The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has issued a directive to ship owners, managers, and recruitment agencies, advising them to refrain from deploying Indian sailors on vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz until further notice due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia. In a recent advisory, the DGMA emphasized the need for heightened security vigilance for vessels operating in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters. Shipmasters are instructed to closely monitor navigational warnings and security advisories, implementing all necessary ship security measures in line with the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) code. This advisory follows recent attacks on two vessels, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, which resulted in injuries and fatalities among Indian crew members.
In June, the Director-General of Shipping (DGS) was renamed the Director-General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) as part of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. This transition, led by Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, signifies an expanded role for maritime administration, encompassing not just shipping regulation but also maritime safety, environmental protection, and the welfare of seafarers. The new Act aligns with international standards and empowers the DGMA to oversee a broader range of maritime activities.
Key enhancements under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 include expanded jurisdiction over various marine technologies, relaxed ownership restrictions, and stronger environmental governance. The Act also ensures compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention, safeguarding the rights of Indian seafarers, and transitions to a fully digital administrative framework. Furthermore, it establishes emergency response capabilities to manage maritime incidents effectively.
