India issues guidelines for seafarers to ‘avoid’ voyages to Strait of Hormuz

The Directorate General of Shipping, India, issued a critical advisory on July 15, 2024, urging Indian seafarers and ship owners to exercise extreme caution when navigating the Strait of Hormuz. Amidst escalating regional tensions and recent attacks on merchant vessels, the administration advises avoiding transit through this volatile maritime corridor whenever possible. This directive aims to protect Indian nationals serving on global fleets as geopolitical instability threatens the safety of commercial shipping lanes near major Middle Eastern ports.

This advisory aligns with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines regarding the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, specifically Part A, Section 4.4, which mandates rigorous risk assessments for vessels operating in high-risk areas. Compliance departments must ensure that Ship Security Plans (SSPs) are updated to reflect current threat levels, as required under SOLAS Chapter XI-2. Failure to adhere to these security protocols can lead to significant insurance complications and potential violations of international maritime safety conventions during regional conflicts.

For masters, navigating officers, and chief engineers, this guidance necessitates a heightened state of vigilance and immediate review of bridge procedures. These rank groups must prioritize the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMP5) to mitigate risks if transit is unavoidable. Officers should ensure that all defensive measures are operational, maintain constant communication with maritime security centers, and strictly follow the latest DGS circulars to ensure the safety of the crew and the vessel.