**Executive Summary**
This advisory, dated February 28, 2026, reiterates and updates previous advisories regarding the deteriorating security situation in Iran. It urges Indian seafarers and shipping stakeholders to exercise extreme caution and follow all directives. All relevant parties are required to submit details of Indian seafarers in Iran by immediate effect and monitor official updates.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Escalating Situation in Iran and Previous Advisories**
* An advisory was issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on January 14, 2026, strongly advising Indian nationals to avoid travel to Iran due to security concerns and protests.
* The Embassy of India in Tehran advised Indian citizens in Iran to leave the country at the earliest.
* DG Shipping issued Circular No. 01 of 2026 on January 14, 2026, advising seafarers, RPSL companies, shipping companies, trade unions, and maritime stakeholders to monitor the safety of Indian crew in Iranian waters.
* RPSL companies and shipping companies were advised not to deploy or send Indian seafarers to Iran until further orders.
* Following a revised advisory from MEA on February 23, 2026, DG Shipping disseminated the MEA advisory, urging Indian-flagged vessels and Indian seafarers on foreign vessels in or transiting through the Strait of Hormuz to exercise utmost caution.
* Reports indicate that Israel has conducted pre-emptive strikes in Tehran and other areas of Iran, further escalating the situation.
**Directions for Indian Seafarers in Iran**
* Seafarers currently in Iran, including those awaiting joining vessels or repatriation, must remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement ashore.
* They must strictly follow advisories from the Embassy of India, Tehran, and MEA.
* Seafarers are requested to urgently register their details online or through family members with the Embassy of India, Tehran.
* They must adhere to safety protocols advised by local authorities.
* Coordination with RPSL companies, Shipping Companies, Trade Unions, or local agents is necessary to facilitate safe departure from Iran, where feasible.
**Requirements for Stakeholders**
* All RPSL Companies, Shipping Companies, Ship Owners, Managers, Agents, Seafarers' Unions, and other stakeholders must urgently submit details of all Indian seafarers currently in Iran, Iranian waters, or nearby areas to the Crew Branch via email at crews-dgs@gov.in, dgcommcentre-dgs@nic.in, or pcmeena-dgs@gov.in.
* All stakeholders are required to regularly monitor official updates from the Directorate General of Shipping (www.dgshipping.gov.in), the Ministry of External Affairs (www.mea.gov.in), and the Embassy of India, Tehran's official communications and social media.
**Contact Information**
* For assistance or emergency queries, the DG Communication Centre (MMDAC) can be contacted via email at dgcommcentre-dgs@nic.in or WhatsApp at +91 8657549760. Alternate numbers are +91 22 22613606, +91 8657549760, and +91 8657549752.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Seafarers Currently in Iran**
* **Impact:** Increased risk of being trapped, stranded, or otherwise affected due to the escalating security situation and potential pre-emptive strikes. Potential difficulties in movement and accessing essential services.
* **Action Required:** Remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movement ashore, strictly follow advisories from the Embassy of India, Tehran, and MEA, register details with the Embassy of India, Tehran, adhere to local safety protocols, and coordinate for safe departure.
**Indian Seafarers Awaiting Deployment or Repatriation in Iran**
* **Impact:** Similar risks to seafarers already in Iran, with added concerns regarding the fulfillment of joining duties or securing wages and safe repatriation.
* **Action Required:** Remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movement ashore, strictly follow advisories from the Embassy of India, Tehran, and MEA, register details with the Embassy of India, Tehran, adhere to local safety protocols, and coordinate for safe departure.
**Indian-Flagged Vessels and Indian Seafarers on Foreign Flag Vessels in Iranian Waters or Transiting the Strait of Hormuz**
* **Impact:** Exposure to heightened security risks and potential dangers in the region.
* **Action Required:** Exercise utmost caution while operating or navigating in the region.
**RPSL Companies and Shipping Companies**
* **Impact:** Increased responsibility for the safety and well-being of Indian seafarers, and the need to cease deploying personnel to Iran.
* **Action Required:** Closely monitor the safety, security, and status of Indian crew members, not deploy or send Indian seafarers to Iran until further orders, and coordinate for the safe departure of seafarers currently in Iran. Urgently submit details of all Indian seafarers currently in Iran, Iranian waters, or nearby areas.
