India sets up quick response team to protect seafarers, Indian flag ships amid Mideast tensions
Shipping companies and recruitment and placement service licensees have been advised to exercise caution in crew deployment and maintain regular communication with seafarers and their families.
India has put in place enhanced measures and set up a quick response team to ensure the safety and welfare of its seafarers and Indian flag-bearing ships in response to reported threats in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and adjoining sea areas.
India's Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has activated enhanced monitoring and security oversight in respect to Indian seafarers and Indian-flag ships, an official statement said.
The DGS has also initiated real-time tracking of Indian-flagged vessels with increased reporting frequency, and established 24×7 monitoring. Mandatory reporting protocols have also been prescribed for vessels and their owners and managers.
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Close coordination is being maintained with the Indian Navy, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and Indian missions abroad.
Shipping companies and recruitment and placement service licensees have been advised to exercise caution in crew deployment and maintain regular communication with seafarers and their families.
"We remain in constant touch with relevant national and international agencies and are prepared to respond swiftly to any emerging development," reads the statement.
The Directorate, IFC-IOR, and other agencies are coordinating closely to ensure their safety and well-being. All necessary support and assistance are being extended to the affected seafarers and their families.
A dedicated Quick Response Team has been set up to enable timely coordination among authorities, ensure immediate response to emerging situations and facilitate prompt assistance to Indian seafarers and their families.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a review meeting yesterday (3 March) to assess the prevailing security environment in the Persian Gulf and examine its implications for Indian maritime assets and personnel.
During the meeting, the director general of shipping briefed the minister on the prevailing situation in the region and on current status of Indian flag ships and Indian seafarers in the region.
Speaking after the meeting, Sonowal said, "We are closely monitoring the evolving situation and have activated all necessary precautionary, monitoring
Vessels operating in the region have been directed to maintain an enhanced security posture and bridge watch, ensure continuous communication readiness and report suspicious activity immediately.
