The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has advised maritime recruitment and placement agencies to restrict the deployment of Indian seafarers to conflict areas, in a circular issued after a US military strike killed three Indian crew members aboard the MT Settebello off the Oman coast. The advisory, reported by news agency PTI, directs all RPSL companies and shipping companies to restrict sending Indian seafarers to conflict zones until further orders, though emergency crew changes with crew consent remain permitted.
Operational Impact on Gulf Shipping
The DGS circular comes amid escalating risks in the Gulf region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, where recent security incidents have involved merchant vessels carrying Indian seafarers. The regulator advised masters of vessels operating in or passing through these waters to maintain heightened security awareness, monitor navigational warnings and advisories from security agencies, and implement all applicable ship security measures and company security procedures. This could affect crew availability and vessel schedules for shipping lines operating in the region, a critical chokepoint for global oil and container trade.
Background: The MT Settebello Incident
The advisory follows the killing of three Indian seafarers onboard MT Settebello during a US military strike off the Oman coast. Of the 24 Indian crew members, 21 were rescued and three remain missing, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). India summoned the US charge d'affaires to strongly protest the attack. The MEA condemned the attack, stating: "We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today." The incident occurred amid renewed hostilities between Iran and Israel, raising broader regional security concerns.
Specific Advisory Measures
The DGS circular, titled as per PTI, explicitly states: "This Directorate further reiterates that all RPSL companies and shipping companies (maritime recruitment and placement agencies) are advised to restrict deployment or send Indian seafarers to conflict areas until further orders. However, companies may carry out crew change in emergency situations with the consent of crew members." The regulator cited recent incidents involving MT Marivex, MT Settebello, and MV Jalveer as examples of the increasing risks faced by commercial ships in the region. The DGS said it is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy, Indian missions abroad, and other stakeholders.
Implications for Shippers and Operators
For ocean carriers and logistics operators with Indian crew on vessels transiting the Gulf, this advisory may lead to crew shortages or delays in crew changes. Shipping companies must exercise the "highest degree of vigilance and caution" while operating in conflict zones, as per the circular. Freight forwarders and shippers using routes through the Strait of Hormuz should anticipate potential schedule disruptions and increased insurance premiums. The advisory does not specify a timeframe for lifting the restrictions, leaving it depending on the evolving security situation.
Watch List
Key factors to monitor include additional advisories from the DGS, the trajectory of Iran-Israel hostilities, and any further security incidents in the Gulf. The MEA's engagement with the US over the attack may also influence future maritime security protocols. Shipping lines should prepare for extended operational constraints in the region until the DGS deems it safe to resume normal crew deployments.
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