**Trade Unions and Maritime Stakeholders (e.g., INSA, FOSMA, MASSA)**
* **Impact:** Need to stay informed and actively support the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.
* **Action Required:** Closely monitor the safety, security, and status of Indian crew members. Coordinate for the safe departure of seafarers currently in Iran. Urgently submit details of all Indian seafarers currently in Iran, Iranian waters, or nearby areas.
**Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Embassy of India, Tehran**
* **Impact:** Continued role in issuing advisories, providing assistance, and coordinating repatriation efforts.
* **Action Required:** Continue to monitor the situation and disseminate official updates and advisories. Provide contact details and assistance to Indian nationals.
Key Entities Referenced
DGS Circular 09 of 2026: The primary advisory document issued by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) detailing urgent safety measures for Indian seafarers and shipping stakeholders.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): The ministry that issued the initial advisories regarding the security situation in Iran, prompting DG Shipping's actions.
DGS Circular No. 01 of 2026: An earlier advisory issued by DG Shipping, referencing the MEA's advisory and providing specific guidance to seafarers and shipping companies.
Embassy of India, Tehran: The Indian diplomatic mission in Iran that has been issuing advisories to Indian citizens, including seafarers, regarding safety and departure from the country.
Iran: The location central to the advisory due to escalating security situations and protests, necessitating specific safety and travel warnings for Indian nationals.
F. No. 23-CIR/3/2025-CREW-DGS (C. No. 34882) Date: 28.02.2026
Advisory
DGS Circular 09 of 2026
Subject: Urgent Advisory to Indian Seafarers and Shipping Stakeholders in view of
escalating situation in Iran – reg.
Reference is made to the advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
dated 14.01.2026, wherein Indian nationals were 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 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, DG Shipping issued advisory vide DGS Circular No. 01 of 2026
dated 14.01.2026, advising all Indian seafarers, RPSL companies, shipping companies, trade
unions and maritime stakeholders including INSA, FOSMA, MASSA, etc., 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 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 orders.
3. Subsequently, based on the revised advisory issued by MEA dated 23.02.2026
reiterating the advisory of 14.01.2026, DG Shipping circulated the MEA advisory and further
disseminated the same through all official social media handles of DG Shipping. 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.
4. It is now reported that Israel has carried out pre-emptive strikes in Tehran and other
areas in Iran, leading to further escalation of the situation.
5. In view of the urgent developments and the possibility that Indian seafarers may be
trapped, stranded, or otherwise affected, the following directions are issued with immediate
effect:6. Indian seafarers presently in Iran, including those awaiting joining of vessels or
awaiting wages/safe repatriation after sign-off, are requested to:
a) Remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement ashore.
b) Strictly follow advisories issued by the Embassy of India, Tehran and MEA; and urgently
register their details online or through parents/family members with the Embassy of India,
Tehran.
c) Adhere to safety protocols advised by local authorities.
d) Coordinate through RPSL companies / Shipping Companies / Trade Unions / local agents
to facilitate safe departure from Iran, wherever feasible.
7. All RPSL Companies / Shipping Companies / Ship Owners / Managers / Agents /
Seafarers’ Unions / and all other stakeholders are hereby requested to urgently submit details
of all Indian seafarers currently in Iran, Iranian waters or nearby areas to the Crew Branch at:
crews-dgs@gov.in
dgcommcentre-dgs@nic.in
pcmeena-dgs@gov.in
7. All stakeholders are requested to regularly monitor official updates issued by:
a) Directorate General of Shipping – www.dgshipping.gov.in
b) Ministry of External Affairs – www.mea.gov.in
c) Embassy of India, Tehran – Official communications and social media handles.
5. For assistance or emergency queries, the DG Communication Centre may be contacted
at:
MMDAC (DG COMM CENTRE)
Email: dgcommcentre-dgs@nic.in
WhatsApp: +91 8657549760
Alternate Numbers: +91 22 22613606 / +91 8657549760 / +91 8657549752
This advisory is issued with the approval of the Competent Authority.
28.02.2026
(Capt. P.C. Meena)
Dy. Director General of ShippingF. 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.