Indian seafarers stranded on the west of Hormuz, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• India has issued an advisory against deploying Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating security risks.
• The advisory, from the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), targets shipping companies, ship managers, and recruitment agencies.
• Over 15,000 Indian seafarers are reportedly stranded in the region west of Hormuz.
• The directive follows recent attacks on merchant vessels, including MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, which resulted in Indian casualties.
• The DGMA has also mandated the creation of a real-time dashboard to track Indian seafarers operating in the affected areas.

Detailed Insights:

• The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global maritime chokepoint, through which approximately 20% of the world's oil consumption and 25% of seaborne oil trade passes annually.
• The heightened security concerns stem from ongoing US-Iran tensions, marked by a series of strikes and counter-strikes in the region.
• A previously established interim truce, known as the Memorandum of Understanding, between the US and Iran has collapsed, leading to renewed hostilities.
• India is a significant contributor to the global maritime workforce, providing an estimated 10-12% of the world's seafarers.
• Vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and adjoining waters are instructed to maintain heightened security vigilance and implement measures under the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code.
• The Forward Seamen’s Union of India has highlighted the challenges faced by Indian seafarers, particularly those working on foreign-flagged vessels where deployment decisions rest with international owners.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Strait of Hormuz: A narrow, strategically vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, essential for global oil and gas transit.
• Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA): India's primary regulatory authority for maritime affairs, responsible for the safety, security, and welfare of seafarers and shipping.
• International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code: An international maritime security framework developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to enhance the security of ships and port facilities.
• Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI): A prominent Indian trade union dedicated to protecting the interests and welfare of Indian seafarers.