Indian seafarers not to be deployed in conflict zones: DGS, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has advised maritime recruitment and placement agencies against deploying Indian seafarers in conflict zones until further notice.
• This advisory follows the death of three Indian seafarers on June 10, 2026, aboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman due to a U.S. strike.
• U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strike on MT Settebello was part of an ongoing U.S. blockade against Iran for alleged violation of sanctions by transporting Iranian oil.
• Two other vessels with Indian crew, MT Marivex and MT Jalveer, were also disabled by U.S. forces in the Gulf of Oman on June 8 and June 10, 2026, respectively, for similar reasons.
• India lodged a strong protest with the U.S. Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission regarding the incident involving MT Settebello.

Detailed Insights:

• The DGS advisory specifically prohibits Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) companies and shipping companies from deploying seafarers to conflict areas.
• Emergency crew changes are permitted in exceptional situations, provided the crew members give their consent.
• The incidents occurred in the Gulf of Oman and near the Strait of Hormuz, which are critical maritime corridors for global oil trade.
• The U.S. blockade against Iran, which began on April 13, 2026, aims to prevent oil shipments from Iran.
• The DGS has directed masters of vessels operating in or transiting through the Gulf region to maintain heightened security awareness and closely monitor navigational warnings.
• The DGS is actively coordinating with various Indian Ministries, the Indian Navy, and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.
• The escalating tensions in the region, involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, have significantly increased risks for commercial shipping.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Directorate General of Shipping (DGS): The Indian government body responsible for maritime administration, safety, and regulation of shipping.
• Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL): A mandatory license for agencies involved in recruiting and placing seafarers on vessels.
• Strait of Hormuz: A narrow, strategically vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, crucial for global oil and liquefied natural gas transit.
• U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM): A unified combatant command of the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for U.S. security interests in the Middle East.