Date: 2026-02-28Category: Not ApplicableState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
DGS Circular No.08 of 2026 - Advisory to Indian Flag Vessels and Indian Seafarers regarding escalation of Security Situation in Iran, Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf and Adjacent Waters – reg..
**Executive Summary**
This document comprises two DGS Circulars concerning maritime security in sensitive regions, including the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. DGS Circular No. 08 of 2026, dated February 28, 2026, provides an advisory regarding escalated security situations. DGS Circular No. 08 of 2024, dated April 10, 2024, introduces an online ship reporting mechanism for these areas. Both circulars emphasize proactive security measures and strict adherence to reporting protocols.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**DGS Circular No. 08 of 2026 (Advisory on Security Situation in Iran, Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf and Adjacent Waters)**
* **Monitoring of Security Situation:** The Directorate is monitoring the escalation of hostilities and security developments in and around Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, and adjoining regions.
* **Ship Security Drills:** All vessels operating in or near the region are urged to conduct comprehensive ship-shore security drills for various scenarios, including loitering munitions and USVs.
* **Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) Testing:** SSAS testing is recommended before transiting through these regions to ensure crew preparedness and system readiness.
* **Voyage Specific Risk Assessment:** Ship owners, operators, and charterers must conduct a comprehensive voyage-specific risk assessment before planning any transit.
* **Reporting and Communication Protocol:** Vessels transiting or operating in the region must strictly comply with the reporting and communication protocol outlined in DGS Circular No. 08 of 2024, including daily reporting and communication with DGComm Centre, IFC-IOR, and Indian Navy in case of incidents.
* **Measures for Vessels Already in the Region:** Vessels already operating within or transiting the region at the time of the circular must ensure updated reporting, email DGComm Centre with vessel and crew details, maintain an enhanced security posture, continuously monitor navigational warnings and advisories, review and implement Ship Security Plans, and test SSAS before entering high-risk areas.
* **Crew Briefing:** Crew must be briefed on emergency response procedures and contingency measures for threats like missiles, drones, and sea mines.
* **Reporting Suspicious Activity:** Masters and Company Security Officers (CSOs) are directed to immediately report any suspicious activity, security threat, or incident to the DGComm Centre.
* **Contact Information:** Important contact numbers for DGComm Centre and IFC-IOR are provided for 24x7 assistance.
* **Proactive Security Stance:** Stakeholders are advised to maintain a proactive stance towards security, enhancing preparedness through regular reviews and training.
**DGS Circular No. 08 of 2024 (Online Ship Reporting for Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Bab al Mandeb Strait, Red Sea, Somali Basin, and Arabian Sea Region)**
* **Purpose of Circular:** This advisory is issued to simplify and enhance the mechanism for reporting and tracking maritime activities in sensitive regions to safeguard merchant ships, their crew, and maritime trade.
* **Introduction of Online Ship Reporting Form:** A dedicated online Ship Reporting Form has been established to streamline the reporting process and create a robust database for monitoring and swift response to maritime security threats.
* **Reporting Protocol:**
* **Daily Reporting:** All vessels transiting the aforementioned areas are requested to submit their details daily via the online Ship Reporting Form.
* **No Requirement for Annexure I Position Reports:** Daily reporting via the online link supersedes the requirement to forward position reports specified in Annexure I of DGS Circular No. 27 of 2023.
* **Communication Protocol (in case of a maritime security incident):**
* **Contact Warships:** Contact nearest Indian Navy vessel and coalition warship via VHF Channel 16 to provide location, situation, intended course, and seek guidance.
* **Inform CSO:** Inform the CSO, who should convey information via phone/WhatsApp to DGComm Centre and IFC-IOR.
* **Inform Other Agencies:** Inform the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and other relevant agencies.
* **First Information Report:** Transmit a first information report to the DGComm Centre as soon as the situation allows.
* **Heightened Security Risks:** CSOs, Vessels, and masters must consider heightened security risks and adhere to practices and precautionary measures specified in previous DGS Circulars (No. 25 of 2023 and No. 27 of 2023).
* **Weekly Maritime Security Updates:** Stakeholders should refer to the IFC-IOR website for weekly updates on security incidents worldwide.
* **Ship Security Drills:** Comprehensive ship-shore security drills encompassing various scenarios are advised, including piracy and loitering munitions threats.
