Avoid deploying Indian sailors on vessels moving via Strait of Hormuz: DGMA to shipping companies - The HinduThe advisory came after the attacks this week on two vessels, in which 30 Indian seafarers were among a combined crew of 46Updated - July 17, 2026 03:07 am IST - New DelhiA visual of the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello, with 24 Indian seafarers on board, that was attacked by U.S. forces off the coast of Oman, near Strait of Hormuz | Photo Credit: ANIThe Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has directed ship owners, ship managers and recruitment and placement service companies to avoid deploying Indian sailors on vessels travelling through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders amid the West Asia crisis.In an advisory, the DGMA said masters of vessels operating in Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters shall maintain a heightened level of security vigilance. They are directed to monitor navigational warnings, security advisories and updates issued by the competent authorities, and implement all applicable ship security measures, in accordance with International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) code."Ship owners, ship managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies are directed to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages involving passage through the Strait of Hormuz until further order," it said.Dashboard for informationThe advisory came after the attacks on two vessels this week – MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa – in the Strait of Hormuz. They were carrying 30 Indian seafarers among a combined crew of 46. One Indian seafarer lost his life while another sustained injuries aboard MT Al Bahiyah. On MT Mombasa, nine Indian nationals were injured.The government on Tuesday had asked the shipping authority to set up a dashboard for providing real-time information about Indian seafarers on each vessel operating in the region, irrespective of the ship's flag.Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had asked the DGMA to establish a comprehensive vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard to account for every Indian on each vessel, irrespective of its flag, operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.Published - July 17, 2026 03:03 am ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }