DG Shipping to monitor Indian seafarers irrespective of vessel flag: Sarbananda Sonowal

Directorate General of Shipping will monitor Indian seafarers in West Asia, irrespective of vessel flag, union ports, shipping, and waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said Tuesday. A dashboard providing real-time information on vessel position, ownership, cargo, crew strength, crew welfare, threat assessment, intended voyage, next port of call and the availability of food, fuel, medicines and communication facilities will be readied by the shipping regulator for the same.

“Every vessel movement through the affected region, must be undertaken only after a fresh threat assessment, the professional judgement of the ship's Master and close coordination with competent maritime authorities,”. Sonowal said.

Shipowners, vessel managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence agencies employing Indian seafarers in West Asia have been directed “to immediately furnish compliance reports and confirmation that no Indian seafarer is being compelled to sail without adequate information, protection and support.”


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These enhanced measures are aimed at safeguarding Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.

The minister gave these instructions during a high-level inter-ministerial review of the escalating maritime security crisis in West Asia following attacks on two merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

Sonowal directed that a dedicated liaison officer be appointed for every Indian seafarer impacted by the crisis. “Each liaison officer will serve as the single point of contact for families, coordinating medical updates, travel documentation, family assistance, repatriation, Seafarers Welfare Fund support, outstanding wages, contractual entitlements and other compensations,” an official statement said.

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