India has launched a major safety mechanism to protect its seafarers working in conflict-hit waters of West Asia following the recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The Centre on Tuesday unveiled the Indian Seafarer Safety Initiative to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian crew members operating in high-risk maritime zones.
Centre adopts ‘Seafarer-First’ approach
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced the Indian Seafarer Safety Initiative, calling it a comprehensive, whole-of-government response to safeguard Indian seafarers amid rising security concerns in the region.
The decision comes days after Indian seafarer Rohan Kumar was killed when two Emirati oil tankers came under missile attack in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of Indian nationals working aboard merchant vessels passing through the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
As part of the Indian Seafarer Safety Initiative, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has been directed to establish a vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard that will account for every Indian on every ship, irrespective of the vessel’s flag.
Real-time tracking to strengthen crew safety
The new dashboard will provide real-time information on vessel position, ownership, cargo, crew strength, crew welfare, threat assessment, intended voyage, next port of call and available emergency facilities. Officials believe the Indian Seafarer Safety Initiative will improve coordination among agencies and enable faster responses during emergencies.
The move follows attacks on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa in the Strait of Hormuz. Together, the two merchant vessels carried 30 Indian seafarers among a combined crew of 46.
One Indian crew member was killed and another sustained injuries aboard MT Al Bahiyah. On MT Mombasa, nine Indian nationals were injured, including two who continue to remain in serious condition.
The government said the Indian Seafarer Safety Initiative reflects its commitment to putting seafarers first by closely monitoring Indian crew members and ensuring timely assistance during maritime emergencies in one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Indian Seafarer Safety Initiative?
A. The Indian Seafarer Safety Initiative is the Centre’s new programme to monitor and protect Indian seafarers working in high-risk maritime regions.
Q2. Why was the Indian Seafarer Safety Initiative launched?
A. The Indian Seafarer Safety Initiative was announced after an Indian seafarer was killed during missile attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Q3. What will the new operational dashboard track?
A. The dashboard will monitor vessel location, ownership, cargo, crew details, welfare, threat assessment, voyage plans and emergency support.
Q4. Which regions are covered under the initiative?
A. The initiative covers the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, where Indian seafarers frequently operate.
