India restricts deployment of sailors to conflict zones, shipping authority issues fresh advisory & more related News Here

Days after three Indian sailors aboard MT Setebello were killed following a US military attack off the Oman coast, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has advised maritime recruitment and placement agencies to restrict deployment of Indian sailors to conflict areas until further orders.In a circular, the shipping regulator also directed ships operating or transiting in the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters, to maintain strict security vigil amid rising risks in the region, news agency PTI reported.“This Directorate further reiterates that all RPSL companies and shipping companies (maritime recruitment and placement agencies) are advised to restrict deployment or sending Indian sailors to conflict areas until further orders. However, companies may make crew changes in emergency situations with the consent of the crew members.”The circular said recent developments in the Gulf region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, have led to several security incidents involving merchant vessels carrying Indian sailors.It said the incidents involving MT Marivaux, MT Settebello and MV Jalveer in recent days have highlighted the increased risks to commercial vessels operating in the region.The DGS advised owners of vessels operating in or transiting through the area to increase security awareness, closely monitor navigational warnings and advisories issued by security agencies, and implement all applicable ship security measures and company security procedures.The regulator said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Navy, Indian Missions abroad and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.The circular also asks maritime companies and stakeholders to exercise the highest level of vigilance and precautions while operating in conflict areas.The advisory comes as India summoned the US charge d’affaires to strongly protest against the US military attack on a commercial ship off the Oman coast on Wednesday that left three of the 24 Indian crew members missing.The Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday condemning the attack.It said, “We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman this morning. Out of the 24 Indian crew on board, 21 Indians have been rescued so far and three Indians are reportedly missing.”The incident occurred amid renewed hostilities between Iran and Israel.