DGMA asks shipping firms not to deploy Indian sailors in Strait of Hormuz
text_fields
Photo: IANS
The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has advised shipping companies to refrain from deploying Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, citing the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf region.
According to the Directorate General of Shipping, the directive, issued through DGMA Circular No. 36 of 2026, has been communicated to ship owners, ship managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies, Indian Express reported.
The advisory also asked masters of vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters to maintain a high level of security vigilance. It directed them to closely monitor navigational warnings, security advisories and updates issued by competent authorities, and to implement all applicable ship security measures, Ship Security Plans (SSP) and company security procedures in line with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
The advisory comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia following strikes by the US Central Command on Iranian targets and retaliatory attacks by Tehran on US facilities in the Gulf region. US President Donald Trump has also announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz for Iranian ships.
The move follows a recent incident in which an Indian seafarer went missing after a Cyprus-flagged vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz was targeted by Iran. His family confirmed his death on Tuesday. According to official figures, 13 Indian sailors have died in the region since the US-Iran conflict began on February 28.