Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 7: As many as 4,052 Indian seafarers have been repatriated from the Gulf region amid the prevailing maritime security situation, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal informed Parliament on Friday.
In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Sonowal said 62 India-bound vessels had successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz as of August 3. Of these, 23 vessels were Indian-flagged while 39 were operating under foreign flags.
The minister said the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has been continuously updating advisories to enhance the safety and security of Indian seafarers in view of the evolving maritime situation linked to the Middle East conflict.
Following renewed attacks on merchant vessels, the Directorate General of Shipping has directed shipping companies to implement full International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code measures. It has also advised against deploying Indian seafarers on voyages passing through the Gulf region.
A DGMA advisory issued for Indian and foreign-flagged vessels carrying Indian crew in the Black Sea has called for enhanced vigilance, voyage-specific security assessments, strict compliance with security advisories and immediate reporting of incidents.
Additional advisories have also been issued for vessels operating in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, Southern Red Sea and adjoining Yemen waters, asking shipowners and masters to maintain maximum caution, continuously monitor developments and adopt additional risk mitigation measures.
Following the escalation of security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, several steps have been initiated to safeguard Indian seafarers, including the establishment of a dedicated 24x7 control room, maintenance of a live vessel and crew database, and issuance of a Situation Report (SITREP) every 24 hours.
The minister said the DGMA has developed an integrated digital platform, the eNavik Portal, with dedicated 24x7 Marine Casualty Reporting, Crisis Management and Seafarer Grievance Redressal modules to facilitate quick reporting, response and monitoring of incidents.
The maritime security situation is being monitored through the DG Communication Centre (DGCOMM) in coordination with the Indian Navy, flag states, coastal authorities, shipowners, ship managers, Recruitment and Placement Services Licence (RPSL) agencies and other stakeholders.
The DG Communication Centre, described as the central maritime distress and coordination node, is being operated round the clock along with a dedicated control room. Vessels operating in the region submit updates through the online Ship Reporting Form, helping authorities maintain real-time information on vessel and crew movements.
Sonowal said inter-agency coordination is being maintained by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and DGMA with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy and Indian missions abroad. International coordination for evacuation of stranded seafarers is also being carried out through mechanisms involving the International Maritime Organization, UKMTO, MICA Centre and coastal states.
Providing details of welfare measures, the minister said assistance is being extended through regular contact with families of affected seafarers. In fatality cases, compensation is being provided, including immediate financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh through the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society.