Kolkata, June 27 (IANS) The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has withdrawn restrictions on Indian ships moving across the Strait of Hormuz, while instructing masters and crews to remain vigilant and strictly follow prescribed security protocols.

“The International Maritime Organization (IMO), in close coordination with Coastal States and industry partners, has initiated measures for the evacuation of stranded seafarers through a coordinated mechanism involving IMO, UKMTO, MICA Center, and Coastal States. The Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring the evolving situation in coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Navy, Indian Missions abroad and other concerned stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers,” the DGS said in a circular issued on June 26.

“The Directorate clarifies that there is no restriction for Indian ship owners/managers/RPSL agencies to continue the operation of ships and deployment of Indian seafarers in and out of the Persian Gulf region by following the security protocols of the Coastal States and security agencies,” the circular stated.

The DGS has, however, advised all Indian seafarers, masters, ship owners, ship managers, operators, RPSL companies and other maritime stakeholders to maintain caution while operating in the Persian Gulf region.

“Masters of vessels operating in or transiting through the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters, are advised to maintain heightened security awareness, closely monitor navigational warnings and other warnings or instructions received from security agencies, and implement all applicable ship security measures and company security procedures,” the circular said.

The DGS has also instructed all stakeholders to continuously monitor advisories issued by it, the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions abroad and other competent authorities, and to promptly report any incident involving Indian seafarers to the DG Communication Centre and Crew Branch.

All stakeholders have also been strongly advised to verify the authenticity of any news reports, videos or other material relating to security incidents onboard ships through official government sources, and to avoid circulating unverified news, social media posts or fake videos.

The DGS said these measures had been put in place to protect the interests and welfare of Indian seafarers.

–IANS

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