Indian Seafarers in the Persian Gulf: What DGS Says and What You Must Do Now

The maritime crisis in the Persian Gulf is not background news. It is a direct threat to Indian seafarers right now.

Since late February 2026, the escalating US-Iran-Israel conflict has made the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters a high-risk zone. Drone attacks, missile strikes on merchant vessels, and electronic interference have been confirmed. Three Indian seafarers have lost their lives. One was injured. These were on foreign-flagged vessels.

DGS has responded with an unprecedented series of circulars and a dedicated Quick Response Team.

What DGS Has Done

DGS Circular 01 of 2026 (January 14): Advised all RPSL companies and shipping companies not to deploy Indian seafarers to Iranian waters. Required maritime stakeholders to monitor crew safety.

DGS Circulars 08 and 09 of 2026 (February–March): Issued maritime security advisories. Banned new deployments to Iran. Advised seafarers in Iran to register with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and coordinate departure through official channels.

DGS Order No. 01 of 2026: Constituted a dedicated Quick Response Team (QRT) with 24x7 monitoring shifts.

DGS Circular 10 of 2026 (March 6): The most detailed advisory. Highlighted attack patterns — boat-mounted drones, missile strikes, ballast/cargo tank damage. Mandated:

• Round-the-clock ISPS-level watch
• 24x7 emergency contact mechanisms at company level
• Psychological counselling for crew and their families
• Real-time tracking with increased reporting frequency via MMDAC DGComm Centre

What This Means for You

If you are a seafarer currently operating near the Strait of Hormuz or Persian Gulf:

• Maintain ISPS watch at all times — not just during scheduled watches
• Limit shore leave to essential only
• Ensure your company has your emergency contact details updated
• Know your company’s 24x7 emergency line — call it if you feel unsafe
• Stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in the nearest Gulf country

If you are a family member of a seafarer in the region:

• Contact your seafarer’s shipping company for daily updates
• If you cannot reach your seafarer or the company, call DGS helpline: 9004048406
• Email: support.dgs@gov.in
• Psychological support is mandatory under current DGS directives — request it from the company

If you are an RPSL company or shipping company:

• You are prohibited from deploying new Indian seafarers to Iranian waters
• You must have a functional 24x7 emergency contact accessible to seafarers’ families
• Psychological counselling must be arranged, in-house or through professional agencies

The Bigger Picture

India relies on the Strait of Hormuz for approximately 80% of its energy imports. This crisis is not going away quickly. The DGS has activated the RELIEF scheme for exporters — but the human cost for seafarers is a separate, more urgent matter.

The industry’s response has been reactive. Proactive deployment policies, real mental health infrastructure onboard, and genuine family support systems are long overdue.

If you or your family is struggling mentally during this period, reach out. To SailorGPT at sailorsuccess.online/sailorgpt, to DGS, or to ISWAN (International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network). You are not alone and you are not expected to be fine.

Stay safe. Stay vigilant. Know your rights.