Urgent Advisory to Indian Seafarers and Shipping Stakeholders in view of escalating situation in Iran – reg.

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.