In response to the escalating maritime security situation in West Asia, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has directed the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to establish a real-time operational dashboard to track every Indian seafarer serving on vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, regardless of the ship’s flag.
The announcement follows recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, including MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, which together carried 30 Indian seafarers. The incidents resulted in the death of one Indian seafarer and injuries to several others.
The vessel-by-vessel dashboard will provide live information on vessel location, ownership, cargo, crew strength, crew welfare, threat levels, voyage details, next port of call and the availability of emergency support facilities.
Chairing a high-level inter-ministerial review meeting, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal directed officials to ensure that every Indian seafarer in the affected region is individually accounted for, stressing that the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers remains the government’s highest priority.
The minister also ordered the appointment of a dedicated liaison officer for every affected Indian seafarer to serve as the primary point of contact for families. These officers will coordinate medical updates, repatriation, travel documentation, welfare fund support, wage settlements, contractual entitlements and compensation claims.
The review meeting, attended by officials from MoPSW, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy, the Directorate General of Shipping, and Indian missions in Iran and Oman, assessed the evolving security environment and India’s emergency response mechanisms for safeguarding Indian seafarers.
The ministry further directed close coordination with Indian diplomatic missions in Iran, Oman and the UAE to obtain real-time updates on navigational safety, port access, medical evacuation, repatriation procedures and ongoing investigations.
Additionally, shipowners, vessel managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies employing Indian seafarers in the region have been instructed to submit compliance reports confirming that no Indian seafarer is being compelled to sail without adequate safety information, protection and support.
The government also reiterated its commitment to raising the issue at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and with relevant flag administrations, calling for stronger adherence to international conventions that protect civilian merchant vessels and seafarers operating in conflict-affected waters.
