Sarbananda Sonowal Reviews Safety Preparedness for Indian Seafarers Amid Evolving - 28th July 2026 - Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways - Gazette Notification PDF
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on 28th July 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary
On July 28, 2026, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the safety preparedness of Indian seafarers operating in conflict-sensitive regions like West Asia and the Black Sea. The review established a 24x7 support system and emphasized inter-agency coordination to ensure the welfare of mariners amid evolving geopolitical tensions. Key directives include the integration of mental health support and the implementation of mandatory pre-departure orientation programs.
Key Points / Main Content
Inter-Agency Coordination and Monitoring
The review involved senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), and Heads of Indian Missions in countries including Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, and Ukraine.
Minister Sonowal directed all agencies to maintain constant coordination to respond swiftly to any maritime contingencies.
Diplomatic missions are tasked with monitoring prevailing security situations and maritime developments affecting Indian vessels.
24x7 Support and Welfare Infrastructure
The DGS operates a 24x7 Seafarer Grievance and Assistance Cell providing round-the-clock support to seafarers and their families.
Support services include dedicated helplines, information services, and formal grievance redressal mechanisms.
Mental health support and structured counseling services are now integrated into the national seafarer welfare framework.
Pre-Deployment Preparedness
Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees (RPSLs) are mandated to conduct structured pre-departure orientation programs.
Orientations focus on operational conditions, specific security protocols, and evolving geopolitical risks in deployment areas.
Transparent communication regarding operational risks is established as an essential requirement for pre-deployment preparation.
Impact Analysis
Indian SeafarersImpact
Seafarers will receive enhanced physical and psychological protection through improved risk awareness and 24x7 access to emergency assistance.
Action Required
Must attend mandatory pre-departure orientation programs and utilize the DGS grievance cell for reporting issues or seeking support.
Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees (RPSLs)Impact
They are now formally responsible for ensuring seafarers are fully briefed on geopolitical risks before deployment.
Action Required
Implement and conduct structured pre-departure orientation programs covering security protocols and regional operational conditions.
Indian Diplomatic MissionsImpact
Missions in conflict-sensitive regions (West Asia and Black Sea) have an elevated role in maritime safety and contingency response.
Action Required
Maintain proactive and integrated coordination with the MoPSW, DGS, and shipping companies to provide swift assistance to Indian mariners.
Families of SeafarersImpact
Families gain access to emotional support, timely information, and dedicated counseling services during the prolonged deployment of relatives in volatile regions.
Action Required
Utilize the 24x7 Seafarer Grievance and Assistance Cell and dedicated counseling services as needed.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW): The lead ministry responsible for reviewing and ensuring the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers serving in conflict-sensitive regions.
Sarbananda Sonowal: The Union Minister who directed the comprehensive safety review and instructed the integration of mental health support into the seafarer welfare framework.
24×7 Seafarer Grievance and Assistance Cell: A dedicated support system managed by the Directorate General of Shipping to provide round-the-clock assistance and grievance redressal for seafarers.
Directorate General of Shipping (DGS): The primary maritime regulator involved in coordinating safety protocols and managing pre-departure orientation programs for mariners.
West Asia and the Black Sea region: Key conflict-affected geographical areas central to the policy's focus on maritime security and diplomatic coordination.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Sarbananda Sonowal Reviews Safety
Preparedness for Indian Seafarers Amid Evolving
Geopolitical Situation
24×7 Support System in place to assist Indian Seafarers in
conflict-affected regions
Indian Missions Across West Asia and Black Sea Join
Centre's Seafarer Safety Review
प्रव तथ: 28 JUL 2026 9:43PM by PIB Delhi
As geopolitical tensions continue to impact key global shipping routes, Union Minister of Ports,
Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, today undertook a comprehensive review of
the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers serving aboard merchant vessels in conflict-sensitive regions,
reaffirming the Government's commitment to ensuring that every Indian mariner remains safe, informed
and supported.
The review brought together senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Directorate
General of Shipping (DGS), and Heads of Indian Missions from countries across West Asia and the Black
Sea region, including Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia and Ukraine. The Minister was briefed on the
prevailing security situation, maritime developments and the preparedness of Indian diplomatic missions
to respond swiftly to any contingency involving Indian seafarers.
During the meeting, Sarbananda Sonowal directed officials to maintain constant coordination across all
agencies and emphasised that the safety of Indian seafarers must remain the Government's foremost
priority. "No Indian seafarer should find himself caught in the crossfire of geopolitical conflict. Every
possible measure must be taken to safeguard our seafarers, support their families and ensure timely
assistance wherever required," Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.
The Directorate General of Shipping further informed the Minister that its 24×7 Seafarer Grievance and
Assistance Cell is fully operational, providing round-the-clock support to Indian seafarers and their
families through dedicated helplines, information services and grievance redressal mechanisms.
To strengthen preparedness before deployment, the Minister also reviewed initiatives to enhance
awareness among seafarers. The Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees (RPSLs) are being
engaged to conduct structured pre-departure orientation programmes, enabling seafarers to better
understand operational conditions, security protocols and evolving geopolitical risks in areas where they
may be deployed.Recognising the psychological impact of prolonged deployments in volatile regions, Sonowal directed that
mental health support be integrated into India's seafarer welfare framework. He called for structured
counselling services for both seafarers and their families and stressed that transparent communication on
operational risks must become an essential part of pre-deployment preparation.
"Our responsibility extends beyond ensuring physical safety. Seafarers and their families deserve timely
information, emotional support and complete transparency regarding the challenges they may face while
serving at sea. We must strengthen every aspect of our welfare ecosystem to stand firmly with our
maritime community during these uncertain times," Sonowal said.
The Minister also directed officials to maintain close coordination with Indian Missions abroad, shipping
companies, maritime authorities and all relevant stakeholders so that India's response mechanism remains
proactive, integrated and capable of responding swiftly.
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