India has introduced a new feature on its e-NAVIK portal designed to monitor Indian seafarers operating in high-risk maritime regions, such as the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Black Sea. The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) stated that this Seafarer Tracking Module aims to enhance the safety of Indian seafarers by enabling authorities to coordinate effectively and respond swiftly in emergencies. Given the escalating geopolitical tensions and security threats in these areas, the module will be crucial for tracking the welfare of seafarers working on both Indian and foreign-flagged vessels.
Currently, the DGMA has prioritized tracking Indian seafarers in five specific high-risk zones: the Persian Gulf (west of the Strait of Hormuz), Gulf of Oman (east of the Strait of Hormuz), Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Black Sea. The DGMA intends to expand this tracking capability globally but is initially focusing on these critical areas. Shipping companies and Registered Port State Licenses (RPSLs) have been instructed to input essential vessel and crew information into the system, ensuring that updates are made daily, particularly concerning crew sign-on and sign-off details.
The Seafarer Tracking Module is presently in its beta phase, offering a comprehensive view of Indian seafarers and their vessels in high-risk regions. The DGMA plans to automate the system in the future to reduce the need for manual data entry. Additionally, the data collected, especially regarding vessel locations, will be kept confidential and accessible only to authorized personnel. The DGMA emphasizes that this initiative will significantly bolster maritime safety and seafarer welfare while facilitating prompt responses during emergencies. Stakeholders are urged to comply with the new requirements to enhance the tracking and safety of Indian seafarers.
