NEW DELHI : Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, informed in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha that, reinforcing India’s commitment to the safety, welfare and rights of its seafarers, the Government has significantly strengthened the country’s maritime regulatory framework through the implementation of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, which came into force on March 15, 2026. The legislation modernises India’s maritime laws in line with contemporary international standards while introducing enhanced legal safeguards to protect Indian seafarers, particularly in an increasingly complex global security environment.
The new Act establishes a comprehensive statutory framework for safeguarding the rights and welfare of seafarers. It introduces legal protections for abandoned seafarers, strengthens the regulation and oversight of Recruitment and Placement Service (RPS) agencies, and provides a robust mechanism for implementing evolving international maritime labour standards, reinforcing India’s commitment to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and other global conventions.
Recognising the growing geopolitical tensions affecting international shipping routes, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has issued a series of advisories and circulars to safeguard Indian seafarers operating in conflict-sensitive maritime regions, particularly around Iran, the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
The advisories outline comprehensive precautionary measures, including heightened security vigilance, mandatory reporting requirements, round-the-clock emergency contact mechanisms, coordination with Indian Missions abroad, restrictions on deployment of Indian seafarers in identified conflict zones, emergency preparedness protocols, and dissemination of verified safety information to seafarers and maritime stakeholders.
Among the key measures issued during 2026 are advisories directing shipping companies to suspend deployment of Indian seafarers to Iran until further orders, urging seafarers already in the region to register with the Embassy of India and remain in constant contact with company representatives and Indian diplomatic missions. The DGMA has also mandated continuous monitoring of Indian crews in affected areas and immediate reporting of their status.
Special safety advisories issued for vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters require strict compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, establishment of 24×7 emergency response systems, enhanced liaison with Indian Missions, emergency preparedness drills, and provision of psychological counselling support to seafarers and their families wherever necessary.
To curb misinformation during periods of heightened security, the DGMA also issued a dedicated advisory directing maritime stakeholders and the seafarer community to refrain from circulating unverified information, rumours, fake videos or speculative reports on social media, and instead rely solely on authenticated information issued by official authorities.
Further advisories issued during April and June 2026 reiterated enhanced security protocols for Indian seafarers ashore in Iranian ports and onboard vessels operating in or around Iranian waters. Shipping companies and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) holders have been instructed to restrict deployment of Indian seafarers to conflict-affected areas, except for emergency crew changes undertaken with the seafarer’s consent, while ensuring continuous monitoring, reporting and dissemination of verified security updates.
To strengthen emergency response capabilities, the Government has also established a dedicated helpline for Indian seafarers requiring assistance. Shipping companies and maritime stakeholders have been directed to maintain emergency communication systems, coordinate closely with Indian Missions and Consular authorities, monitor official advisories on a real-time basis, facilitate assistance to affected seafarers, and provide timely support during distress situations.
The combined measures under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 and the DGMA’s proactive advisories reflect India’s comprehensive approach towards ensuring the safety, security and welfare of its seafarers while enhancing the resilience of the country’s maritime sector against emerging global security challenges.
