New Delhi, Aug 7: India has repatriated 4,052 seafarers from the Gulf region and ensured the safe transit of 62 India-bound vessels through the Strait of Hormuz as authorities intensified maritime security measures in response to the evolving conflict in the Middle East. The government informed Parliament today that surveillance, emergency response systems and international coordination have been strengthened to safeguard Indian seafarers operating in high-risk waters.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that, as of August 3, a total of 62 India-bound vessels had successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz. Of these, 23 were Indian-flagged vessels, while 39 sailed under foreign flags.
The minister said the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has been progressively updating its advisories in view of the changing maritime security environment to enhance the safety and security of Indian seafarers amid the Middle East conflict.
Following renewed attacks on merchant vessels, the Directorate General of Shipping has mandated the implementation of full International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code security measures. It has also advised against deploying Indian seafarers on voyages transiting through the Gulf region.
Separate advisories have also been issued for Indian and foreign-flagged vessels carrying Indian seafarers operating in the Black Sea, requiring enhanced caution, voyage-specific security assessments, strict compliance with security advisories and immediate reporting of incidents. Similar directions have been issued for vessels operating in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, the southern Red Sea and adjoining Yemen waters, instructing shipowners and masters to exercise maximum caution, continuously monitor security developments and implement additional risk mitigation measures.
The minister said several measures have been introduced since the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz escalated. These include a dedicated 24×7 Control Room, maintenance of a live vessel-and-crew database and the issuance of a Situation Report (SITREP) every 24 hours to monitor vessel movements, Indian seafarers, incidents and casualties.
According to the minister, the DGMA has also developed an integrated digital platform featuring round-the-clock Marine Casualty Reporting, Crisis Management and Seafarer Grievance Redressal modules. The evolving security situation is being monitored through the DG Communication Centre in coordination with the Indian Navy, Flag States, coastal authorities, shipowners, ship managers, Recruitment and Placement Services Licence (RPSL) agencies and other stakeholders.
Sonowal said the DG Communication Centre (MMDAC), the central maritime distress and coordination node, operates round the clock alongside the dedicated control room. Vessels report through an online Ship Reporting Form, enabling authorities to maintain a live vessel-and-crew database. The eNavik Portal supports digital incident reporting, automated routing to relevant authorities and real-time tracking of response measures.
The minister added that the DGMA and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways are coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy and Indian missions abroad, while international coordination for evacuating stranded seafarers is being carried out with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the MICA Centre and coastal states. He also said welfare assistance is being extended to affected families, while Rs 10 lakh is released through the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society in cases of fatalities.