* **SSAS Testing:** SSAS testing is recommended before transiting through the regions.
* **Reporting Suspicious Incidents:** Any suspicious incident, even if not directly affecting the vessel, should be reported to the DGComm Centre with a copy to IFC-IOR.
**Impact Analysis**
**Ship Owners**
* **Impact:** Increased responsibility for ensuring vessel and crew safety in high-risk maritime areas. Requirement for comprehensive risk assessments, enhanced security measures, and adherence to strict reporting protocols.
* **Action Required:** Conduct voyage-specific risk assessments, implement enhanced security measures, ensure SSAS is tested, conduct security drills, comply with daily reporting requirements via the online form, and report any incidents or suspicious activity immediately.
**Ship Managers**
* **Impact:** Direct oversight of vessel operations, crew safety, and compliance with security directives. Need to ensure all security plans and procedures are up-to-date and effectively implemented.
* **Action Required:** Ensure compliance with all security measures and reporting protocols for vessels under their management. Brief crew on emergency procedures and contingency plans.
**Ship Masters**
* **Impact:** Immediate responsibility for the safety and security of the vessel and crew. Must actively manage security during transit, conduct drills, and report incidents.
* **Action Required:** Implement enhanced security posture, conduct security drills, test SSAS, perform voyage-specific risk assessments, monitor advisories, ensure crew briefing, and report any suspicious activity or incident promptly.
**Seafarers**
* **Impact:** Direct involvement in security procedures and emergency response. Need to be aware of increased security risks and follow established protocols.
* **Action Required:** Participate in security drills, be vigilant for suspicious activities, follow emergency response procedures, and adhere to instructions from the Master and security officers.
**Shipping Agents**
* **Impact:** Facilitating communication and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements for vessels they represent.
* **Action Required:** Ensure that ship owners and managers are aware of and comply with all circulars and reporting obligations.
**Recognised Organisations & Recognised Security Organisations**
* **Impact:** Potential need to review and update Ship Security Plans (SSPs) and conduct assessments in light of the heightened security concerns.
* **Action Required:** Review and ensure the implementation of Ship Security Plans. Provide guidance and support for security-related measures.
**Coastal Indian States / Administrations of Union Territories and State Maritime Boards**
* **Impact:** Need to be aware of and support the implementation of these directives within their jurisdictions.
* **Action Required:** Facilitate the dissemination of information and support compliance efforts within their respective maritime domains.
**Indian Navy**
* **Impact:** Increased engagement in monitoring maritime security and responding to reported incidents in the specified regions.
* **Action Required:** Maintain readiness to respond to incidents and coordinate with DGComm Centre and IFC-IOR based on reported information.
**DGComm Centre & IFC-IOR**
* **Impact:** Increased workload related to receiving, processing, and disseminating maritime security information and coordinating responses.
* **Action Required:** Maintain 24x7 operations to receive reports, monitor maritime traffic, and coordinate with relevant agencies.
**Charterers**
* **Impact:** Requirement to consider security implications in voyage planning and potentially influence operational decisions based on security assessments.
* **Action Required:** Ensure that security considerations are integrated into voyage planning and that vessels they charter are compliant with the directives.
Key Entities Referenced
DGS Circular No. 08 of 2026: The primary circular providing advisory on security situation in Iran, Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf and Adjacent Waters.
DGS Circular No. 08 of 2024: Circular introducing online ship reporting for the Persian Gulf and surrounding regions.
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SHIPPING, MUMBAI: The issuing authority for the circulars.
DGComm Centre: A key contact point for reporting maritime security incidents and communication.
IFC-IOR: Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region, a contact for maritime security updates and reporting.
भारत सरकार/ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
प(न,पोत प+रवहन और जलमाग3 मं5ालय
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
नौवहन महािनदेशालय, मुंबई
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SHIPPING,
MUMBAI
F. No. File No: 28-11/3/2023-MSB Date -28.02.2026
DGS Circular No. 08 of 2026
Sub.: Advisory to Indian Flag Vessels and Indian Seafarers regarding escalation of
Security Situation in Iran, Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf and Adjacent Waters –
reg.
