PROTECTION OF MARITIME SAFETY - SEAFARERS

NEWS: India protested U.S. strikes on merchant vessels in the Gulf that killed 3 Indian seafarersà Highlights risks faced by 23,000 Indian seafarers working in the Gulf region.

Importance of Indian Seafarers

  • 5 lakh Indian seafarers work globally.
  • More than half are in active service, mostly on foreign-flagged ships.
  • 1 in every 6 seafarers on large merchant ships worldwide is Indian.
  • Around 23,000 Indians work in the Gulf region; UAE hosts more than half.

Challenges to Maritime Safety

  • Geopolitical Conflicts ➜ Commercial ships increasingly caught in conflicts (U.S.–Iran, Houthi attacks, piracy).
  • Sanctioned Vessels ➜ Ships sanctioned due to: Ownership links, Prohibited trade, Restricted cargo, Terrorism links
  • Sanctions evasion ➜ Face: Port restrictions, Insurance loss, Banking limitations, Regulatory scrutiny

International Maritime Law

  • IMO (International Maritime Organization) ➜ UN agency regulating shipping safety, security, and environment. ➜ Limited ability to stop unilateral state actions.
  • UNCLOS ➜ Governs oceans and navigation rights ➜ Covers transit through strategic waterways like the Strait of Hormuz.

Limitations

  • Not universally accepted.
  • S. has not ratified UNCLOS.
  • Iran signed but not ratified.
  • Weak enforcement mechanism.

India's Response

  • Operation Sankalp ➜ Protects merchant ships from Houthi attacks+ Indian Navy & Coast Guard rescued/protected merchant vessels from piracy.
  • Diplomatic Engagement➜ Advocates: Freedom of navigation, Maritime security, Rule-based order at UN, IMO and regional forums

What India Needs to Do

Stronger Maritime Security

  • Enhanced naval deployments.
  • Expanded Coast Guard surveillance.
  • Rapid-response and evacuation capabilities.
  • Hostage-rescue preparedness.

Better Intelligence Sharing

  • Timely threat assessments for shipowners and operators.

Seafarer Welfare

  • Dedicated family-support centres.
  • Verified updates during crises.
  • Psychological and logistical assistance.

 War-Risk Protection

  • No penalties for refusing war-risk assignments.
  • Full war-risk compensation and insurance coverage.
  • Higher war-risk allowances.
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