Pratik Bijlani –
The recent issuance of DGS Circular No. 31 of 2026 by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), advising caution and restricting the deployment of Indian seafarers to conflict-affected areas in and around the Strait of Hormuz, sparked an extensive discussion during a webinar jointly organized by the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) and the International Maritime Federation (IMF) on 15 June. Bringing together RPSL operators, maritime professionals, seafarer representatives, legal experts, and industry stakeholders, the webinar examined the Circular’s potential impact on seafarer welfare, employment opportunities, and India’s maritime manpower sector.
Participants unanimously supported the objective of protecting Indian seafarers amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region. However, many expressed concern that the Circular, while well-intentioned, could have unintended consequences for maritime employment and business continuity. Capt. Shravan Kumar argued that the advisory could result in long-term opportunity losses for Indian seafarers and recruitment companies. “While seafarer safety must remain paramount, restricting Indian seafarers from conflict-affected trades risks creating long-term opportunity losses. Once shipowners replace Indian crews with other nationalities, regaining that business becomes extremely difficult, impacting both maritime employment and India’s global manpower competitiveness.” he stated. He further stressed that informed consent and adequate insurance coverage should allow seafarers to continue serving in high-risk regions if they choose to do so.
Ms. Aishwarya Pilankar emphasized that safety and employment should not be viewed as mutually exclusive objectives. “Seafarer safety must remain the highest priority, but protecting seafarers should not mean denying them employment opportunities. A clear, transparent framework covering informed consent, insurance, mental preparedness, and risk awareness is essential, ensuring both safety and business continuity without creating uncertainty for recruitment companies.” she observed. Several participants echoed her call for a structured Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlining risk assessments, insurance requirements, mental health support, and deployment protocols.
Ms. Deepa Anand questioned whether the Circular was unintentionally creating fear among seafarers and RPSL companies. She noted that seafarers are generally well-informed through company briefings, consent procedures, and communication with colleagues already operating in affected regions. Mr. Vivek Rastogi similarly emphasized that seafarers voluntarily sign contracts and are not forced into such assignments, while calling for a collaborative approach involving shipowners, recruiters, and regulators to address emerging risks.
Offering a legal interpretation, Ms. Manisha Tiwari pointed out that the Circular does not impose an outright ban on deployment. She highlighted that emergency crew changes and deployment remain permissible with the informed consent of seafarers, indicating that the directive should be viewed as an advisory rather than a prohibition.
Crew welfare emerged as a major theme throughout the discussion. Capt. Radhika Menon strongly advocated protecting the right of seafarers to sign off from vessels operating in conflict zones. “A seafarer serving in a conflict zone should never be denied the right to crew change. No amount of compensation can replace peace of mind, safety, and family support. If a seafarer is fearful, fatigued, or unwilling to continue, dignified repatriation and replacement must remain a priority.” she said. Participants also stressed the need for stronger mental health support systems, enhanced war-risk insurance, and accessible counselling services for seafarers operating under extreme stress.
The discussion also highlighted concerns regarding stakeholder consultation. Capt. Menon and several others observed that previous regulatory measures often involved extensive dialogue with industry bodies before implementation. Many participants suggested that future circulars should be developed in consultation with RPSLs, unions, ship managers, and seafarer representatives to ensure practicality and clarity.
Concluding the discussion, Capt. Philip Matthews urged stakeholders to pursue constructive engagement with the Directorate General of Shipping rather than confrontation. “We must not lose sight of the larger picture. Protecting seafarers, safeguarding employment, and maintaining industry stability require cooperation between regulators and stakeholders, supported by meaningful consultation and a willingness to find balanced solutions.” he remarked.
The webinar ultimately reflected a shared industry position: seafarer safety must remain paramount, but solutions should balance welfare, employment, business continuity, and India’s long-term standing as one of the world’s leading suppliers of maritime manpower.
Marex Media