For the attention of Ship Owners, Ship Managers, Shipping Agents, RPSL Agents, Ship
Masters, Seafarers, Charterers, Recognised Organisation & Recognised Security
Organisation, Coastal Indian States including Administrations of Union territories and State
Maritime Boards.
1. The Directorate has been closely monitoring the recent escalation of hostilities and
security developments in and around Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf and adjoining
region following recent attacks and the consequent rise in regional tensions.
2. All vessels operating in or near the region are urged to conduct comprehensive ship
shore security drills encompassing all pertinent security scenarios, including loitering
munitions, USV and similar threats. Additionally, Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) testing
may be undertaken before transiting through the regions above. These proactive measures are
essential for ensuring the preparedness of the crew and the operational readiness of security
systems on board.
3. Ship owners, operators and charterers shall undertake a comprehensive voyage specific
risk assessment prior to planning any transit through the above region.
4. All vessels transiting or operating in the wider region shall strictly comply with the
reporting and communication protocol prescribed in DGS Circular No. 08 of 2024
dated 10.04.2024. The said Circular mandates daily reporting through the online Ship
Reporting Form and prescribes detailed communication procedures with DGComm Centre,
IFC-IOR, Indian Navy and other relevant agencies in the event of any maritime security
incident (copy enclosed).
Page 1 of 25. In the event that a vessel is already operating within the region or currently under transit
at the time of issuance of this Circular, the following measures shall be ensured:-
5.1. The Master or Company Security Officer shall immediately ensure updated reporting
in accordance with DGS Circular No. 08 of 2024.
5.2. In addition, the Company Security Officer shall email the DGComm Centre with full
particulars of the vessel and crew list.
5.3. Enhanced security posture shall be maintained throughout the transit.
5.4. Continuous monitoring of navigational warnings and maritime security advisories
issued by DGComm Centre, IFC-IOR and other competent authorities shall be
ensured.
5.5. Ship Security Plans shall be reviewed and implemented in full.
5.6. Ship Security Alert System testing shall be undertaken prior to entering the High Risk
Area.
5.7. Crew shall be briefed regarding emergency response procedures, including
contingency measures in case of missile, drone, sea mines or asymmetric threa ts.
6. Masters and Company Security Officers are directed to immediately report any suspicious
activity, security threat, interception, electronic interference, GNSS disruption, hostile
approach, or incident of any nature to the DGComm Centre at the earliest opportunity.
7. Important Contact Numbers
Following centres are manned 24x7:-
Ø DGComm Centre (dgcommcentre-dgs@nic.in) Whatsapp, i.e., +91 8657549760.
(Alternative numbers: +91 22 22613606 / +91 8657549760 / +91 8657549752).
Ø IFC_IOR (ifc-ior.gurugram@navy.gov.in) Whatsapp, i.e., +91 7428963733.
(Alternative number: Landline: +91-124-2208385)
8. All stakeholders are advised to maintain a proactive stance towards security, constantly
enhancing their preparedness to face evolving maritime security challenges through regular
reviews and training. Accordingly, collective vigilance and adherence to the security
SOPs/advisories are crucial for mitigating these varied and significant threats.
This is issued with the approval of the Director General of Shipping.
(Capt. Anish Joseph)
Deputy Nautical Adviser - cum -
Sr. Dy. Director General [Tech / Maritime Security]
anish-dgs@gov.in
Note - The underlined blue content in the circular indicates hyperlinks to the relevant online
content on the respective website.
Page 2 of 2भारत सरकार/ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
पत्तन,पोत पररवहन और जलमार्ग मंत्रालय
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
नौवहन महाननदेशालय, म ंबई
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SHIPPING,
MUMBAI
F. No. File No: 28-11/3/2023-MSB Date -10.04.2024
DGS Circular No. 08 of 2024
Sub.: Introduction of Online Ship Reporting for the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz,
Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Bab al Mandeb Strait, Red Sea, Somali
Basin, and Arabian Sea Region - reg.
For the attention of Ship Owners, Ship Managers, Shipping Agents, RPSL Agents, Ship
Masters, Seafarers, Charterers, Recognised Organisation & Recognised Security
Organisation, Coastal Indian States including Administrations of Union territories and State
Maritime Boards.
