India’s big step on Hormuz tension: DGS issues high alert for 18,000 sailors

Amidst the ongoing tension in the Middle East, continuous attacks on commercial ships have increased security concerns. In view of this, India has issued a new advisory related to maritime security for about 18,000 Indian sailors working around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. In its advisory, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has directed ships and their crews operating in Iranian waters, the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf to remain more vigilant amid the increasing threats. The advisory has been issued following three recent attacks on commercial ships with Indian crew members; These include a fatal incident off the coast of Oman, in which three sailors were killed. 

Sailors were reported missing after the attack on the tanker. America said that this tanker contained Iranian oil and it did not follow the instructions of the US Army. According to government estimates, 622 Indian sailors on 13 Indian-flagged ships are currently serving in the waters west and east of the Strait of Hormuz. About 18,000 Indian citizens work on hundreds of commercial ships flying flags of other countries in the Gulf region. Because of this, India is also among the countries most affected by the deteriorating maritime security situation. Under the new advisory, ship operators, owners and captains have been directed to conduct full security drills, test the ‘Ship Security Alert System’ (SSAS), maintain close watch, closely monitor navigational warnings and strictly follow reporting and communication rules. 

Drone in advisory, It has also been asked to remain constantly alert against emerging threats like missiles, loitering munitions and unmanned maritime vessels. The DGS has directed ships and their crew to immediately report any suspicious activity, security threat or maritime incident to the relevant Indian authorities, including the DGComm Center and the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). India ranks second in the world in terms of the number of seafarers; About 3.2 lakh Indian seafarers work on ships worldwide, making the safety of merchant shipping a vital national concern. Meanwhile, New Delhi has adopted a tough diplomatic stance after the recent attacks.