteriorating security situation and ongoing protests in Iran.
* **Action Required:** Leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights, exercise due caution, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran and monitor local media for any developments. Also, have their travel and immigration documents readily available and are requested to contact the Indian Embassy for any assistance.
Key Entities Referenced
Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai: The issuing authority for the advisory concerning Indian seafarers and shipping stakeholders.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): The MEA's advisory on Iran is the basis for the Directorate General of Shipping's circular.
Embassy of India, Tehran: The Indian Embassy in Tehran is providing advisories and assistance to Indian citizens in Iran.
Iran: The location central to the applicability of the safety advisory.
Indian seafarers: The primary affected group by the advisory due to the evolving security situation in Iran.
F. No. 23-CIR/3/2025-CREW-DGS (C. No. 34882) Date: 14.01.2026
DGS Circular 01 of 2026
ADVISORY
Subject: Advisory to Indian Seafarers and Shipping Stakeholders in view of MEA
Advisory on Iran – reg.
Reference is made to the advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
on 14.01.2026, wherein Indian nationals have been strongly advised to avoid travel to Iran
until further notice, citing the deteriorating security situation and continuing protests in the
country. Further, the Embassy of India, Tehran, has advised Indian citizens currently in
Iran to leave the country at the earliest, using available means of transport, including
commercial flights, as conveyed through its official communication and social media
advisory. Copy of the same is enclosed.
2. In view of the above, all Indian seafarers, RPSL companies, shipping companies, trade
unions, and maritime stakeholders, including INSA, FOSMA, MASSA, etc., are strongly
advised to closely monitor the safety, security, and status of Indian crew members onboard
vessels operating in Iranian waters or nearby regions. Indian seafarers currently in Iran are
advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the Embassy of India, Tehran, and MEA
from time to time. Additionally, all RPSL companies and shipping companies are hereby
advised not to deploy or send Indian seafarers to Iran until further orders.
3. Further, all Indian-flagged vessels and Indian seafarers on foreign flag vessels calling at
ports of Iran or transiting through the Strait of Hormuz are advised to exercise utmost
caution while operating in or navigating through the region, keeping in view the prevailing
security situation.
4. Indian seafarers presently in Iran awaiting joining vessels or waiting for wages or safe
repatriation after their sign off to India are requested to:
a. Remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement ashore,
b. Follow the Embassy of India, Tehran’s official advisories and social media updates,
c. Adhere to safety protocols advised by local authorities, and
d. Wherever feasible, coordinate through RPSL companies / Shipping Companies /
Trade unions / local agents to facilitate their safe departure from Iran.