In view of the growing maritime security crisis following the attacks on two merchant ships near the ‘Strait of Hormuz’ in West Asia, the Central Government has taken several important steps for the safety of Indian sailors.
New Delhi: Following the growing maritime security crisis in West Asia and the recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the Government of India has decided to implement a comprehensive strategy to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers. The Central Government has directed to strengthen 24-hour monitoring, real-time tracking and emergency assistance arrangements of every Indian seafarer working in the affected area.
Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal directed officials at a high-level review meeting that the safety of Indian sailors serving on ships flagged by any country in West Asia will be the top priority. The government has clarified that many new arrangements will be implemented to provide immediate assistance to every Indian seafarer in case of crisis.
Concern increased after attacks in Hormuz
This initiative of the government has come at a time when the attacks on two merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz have raised serious concerns about international maritime security. A total of 46 crew members were present in these incidents, including 30 Indian sailors. One Indian sailor died during the attacks, while several others were injured.
The government has expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and assured all possible assistance. Special arrangements are also being made for the treatment of the injured and their safe return.
Every Indian sailor will be under surveillance 24 hours
The government has directed the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) to prepare digital records of all Indian seafarers present in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. Under this, a special operational dashboard will be developed, in which the following information will be available in real-time –
- current location of the ship
- ship owner and operating company
- Number of Indian crew on board
- security risk level
- Travel route and next port
- Medical and emergency facilities available
- potential security threats
This will make it easier to take quick decisions in any emergency.
Liaison officer will be appointed for every sailor
The government has decided to appoint a Dedicated Liaison Officer for each affected Indian seafarer. This officer will maintain direct contact between the seaman and his family and assist in the following matters—
- health updates
- Hospital treatment information
- repatriation arrangements
- travel document
- Wages outstanding and contractual rights
- compensation process
- Information about seafarers welfare schemes
The purpose of this system is to provide continuous official and authentic information to families in times of crisis.
There will be coordination between many ministries and agenciesnew
In the review meeting, it was decided to maintain 24×7 coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Navy, Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Indian Embassies in Iran, Oman and United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Government wants that in case of any maritime emergency, various agencies can act jointly without delay. The government has directed that movement of ships passing through the affected maritime areas will now take place only after additional security assessment.
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