Pratik Bijlani
In response to the rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East and the growing risks to maritime operations, the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), in coordination with the International Maritime Federation (IMF), convened an urgent emergency meeting on 2nd March, to assess the implications of the escalating Iran–Israel conflict on global shipping and the safety of seafarers.
The virtual meeting brought together a wide cross-section of maritime stakeholders including RPSL companies, shipowners, vessel operators, Masters, manning agents, and union representatives. The discussion focused on the evolving security situation in the Middle East, particularly incidents reported near the Strait of Hormuz, and the potential risks faced by vessels transiting the region. Participants emphasized the need for timely communication, intelligence sharing, and coordinated action to protect crews working in high-risk waters.
At the outset, stakeholders were briefed on the rapidly changing operational environment, with increasing geopolitical tensions creating uncertainty for vessels operating near conflict-affected areas. The meeting aimed to assess immediate risks to maritime operations and identify coordination gaps among shipowners, RPSL companies, manning agencies, and authorities. Participants were encouraged to focus on solutions rather than assigning blame while working towards a unified response framework, prioritised action points, and coordinated engagement with government and diplomatic authorities to safeguard seafarer welfare.
During the discussion, Mr. Vivek Rastogi, Chairman of IMF, highlighted the urgent challenges facing Indian seafarers amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby regions including Oman, Dubai, and Kuwait. He noted that many vessels carrying multinational crews remain stranded while ports are increasingly congested and crew changes have become extremely difficult. With security risks rising and evacuation options limited, he stressed that the safety and welfare of seafarers must remain the foremost priority. Mr. Rastogi called on maritime stakeholders—including unions, RPSL companies, shipowners, and authorities—to work collectively and share practical solutions to stabilise operations during the crisis.
Mr. Chandrakant Yadav, Joint Secretary of FSUI, also addressed the worsening maritime situation, noting that the impact of the crisis is no longer confined to Iran but is spreading across major maritime hubs in the region. Speaking on behalf of FSUI, he highlighted the growing number of complaints received from seafarers regarding safety concerns and operational challenges. He stressed that communication with crews has become increasingly difficult and that adequate evacuation and support mechanisms are still lacking. Yadav urged stakeholders to work together in unity and take coordinated decisions to address the evolving situation.
Ms. Aishwarya Pilankar, Vice Chairman of IMF, emphasized the importance of coordinated action among maritime stakeholders and RPSL companies to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers deployed in the region. She stated, “RPSL companies must not become scapegoats in this crisis, but we all share a responsibility to ensure our seafarers are safe. The first step is knowing where our crew are, maintaining communication with them, and coordinating with authorities so that help can reach them when needed.” She encouraged companies to identify vessels on which their crew are deployed and share crew location data with authorities to facilitate assistance if required.
Mr. Manoj Yadav, General Secretary of FSUI, highlighted the scale of the challenge, noting that thousands of Indian seafarers remain in potentially affected waters. “Nearly 23,000 Indian seafarers are currently operating in the conflict-affected region, and the situation is deteriorating. In a crisis like this, the most important step is to immediately compile accurate crew data and coordinate with embassies and authorities so that every seafarer can be located and protected,” he said.
The meeting concluded with a call for stronger coordination among unions, industry stakeholders, and government authorities to ensure the safety, communication, and support mechanisms necessary to protect seafarers navigating one of the world’s most strategically sensitive maritime regions.
Marex Media