The government of India has issued advisories to ship companies to enhance reporting, tracking, and security measures for vessels on West Asian routes and entering Indian waters. The circular, issued by the Directorate General of Shipping (Mumbai) on April 10, 2024, urges ship managers, ship masters, and seafarers to improve the mechanism for reporting and tracking maritime activities. This move aims to safeguard the interests of merchant ships and their crews. The ministry has identified several sensitive zones, including the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf Of Oman, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Bab Al Mandeb Strait, Red Sea, Somali Basin, and Arabian Sea region. In the event of any security incidents or escalation due to incidents, all vessels transiting through these areas are required to submit their details via the online Ship Reporting Form. The maintenance of an up-to-date vessel database will facilitate easier tracking and coordination at the Centre if the Indian Navy needs to respond to an incident.
Furthermore, the circular advises conducting comprehensive ship shore security drills that encompass all pertinent security scenarios, including piracy and the threat of loitering munitions. In the event of a maritime security incident, the vessel should contact the nearest Indian Navy vessel and coalition warship using VHF Channel 16. The vessel should provide the current location, describe the situation, communicate the intended course of action, and seek further guidance.
Recent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, such as the seizure of the container vessel MSC Aries by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, have highlighted the need for enhanced reporting and tracking mechanisms. The MSC has been working closely with relevant authorities to ensure the well-being of the crew members and the return of the vessel. Following the Iranian action, it was revealed that the crew comprised of Indian, Filipino, Pakistani, Russian, and Estonian nationals.
India has also been in touch with Iran to secure the release of Indian nationals on board the container ship MSC Aries. In another development, Iran launched its first direct attack on Israel, firing hundreds of drones and missiles in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus on April 1. The attack resulted in the death of seven Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards, including two generals.
