The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has directed shipowners, ship managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence companies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders.

The Maritime Administration has issued an advisory on precautionary measures for the safety and security of Indian seafarers in view of the heightened security situation in the gulf region.

DGMA said that the recent incidents involving attacks on merchant vessels over the past few days have increased the risks faced by seafarers and commercial ships operating in the conflict-affected area significantly.

It said the safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers and the security of Indian ships remain central for the Directorate General of Maritime Administration.

For emergency assistance, the DGMA has asked seafarers and vessels to immediately contact the DG Communication Centre or the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region.