On March 1, 2026, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) issued a critical safety advisory for all Indian seafarers operating in or near Iranian waters. This move comes after reports of increased tensions and potential blockades in the Middle East region. The government has asked all recruitment agencies and shipping companies to stop sending Indian crew members to Iran until further notice. This is a significant step taken to ensure the safety of Indian citizens working in the maritime sector.
The situation has escalated quickly over the last 24 hours, with reports of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The DGS has released Circular No. 08 and 09 of 2026 to enforce these new safety protocols. Families of seafarers are also being updated by authorities to keep them informed about the safety measures being put in place.
What are the new orders for shipping companies and crew?
The Directorate General of Shipping has laid down strict rules for Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) holders and shipping lines. The primary directive is a complete ban on the deployment of Indian seafarers to vessels bound for Iran. This rule is effective immediately and will remain in place until the security situation improves.
For those who are currently on land in Iran, the advisory is clear:
- Indian seafarers currently in Iran are urged to leave the country as soon as possible.
- They should use available commercial flights or other transport means to return to safety.
- Companies must not sign off any new crew members to join vessels in Iranian ports.
What safety measures must ships follow in the region?
Vessels flying the Indian flag and Indian sailors working on foreign ships have to follow enhanced security routines. The risk of “loitering munitions” or suicide drones has been highlighted by security agencies. To counter this, ships are required to conduct ship-shore security drills specifically designed to spot and handle drone threats.
Captains and crew members must also test their Ship Security Alert Systems (SSAS) before entering the region. There is a mandatory requirement to report the ship’s position daily via an online form to the DGComm Centre and the Indian Navy. This ensures that help can be coordinated quickly if any emergency arises while transiting through high-risk areas like the Strait of Hormuz.
How is this impacting flights and daily trade?
The tension in the region has spilled over into the aviation and economic sectors as well. Travelers are facing major disruptions as airspace restrictions have forced airlines to cancel or reroute planes. Delhi Airport saw over 100 flight cancellations, while Mumbai Airport reported around 125 cancellations recently.
The economic impact is also becoming visible:
- Oil Prices: The cost of Brent crude has jumped as markets react to the risk of supply cuts.
- Insurance Costs: Shipping companies are expecting a sharp rise in insurance premiums for voyages in the Persian Gulf.
- Ticket Prices: Airfares on alternative routes are likely to increase due to the sudden shortage of flights.
