India to launch real-time dashboard to track seafarers amid Hormuz security crisis

In response to the worsening maritime security situation in West Asia, the Centre on Tuesday directed shipping authorities to establish a real-time monitoring system to track Indian seafarers serving aboard vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, regardless of the ships' national registration.

According to a PTI report, Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal instructed the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to create a comprehensive vessel-by-vessel dashboard that would provide real-time information on every Indian seafarer working in the region, according to an official statement.

The move comes amid heightened concerns following recent attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz, incidents that resulted in casualties among Indian crew members and renewed fears over the safety of maritime personnel navigating one of the world's most critical shipping routes.

According to the statement, the proposed dashboard will capture detailed information, including vessel location, ownership, cargo details, crew strength, welfare status of crew members, threat assessments, voyage plans, next port of call and the availability of support facilities.

More from World

The minister stressed that Indian authorities must maintain complete visibility of all Indian seafarers operating in the affected waters.

"The minister categorically directed that every Indian seafarer in the affected region must be individually accounted for, irrespective of the vessel's flag," the statement said.

Chairing a high-level inter-ministerial review meeting in New Delhi, Sonowal also ordered round-the-clock monitoring of vessel movements and enhanced coordination among multiple government agencies, including the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, the Indian Navy, the Directorate General of Shipping and Indian diplomatic missions in Iran and Oman.

The review followed attacks on two merchant vessels — MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa — in the Strait of Hormuz. The two ships carried a combined crew of 46, including 30 Indian nationals.

The incidents left one Indian seafarer dead and another injured aboard MT Al Bahiyah, while nine Indian crew members sustained injuries on MT Mombasa.

Senior representatives from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the MEA, the Indian Navy, the Directorate General of Shipping and Indian embassies in Iran and Oman participated in the review, assessing the evolving security situation and examining India's preparedness to respond to maritime emergencies in the region.

Emphasising that the welfare of Indian seafarers remains the government's highest priority, Sonowal said there could be no compromise on their safety and security.

Expressing concern over the attacks, he said, "India has expressed its strong resentment and objection to the manner of attacks on defenceless civilian merchant vessels."

He noted that the incidents had directly affected Indian maritime workers serving aboard commercial ships.

"These (attacks) have resulted in the death and serious injury of Indian seafarers who, as key workers, ensure the proper functioning of global supply chains," he added.

To improve support for affected families, Sonowal directed officials to appoint a dedicated liaison officer for every Indian seafarer impacted by the crisis.

"Each liaison officer will serve as the single point of contact for families, coordinating medical updates, travel documentation, family assistance, repatriation, Seafarers Welfare Fund support, outstanding wages, contractual entitlements and other compensations," he said.

The minister also instructed authorities to work closely with Indian diplomatic missions in Iran, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and other countries in the region to secure verified and timely information related to maritime safety and emergency response.

This includes updates on navigational advisories, safe shipping routes, port-of-refuge arrangements, medical facilities, evacuation procedures, repatriation efforts, management of mortal remains and ongoing investigations into the attacks.

Sonowal said India had raised the issue at international maritime forums and with relevant flag administrations involved in the incidents.

According to the statement, the government has communicated its concerns through multilateral mechanisms under the International Maritime Organization (IMO), highlighting violations of international conventions governing maritime safety and the protection of civilian shipping.

"We will continue to make every effort to ensure resolution of the issues and remain committed to all stakeholders in this trying and challenging time," Sonowal said.

The minister further directed that every vessel transiting the affected region should undertake a fresh threat assessment before sailing and coordinate closely with maritime authorities.

He also instructed ship owners, vessel managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies employing Indian seafarers in the region to immediately submit compliance reports confirming that no Indian sailor is being compelled to undertake voyages without adequate information, protection and support.

The measures form part of India's broader effort to safeguard its maritime workforce as security risks continue to rise in the strategically vital waters connecting the Persian Gulf to global trade routes.

With inputs from agencies