Pratik Bijlani –
Amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region, the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) and the International Maritime Federation (IMF) jointly convened an urgent virtual meeting on 4 March titled “War Update: P&I Coverage Suspension + Stranded Seafarers.” The session followed an earlier emergency coordination meeting held on 2 March and aimed to assess the rapidly evolving situation resulting from the Iran–Israel conflict escalation 2026 and its growing impact on maritime operations and seafarer safety.
The meeting brought together maritime stakeholders, union representatives, and industry professionals to review developments affecting vessels operating in sensitive waters, particularly the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding Gulf areas. Discussions focused on concerns regarding the potential suspension of war-risk protection under Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance for ships operating in these zones, and the implications this may have for shipowners, operators, and Recruitment and Placement Services License (RPSL) companies.
Participants also examined the consequences of the wider region—including the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman—being designated as a High-Risk Area (HRA) under international maritime frameworks. Such a designation carries operational and welfare implications for crews, including enhanced security requirements, special wage provisions, and the right of seafarers to refuse assignments considered unsafe under certain circumstances. The meeting further reviewed updates from the Directorate General of Shipping, which has activated a 24/7 crisis coordination mechanism to monitor developments and respond to potential emergencies involving Indian seafarers in the region.
During the discussion, Mr Manoj Yadav, General Secretary of FSUI, highlighted the growing concerns regarding seafarers currently operating in the conflict-affected waters. He noted that the objective of the meeting was to gather expert views on the implications of recent announcements related to P&I insurance coverage and the High-Risk Area designation. Mr. Yadav also raised concerns about communication disruptions and documentation challenges faced by seafarers working in the region.
Mr. Yadav said, “Given the likelihood of a prolonged conflict, we must urgently understand the implications of the P&I announcements and prepare practical measures—especially evacuation planning and embassy coordination—to ensure that seafarers in the affected region receive timely support and protection.”
The FSUI has also written to Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, expressing concern over the safety of Indian seafarers stranded in high-risk ports such as Bandar Abbas and Sirri Island. According to the union, several seafarers are facing communication disruptions, supply shortages, and heightened security threats. The letter additionally referenced casualties involving the tanker MT Skylight and urged the government to coordinate evacuation efforts and consider ex-gratia compensation and support for affected families.
Addressing the meeting, Ms. Aishwarya Pilankar, Vice Chairman of IMF, advised RPSL companies and maritime stakeholders to urgently verify insurance coverage for seafarers operating in high-risk waters. She noted that many operators may not fall under International Bargaining Forum (IBF) or International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) agreements and therefore must proactively confirm coverage with vessel owners and insurers.
Ms. Pilankar said, “Whether you are covered under IBF, ITF or neither, the immediate priority is to confirm with your P&I insurers and vessel owners whether your seafarers are covered in the current high-risk area. Written confirmation is essential, because if coverage is denied or unclear, the responsibility may ultimately fall on the RPSL. We must document everything now and, if needed, collectively approach the authorities for clarity and possible compensation mechanisms.”
Additional perspectives were shared by maritime stakeholders including Mr. Vivek Rastogi, Chairman of the International Maritime Federation, who emphasized the need for shipowners to play a central role in evacuation and crew management decisions. Participants also highlighted practical solutions such as relocating vessels to safer waters rather than immediate repatriation, while acknowledging logistical challenges including limited flight availability from regional hubs like Muscat.
The meeting concluded with a shared recognition that coordinated action between government authorities, shipowners, unions, and maritime stakeholders will be essential to safeguard seafarers as the situation in the Gulf region continues to evolve.
Marex Media