Press Release - Safety and Security Measures for Indian Seafarers and Ships in the Persian Gulf Region Amid the Escalating Situation

भारत्सरकार/ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA पत्तन,पोत पररवहन्और िलमाग गमींत्रालय MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS नौवहन महाननदेशालय, मब ीं ई DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SHIPPING, MUMBAI File No.: 28-11/3/2023-MSB Date: 02.03.2026 Press Release Subject: Safety and Security Measures for Indian Seafarers and Ships in the Persian Gulf Region Amid the Escalating Situation The Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring the evolving maritime security situation in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and adjoining sea areas in light of recent regional and geopolitical developments, where reported threats have included missile and drone activity, electronic interference, and other maritime security concerns. 2. The Directorate has activated enhanced monitoring and security oversight, including the issuance of DGS Circular No’s. 08 and 09 of 2026 on maritime security and crew safety (as enclosed), real-time tracking of Indian-flagged vessels with increased reporting frequency and 24×7 monitoring through the MMDAC DGComm Centre. Mandatory reporting protocols have been prescribed for vessels, owners and managers, and close coordination is being maintained with the Indian Navy, Ministry of External Affairs, IFC-IOR, MRCC and Indian Missions. Shipping companies and RPSLs have also been advised to exercise due caution in crew deployment and to maintain regular communication with seafarers and their families. 3. As per the latest reports, there have been no confirmed instances of casualty, detention, or boarding involving Indian-flagged vessels. Monitoring and verification efforts remain ongoing and Indian-flagged vessels continue to operate in the region. 4. There have been four reported incidents involving Indian seafarers in the region, resulting in three casualties and one injured seafarer, all of whom were serving on board foreign-flagged vessels. The remaining crew members on board are safe and secure, and the Directorate, IFC– IOR, MRCC and other authorities are maintaining close coordination with all stakeholders to ensure their continued safety, well-being and timely support. All necessary support, assistance and facilitation are being extended to the affected seafarers and their families. 5. The Directorate has issued DGS Order No. 01 of 2026 constituting a dedicated “QUICK RESPONSE TEAM” to ensure timely coordination among all concerned authorities, enable immediate response to emerging situations, and facilitate prompt assistance and support to Indian seafarers and their families. (as enclosed) 6. The Stakeholders have been advised to maintain heightened vigilance and undertake voyage-specific risk assessments, and vessels operating in the region have been advised to maintain an enhanced security posture and bridge watch, ensure continuous communication readiness, and report any suspicious activity immediately, with transit through high-risk areas to be reviewed by operators based on prevailing conditions. 7. The Government of India remains fully committed to safeguarding the interests of Indian seafarers, merchant shipping and ensuring the security and resilience of India’s maritime operations during this period of heightened regional tension. ******* ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ बीटा बबल‍्ीींग,्9वी मींजिल,्आई थ कीं टेक््नो कैम्प्स,्काींिूर माग ग(पवू )ग,्मींबई –्400्042 Beta Building, 9th Flr., I-Think Techno Campus, Kanjur Marg (E) / Mumbai – 42 फोन/Tel.: 91-22-25752040/1/2/3, फैक््स/Fax.: 91-22-25752029/35 ई-मेल/E-mail : dgship-dgs@nic.in वबे साईट /Website: www.dgshipping.gov.inffi dgii \+1{ 'Irilrtfl qrfr (r6R / GovERN EI{T OF ll{DrA :, qtr{, ctd qft{fl sfu q-d{rrf {rrdq IlNtsrFY OF PORIII SHIP?IiG AID WAIEi$'AYS ir+aq rtrfrtnrsq, :H DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SHIPPING, MUMBAI F. No. 22-23012l2/2020-PER-DGS Date:02.03.2026 ORDER In view ofthe ongoing conflict situation in Iran and the wider Persian Gulf region has been deteriorating and the resultant challenges faced by lndian seafarers stranded in and around Persian Gulf region, it is imperative to ensure a timely, coordinated, and effective response to saleguard the welfare of tndian nationals in the maritime sector. Accordingly, a dedicated "QUICK RESPONSE TEAM" hereby constituted to carry out immediate response, evacuation coordination, and support functions, under the leadership ofCapt. P.C. Meena, Deputy Director General (Crew), Directorate General of Shipping, with support and guidance of Capt. Nitin Mukesh, Deputy Nautical Advisor, Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai. 2. The following oflicials are hereby detailed to be part of the core response team24X7 hours response team: -- Sr. Name of the Official Designation Contact Details. No. I Capt. P.C. Meena Deputy Director General of 7039363939 Shipping (Crew Branch), Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai 2 Capt. Nitin Mukesh Deputy Nautical Advisor, DGS 9883280303 2 Shri Sushil Mansingh Additional Director General of 9546345991 Khopde Shipping J Shri Shyam Director Ceneral of Shipping 94351 19100 Jagannathan W,- sff:tER{, +zr mq, qd Fi6 t{il ArT(, 6ig( fiq tc, aiggrf (5{) f<i- +ooorz gth Floor, BETA Bullding, l-Think T€chno Campus, Kanjur Village Road, )Gnjurmarg (E), Mumbai-40@42 gt{n"t Ho.: *gt-22-z st:o iol}nn} kiFax.: +91-z-2tls zOzeBs (+(arnail: dgshitrdg@ric.ln iqflle^,\bbsib, *vM.dgEhippl.E.gov.hTimelines - 0600 hours to 1800 hours Sr. Name of Designation Contact Responsibilities No, the Official Details. I Capt. Bipin Nautical Surveyor - cum - 98670 Overall Dhiman Deputy Director General of 02698 Coordination Shipping, Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai, 2 Shri Santosh Shipping Master / Director s320490825 Coordination with Kumar Gow. Shipping Office & all RPSL and Singh Seamen's Employment Office Shipping (Mumbai) companies and any other stakeholders Smt. Anita Assistant, Directorate General 9422779401 Support -) Sinha of Shipping, Mumbai 4 Ms. hajakta Upper Division Clerk, 96t96932ss Communication Patkar Seamens' Employment Office, with families and Mumbai NoKs 5 Shri Vipassi Upper Division Clerk, 7974690449 Support Bhamarkar Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai 6 Avinash Upper Division Clerk, 865273990't Support (lnt. Gaidhankar Directorate General of Coop.) Shipping, Mumbai Timeline - 1800 hours to 0600 hours Sr. Name of the Designation Contact Responsibilities No. Oflicial Details. I Major Asst. Director General of 96600 99646 Overall Coordination Anutosh Shipping, Directorate Singh General of Shipping, Mumbai 2 Shri Binish Deputy Director, DSEO, 9920s81232 Coordination with all Verma Chennai RPSL and Shipping companies J Shri Gaurav Deputy Superintendent 9769349502 Communication with Goel Gort. Shipping Office, families and NoKs Mumbai and RPSL/Shipping companies 4. Shri Upper Division Clerk, 85050 781 03 Support Dharmendra Directorate General of Kumar Shipping, Mumbai \rr+ H eff i'Ff,, fteI Rk,I, qri Ri6 fuff, 6ig{'fi-q tls, aig{qnf (Td) 5E{- +ooorz gth Floor, BETA Bu:Eing, l-Think Techno Campus, Kanjur \f llage Road, Kanjurmarg (E), Mumbai40(M2 dfil/re: No.: +91-22-2 575 ifr'trJrlz0 ik/Far: +9r-22-2575 20m/3s {+duErnall: dgshlpdg@nlc.ln iqflfgiwbb3lb' **.dgEhiPPing.gor.kr5 Shri Lower Division Clerk, 9993 16056 r Support Bhupender Seman employment Thakur office. Chennai 6 Shri Rishi Upper Division Clerk, 8862898378 support Raj DSEO, Kolkata 4. The 24x7 Contact Points for Seafarers - Crisis / Grievances Redressal Mechanism working in 3 shifts, according to the crisis assistance as required: - DGCOMM CENTRE FIRST POINT OF CONTACT FOR SEAFARERS' Sl,'PPORT EMAIL-sLr o11.d s ov.ll'l WhatsApp / Calls - +91 -9004048406 Sr. DG Comm Centre Contact number Duties Timelines No. I Somesh Kokate 84s 1998483 Receiving call and 0700 - 1500 hours emails and providing 2. Murari Rupesh 95187476t t immediate 1500 - 2200 hours support. 3 Yash Desai 9168269916 2200 - 0700 hours 4. The team shall coordinate closely with the office of the Director, Seamen's Employment Office (DSEO), RPSL Companies, Families, Shipping companies, trade unions, Indian Missions abroad, concerned port authorities, and other relevanl stakeholders to ensure timely communication, assistance, and safe evacuation of Indian seafarers impacted by the prevailing situation. 5. Capt. P.C. Meena in his capacity as DDG (Crew), shall be responsible for participating in the dedicated WhatsApp coordination group formed for the crisis and shall submit situation reports at three - hour intervals, detailing actions taken. developments observed, and the condition and location ofaffected seafarers. 6. All concemed offices and officials are directed to extend full cooperation with the above-named team to ensure uninterrupted and efficient execution of responsibilities during this critical period. This order shall remain effective until further instructions are issued by the Competent Authority based on the evolving situations and associated risks. 7. The entire team will be closely monitored by Shri Sushil Mansing Khopde, IPS, Addl. \hv Director General of Shipping. H sfi {Bm, fta RHq, qri Ri6 fu(, 6i9f ,fis trs, 6ig{qpf ($) jE{- moorz gth Floor, BEIA Bu:lding, l-Think T€cfino Campus, Kanjur \fllage Road, Ksnjurmarg (E), Mumbai4OOO42 IFlIne tlo.: +91-22-2 515 ?f!r,nn.B ik/Far.: +91-22-2ts mans {*ornrair: dgshrp{$(lnb.in tqsr{d/wbb6fio: ww.dg8hipprng.go/.in8. The team will meet daily at 0900 hrs and 1800 hrs, inespective ofGovemment holidays or non-working days or at any other time as determined by the competent authority and till further orders. [.,4-,^^,* tshri shyardfaosBiisthan I Director General of Shipping To, All the Officials as mentioned above. Copy to: l. Seoetary, The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways ll. DG Secretariat. lll. Office of Addl. DGS iv. PS to NA(i/c)/CS/CSS The Principal Officers, Mercantile Marine Departments (Mumbai/Chennai/Kolkata/Kandla,/Kochi) vi. The Shipping Master, Govt. Shipping Office, Mumbai vll. The Director, Seamens' Employment Office, Mumbai vlll. All Allied O{fices. lx. All Stakeholders through DG Website. d i'Ff,, frer mq, qri Rf6 -d Aq€, 6r{f{,fi-q trs, 6ig{crf ($) $r{- ooocz th Flmr, BEIA Building, l-Think Techno Campus, Kanjur \tllag6 Road, lGnjurmary (E), Mumbai4000{2 dHnel lo., .gt -z- 2575 2{!oA2B ik/Far.: €l-22-2575 mzgE,s {*trrnuir: ogshiFdg@riic.in *qgf{arueuo: *vrw.dgshlpdng.gw.hभारत 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 3F. 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.