1. This advisory is issued in continuation to the DGS Circular No. 27 of 2023 dated
29.12.2023, and subsequent observations on maritime security in sensitive regions, including
the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Bab al Mandeb
Strait, Red Sea, Somali Basin, and Arabian Sea region. There was a need to further simplify
and enhance the mechanism for reporting and tracking maritime activities to safeguard the
interests of merchant ships, their crew, and maritime trade flows.
2. Due to the increasing number of vessels reporting to the Information Fusion Centre-
Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) and DG Comm Centre in pursuance to the aforesaid DGS
Circular, a dedicated online Ship Reporting Form has been established. This form aims to
streamline the reporting process and ensure a robust database for efficient monitoring and swift
response to any maritime security threat.
3. Accordingly, in the event of any incidents or security escalation due to incidents in the
Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Bab al Mandeb Strait, Red Sea,
Somali Basin, and Arabian Sea region, the reporting and communication protocol to be
maintained is as follows:
3.1. Reporting Protocol
3.1.1. All vessels transiting through the aforementioned areas are requested to submit their
details daily via the online Ship Reporting Form, which can be accessed at
http://117.219.8.190/ifcior/.
Page 1 of 33.1.2. This measure is critical for maintaining a comprehensive and up-to-date vessel
database, which will facilitate easier tracking and coordination at the Centre if the
Indian Navy is required to respond to the incident.
3.1.3. Accordingly, there is no requirement to forward the position report specified in
Annexure I of DGS Circular No. 27 of 2023 dated 29 December 2023, as the daily
reporting using the online link will take care of the same.
3.2. Communication Protocol
In the event of a maritime security incident, the following procedure is advised:-
3.2.1. Contact the nearest Indian Navy vessel and coalition warship using VHF Channel 16,
provide the current location, describe the situation, communicate the intended course
of action, and seek further guidance.
3.2.2. Inform the CSO of the vessel, who can convey the information immediately by
phone/WhatsApp, preferably to the following centres, which are manned 24x7 :
DGComm Centre (dgcommcentre-dgs@nic.in) Whatsapp, i.e., +91 8657549760.
(Alternative numbers: +91 22 22613606 / +91 8657549760 / +91 8657549752).
IFC_IOR (ifc-ior.gurugram@navy.gov.in) Whatsapp, i.e., +91 7428963733.
(Alternative number: Landline: +91-124-2208385)
3.2.3. Inform the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and other
applicable agencies/organisations relevant to the region and type of occurrence (such
as MRCC, etc).
3.2.4. As soon as the situation allows, a first information report should be transmitted to the
DGComm Centre.
4. Furthermore, all CSOs, Vessels and masters must consider the heightened security risks
given the current scenario. In addition to the daily reporting through the online form, the
practices and precautionary measures specified in DGS Circular No. 25 of 2023 dated
05.12.2023, DGS Circular No. 27 of 2023 dated 29.12.2023 and the SOPs/advisories/Best
Management Practices therein are to be adhered with.
5. Weekly Maritime Security Updates, as available on the IFC-IOR website, must also be
referred to obtain the weekly list of security incidents occurring worldwide.
Page 2 of 36. In light of the prevailing security concerns, it is advised to conduct comprehensive ship
shore security drills encompassing all pertinent security scenarios, including but not limited to
piracy and loitering munitions threats. Additionally, Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) testing
may be undertaken before transiting through the regions above. These proactive measures are
essential for ensuring the preparedness of the crew and the operational readiness of security
systems on board.
7. All stakeholders are advised to maintain a proactive stance towards security, constantly
enhancing their preparedness to face evolving maritime security challenges through regular
reviews and training. Accordingly, collective vigilance and adherence to the security
SOPs/advisories are crucial for mitigating these varied and significant threats.
8. Any incident of a suspicious nature not affecting the vessel may also be, therefore,
reported to the DGComm Centre (dgcommcentre-dgs@nic.in) with a copy to IFC-IOR (ifc-
ior.gurugram@navy.gov.in).
This is issued with the approval of the Director General of Shipping.
(Capt. Anish Joseph)
Deputy Nautical Adviser - cum -
Sr. Dy. Director General [Tech / Maritime Security]
anish-dgs@gov.in
Note - The underlined blue content in the circular indicates hyperlinks to the relevant online
content on the respective website.
Page 3 of 3