The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) on February 28, 2026, issued the Advisory to Indian Seafarers and Shipping Stakeholders in view of the escalating situation in Iran.
The following has been stated:
• It issued an urgent advisory to Indian seafarers and maritime stakeholders due to the escalating security situation in Iran. It refers to advisories from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Embassy of India in Tehran, which have advised Indian nationals to avoid travel to Iran and those already there to leave at the earliest because of the deteriorating security conditions and protests in the country.
• The circular instructs shipping companies, RPSL agencies, trade unions, and maritime stakeholders to closely monitor the safety of Indian crew members working on vessels operating in Iranian waters or nearby regions. They are advised not to deploy Indian seafarers to Iran until further notice and to coordinate with authorities to ensure the safety and possible evacuation of those already present in the region.
• It further warns that the situation has intensified following reported military strikes in Tehran and other areas, which could leave seafarers stranded or at risk. Therefore, Indian-flagged vessels and Indian seafarers on foreign ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz or nearby waters must exercise extreme caution, maintain contact with authorities, and follow all advisories issued by the MEA and the Indian Embassy.
[Notification no. - 23-CIR/3/2025-CREW-DGS (C. No. 34882)]
