Safety Advisory for Indian Seafarers and Shipping Stakeholders Operating in the Persian Gulf. Strait of Hormuz and Adjacent Waters - reg.

lffi, €D arrrt qrGT (r6R / GO\,E rmEt{T OF ND|A cff{, fr( qftTfi q-drqrf irmq ts?R III,ltsTTY OF PORNI, STIIPPIMi AIID IYAIEf,IVAYS fi-d6{ rorRaarFrq, :i+{ DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SHIPPING, MUMBAI F. No. 23-CIR/3/202S-CREW-DGS (C. No. 34882) Date:06.03.2026 Updated Advisorv DGS Circular l0 of 2026 Subiect: Safetv Advisory for Indian Seafarers and Shipoing Stakeholders Onerating in the Persian Gulf. Strait of Hormuz and Adiacent Waters - reg. Reference is made to the earlier advisories issued by this Directorate. Further, considering the recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Persian Gulf and during transit through the Strait of Hormuz, where vessels have reportedly been targeted by boats carrying drones, missiles and other asymmetric attack systems, the security situation in the region remains extremely sensitive and dangerous. 2. Recent incidents have highlighted the serious and evolving nature of threats faced by merchant vessels operating in the region. In one such incident, two seafarers were trapped inside the accommodation area when fire engulfed the accommodation from both sides. The only possible escape route was through the front portholes ofthe accommodation; however, it appears that there may not have been adequate provisions or equipment available to break the glass panels for emergency escape. 3. In another incident, a boat-mounted drone attack struck the engine room area, resulting in one seafarer being trapped inside the engine room without adequate time to escape or evacuate the compartment. In a separate but similar incident, another merchant vessel was attacked, which caused significant structural damage to the vessel's ballast tank and resulted in penetration olthe adjacent cargo tanks. 4. These incidents underline the serious nature ofevolving asymmetric threats such as drone attacks, missile strikes, and small craft-based attacks targeting merchant vessels operating in the region. 5. The Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in coordination with relevant national and intemational agencies, including maritime security authorities, Indian Missions abroad, and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers. ,\l H gfi'ihd, *d Rkir, qr{ Ri6 *q(, 6ig('f{ fu, 6igq3t(T{) jq{- +ooorz th Floor, BEIA Building, l-Think Tedrno Campus, Kanjur Mlleg€ Red, lGnjurmarg (E), Mumbai40ffX2 dHfrd No.: €1-22-25752(,ry1nfi k/Fax.: +01-22-257S zoaeAs {*O/Emdl: dg8hltrdg@rrk.ln iqfl{eruaodu: ww.dgshhplng.gov.ln6. In view ofthe heightened maritime security risks, all Indian seafarers working on board vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and nearby waters are advised to always maintain continuous vigilance and heightened situational awareness. 7. Masters and crew members are requested to ensure that a round-the-clock watch is maintained all around the vessel and in its vicinity in accordance with the provisions of the ISPS Code, particularly for suspicious small craft, unidentified boats, drone activity, missile threats, or any unusual movement around the vessel. Any suspicious activity or security concem should be reported immediately through the established reporting channels to ensure timely response. 8. Further, all RPSL companies and shipping companies, as communicated earlier, having their seafarers or vessels operating in the region are required to establish a 24x7 emergency contact mechanism to ensure immediate communication and assistance during crisis situations. These contact points should remain accessible to the families of seafarers for timely information and support, and companies are also required to maintain close liaison with the Indian Missions and Consular authorities in the respective countries to facilitate prompt assistance during distress situations. 9. Considering the prevailing security environment and the possibility that seafarers and their families may experience anxiety or panic during such incidents, companies are further advised to make arrangements for psychological counselling supporq where necessary. Shipping companies and RPSL agencies may consider establishing such support mechanisms either through in-house arrangements or by liaising with professional counselling agencies, so that seafarers and their families can receive appropriate guidance and reassurance during distress situations. 10. All stakeholders including ship owners, operators, RPSL companies, masters and seafarers are therefore advised to maintain heightened vigilance, ensure crew preparedness for emergency situations, and strictly comply with all maritime security advisories issued by the Directorate General of Shipping from time to time. l. I Continuous vigilance, preparedness and timely reporting remain essential to mitigate risks and safeguard the lives of seafarers and the safety ofvessels operating in the region. This advisory is issued with the approval ofthe Competent Authority Lb (Capt. M Dy. Director General of Shipping e{ 4hm, fta Rk1, 91( Rf6 2n} fu€, 6iqf ,iE f1g, 6ig(qFf(g{) $a{- ooorz gth Floor, BEIA Building, l-Think T€chno Campus, Kanjur \fllage Road, lGnjurmsrg (E), Mumbai'{00o42 t6ktne, r,ro.: €r-22-257si{xon2B (tffi/Fox.: €i-22-257s mzeEs {*damalr: dgshlpdg@ric.in iqmEamtuo: r**.dgEhF9he .gw.in