The All India Seafarer Union (AISU) has urgently appealed to the Indian government for intervention to protect Indian seafarers in the increasingly perilous conditions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. In a letter to the Directorate General of Shipping, AISU’s working president, Abhijjet D Sangle, highlighted deteriorating working conditions in West Asia and the Persian Gulf, which pose significant security threats to maritime workers.
Sangle points out that while authorities have maintained that the Strait remains navigable, the reality is marked by stringent military oversight, restricted navigational freedoms, and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Indian seafarers, who make up a substantial portion of the global maritime workforce, are especially vulnerable due to their deployment on ships operating in these high-risk waters. The ongoing attacks on commercial vessels, the presence of sea mines, and the need for security clearances further complicate the operational landscape.
The AISU emphasized that many vessels crewed by Indians are experiencing delays, rerouting, or prolonged anchoring, creating serious concerns about the safety, mental health, and contractual rights of these workers. The atmosphere of uncertainty complicates the work environment and adds to the stress faced by crew members, some of whom are enduring extended periods at sea under potentially life-threatening circumstances.
To address these issues, the union has called for enhanced diplomatic efforts from India’s Ministry of External Affairs to secure safe passage for Indian vessels in the region. They recommend establishing robust contingency support mechanisms for emergencies, including evacuation protocols.
Welfare concerns have also been highlighted, urging shipping companies to prioritize timely crew rotations, provide mental health support, and avoid extended vessel anchorage in high-risk areas. Additionally, AISU proposes a comprehensive war-risk compensation framework that includes allowances, insurance coverage, and compensation for seafarers in conflict-affected waters.
The AISU has called for stricter monitoring and adherence to international maritime safety standards by shipping companies, holding them accountable for any negligence that compromises crew safety. The union’s combined requests aim not only to ensure the immediate safety of Indian seafarers in the Gulf but also to advocate for their long-term welfare amid these escalating risks.
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