After some time of peace, an atmosphere of unrest is again forming in West Asia. There is constant tension in the Gulf region. In view of the increasing conflict and security risks between America and Iran, many types of security instructions are being issued. Now the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has given strict instructions to ship owners and recruitment agencies to stop deploying Indian sailors on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders.
A circular issued by Nautical Surveyor and Deputy Director General (Technical) Ravi Singh Sikarwar said that ship owners, ship managers and Recruitment and Placement Services (RPSL) companies are directed to avoid deploying Indian sailors on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders.
Since the beginning of the crisis in the Gulf region, 9 Indians have died in West Asia while one is reported missing. 7 other Indians are injured. The circular also said that recent incidents of attacks on merchant vessels such as Mombasa B, Al Bahaya, GFS Galaxy, MT Wedyan and Al Reqayat have significantly increased the risk to seafarers and commercial vessels operating in conflict-affected areas.
"The security situation in the Persian Gulf region continues to be fragile. In view of the deteriorating situation here, including incidents of casualties among Indian sailors and frequent attacks on merchant vessels during the conflict, the DGMA is now taking enhanced precautionary measures to protect the interests of Indian sailors deployed on ships operating in the region," Sikarwar said in the circular.
DGMA in its order has also called for more vigilance towards security. It states that owners of vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters should maintain a high level of security, continuously monitor navigational alerts, security advisories and updates issued by competent authorities, and implement all applicable ship security measures, Ship Security Plans (SSP) and company security procedures in accordance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Should.
On this direction, Manoj Yadav, General Secretary of Forward Seamen Union of India, said, "Any step to deal with the crisis is welcome. But what steps are being taken to evacuate or provide safe passage to those people who are still trapped in the West Asia crisis?"
According to data released by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, 8 Indian ships are in the Persian Gulf (west of the Strait of Hormuz), carrying 171 Indian sailors. Data released two days ago on Wednesday evening showed that a total of 17 ships belonging to Indian nationals - including Indian-flagged and foreign-flagged ships visiting India, are still present in the Persian Gulf and have been marked for evacuation.
Till July 15, a total of 3,932 sailors have been evacuated safely from the troubled area by different shipping companies.
