Delphine Estibeiro –
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has announced a series of urgent safety and security measures to protect Indian seafarers and vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and adjoining waters. The move comes amid escalating regional tensions marked by missile and drone activity, electronic interference, and maritime security threats.
According to the DGS, no Indian-flagged vessels have reported casualties, detention, or boarding incidents. However, four incidents involving Indian seafarers serving on foreign-flagged ships have resulted in three fatalities and one injury. Authorities are extending full support to the affected families while ensuring the safety of remaining crew members.
To strengthen preparedness, the Directorate has:
- Issued DGS Circulars 08 and 09 of 2026, mandating enhanced reporting, crew safety drills, and strict communication protocols.
- Established real-time vessel tracking with increased reporting frequency through the DGComm Centre.
- Directed shipping companies and RPSLs to maintain close communication with seafarers and their families.
In a decisive step, the DGS has constituted a dedicated Quick Response Team (QRT) under Capt. P.C. Meena, Deputy Director General (Crew), to coordinate immediate responses, evacuation support, and crisis communication. The QRT will operate round-the-clock, liaising with the Indian Navy, Ministry of External Affairs, IFC-IOR, MRCC, and Indian Missions abroad.
Stakeholders have been advised to maintain heightened vigilance, conduct voyage-specific risk assessments, and ensure continuous communication readiness. Vessels transiting high-risk areas are urged to adopt an enhanced security posture, with bridge watch and emergency drills against threats such as drones, missiles, and electronic interference.
The Government of India reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Indian seafarers and merchant shipping, emphasizing resilience and security of maritime operations during this volatile period.
Marex Media
Quick Response Team & Crisis Contacts
Core Response Team (24×7):
- Capt. P.C. Meena, DDG (Crew), DGS Mumbai — 7039363939
- Capt. Nitin Mukesh, Deputy Nautical Advisor, DGS — 9883280303
- Shri Sushil Mansingh Khopde, Addl. Director General of Shipping — 9546345991
- Shri Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping — 9435119100
Day Shift (0600–1800 hrs):
- Capt. Bipin Dhiman, DDG, DGS Mumbai — 9867002698 (Overall Coordination)
- Shri Santosh Kumar Singh, Shipping Master, Govt. Shipping Office — 9320490825 (RPSL/Company Coordination)
- Ms. Prajakta Patkar, UDC, Seamen’s Employment Office — 9619693255 (Family Communication)
- Additional support staff: Smt. Anita Sinha (9422779401), Shri Vipassi Bhamarkar (7974690449), Avinash Gaidhankar (8652739901)
Night Shift (1800–0600 hrs):
Major Anutosh Singh, Asst. Director General of Shipping — 9660099646 (Overall Coordination)
Shri Binish Verma, Deputy Director, DSEO Chennai — 9920581232 (RPSL/Company Coordination)Shri Gaurav Goel, Deputy Superintendent, Govt. Shipping Office — 9769349502 (Family Communication)Additional support staff: Shri Dharmendra Kumar (8505078103), Shri Bhupender Thakur (9993160561), Shri Rishi Raj (8862898378)
DGComm Centre – First Point of Contact:
Yash Desai — 9168269916 (2200–0700 hrs)
Email: support.dgs@gov.in
WhatsApp/Calls: +91 9004048406
Duty Officers:
• Somesh Kokate — 8451998483 (0700–1500 hrs)
• Murari Rupesh — 9518747611 (1500–2200 hrs)
• Yash Desai — 9168269916 (2200–0700 hrs)