Overview
The escalating tensions in the Middle East, due to the conflict between USA and Iran, have given rise to various maritime security concerns. The Directorate General of Shipping, India has been closely monitoring any developments in and around Iran, the Strait of Hormuz and the adjoining region, following the recent tensions in the region.
In lieu of the same, DG Shipping has issued the following Circulars/ Advisories for seafarers and other shipping stakeholders:
- DGS Circular No. 01 of 2026 (dated 14.01.2026): Advisory to Indian Seafarers and Shipping Stakeholders in view of MEA Advisory on Iran.
Key Directives:
- Citing the deteriorating security situation and continuing protests in Iran, all RPSL companies and shipping companies are hereby advised not to deploy or send Indian seafarers to Iran until further orders.
- Additionally, all Indian seafarers, and other maritime stakeholders in Iran advised to closely monitor the situation, adhere to safety protocols, and follow any official advisories circulated by the Embassy of India in Tehran.
Subsequently, based on the revised advisory issued by MEA dated 23.02.2026 reiterating the advisory of 14.01.2026.
- DGS Circular No. 08 of 2026 (dated 28.02.2026): Advisory to Indian Flag Vessels and Indian Seafarers regarding escalation of Security Situation in Iran, Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf and Adjacent Waters.
Key directives:
- It has been mandated that all Ship owners, charterers and owners shall conduct a detailed risk assessment, before planning transit through the specified region.
- All vessels operating in the region shall strictly comply with DGS Circular for reporting and communication protocol, which prescribed comprehensive communication procedures with like Indian Navy etc., in the event of any maritime security incident.
- All the vessels operating in or near the region have been urged to take proactive measures to ensure that the safety systems on board are ready and the crew is prepared for all pertinent security scenarios, including security drills.
- DGS Circular No. 09 of 2026 (dated 28.02.2026): Urgent Advisory to Indian Seafarers and Shipping Stakeholders in view of escalating situation in Iran.
Key directives:
- Pursuant to the pre-emptive strikes carried out in Tehran, Indian seafarers have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement, and co-ordinate with relevant authorities in order to facilitate safe departure from Iran.
- RPSL agencies to establish close co-ordination with Indian Missions or Consular authorities, for emergency evacuation.
On 02.03.2026 , DG Shipping also constituted a ‘Quick Response team’, to ensure timely coordination with relevant authorities and to facilitate prompt assistance in situations of distress.
- DGS Circular No. 10 of 2026 (dated 06.03.2026): Safety Advisory for Indian Seafarers and Shipping Stakeholders Onerating in the Persian Gulf. Strait of Hormuz and Adjacent Waters
Following the serious attacks on merchant vessels involving drone strikes and missiles, during transit through the Strait of Hormuz, an updated circular released by DG Shipping contained the following directives:
- Masters and crew members are requested to regularly monitor and report any suspicious activity/ security concern through established reporting channels.
- All RPSL companies to establish 24×7 communication channels, that are accessible to families of seafarers for constant and timely updates.
- To make arrangements for psychological counselling support for seafarers and their families experiencing anxiety or panic during the ongoing tensions.
Update 14 April 2026
- DGS Circular 11 of 2026 (dated 07.03.2026): Social Media Advisory to Maritime Stakeholders and Seafarer Community.
In order to avoid panic and distress among seafarers and their families, all stakeholders have been instructed to:
- Exercise restraint and responsibility while sharing information related to security development in the affected region.
- To refrain from forwarding unverified information.
- Circular 18 of 2026 (dated 08.04.2026): Advisory on Operational Measures in view of the evolving Middle East crisis and its impact on Maritime Trade
Key Directives:
Port-Level Concessions:
- All concessions approved by Port Authorities relating to detention charges, ground rent, reefer plug-in charges etc.- shall be directly and transparently passed on to the concerned stakeholders, who in turn shall reflect the same to the exporters.
- The routing of such adjustments through procedural reimbursements to be discontinued, effective immediately.
War Risk Premium (WRP)
- Shipping lines must ensure that any revisions in the WRP is transparently reflected in freight charges, and in alignment with GIC Hull War Risk dated 01.03.2026.
- DGS Circular No. 21 of 2026 (dated 07.04.2026): Safety Advisory for Indian Seafarers ashore. in Iranian ports. and on-board vessels at anchorages or operating in or around Iranian waters
In continuation of the earlier advisories, Indian seafarers are advised to:
- Indian seafarers who are ashore in Iran must remain at their current location for the next 48 hours. They should remain indoors, avoid all electrical and military installations as well as upper floors of multi-storey buildings, and coordinate any highway movement strictly with the Embassy of India.
- Seafarers are advised to remain calm and stay in continuous contact with company representatives.
Kindly note preferred correspondent details below:
GAC Shipping (India) Private Limited
E-mail: pandi.india@gac.com
Phone: +91-22-40307895
Reena D’souza
E-mail: reena.dsouza@gac.com
Mobile phone: +91 98 2077 7314
Prashant Chaudhary
E-mail: pandi.india@gac.com
Mobile phone: +91 86 5778 1838