Indian Seafarers in High-Risk Waters: Risks, Rights and Compensation

Since the West Asia conflict began in February 2026, 16 Indian seafarers have been killed, 33 injured and three reported missing in attacks on merchant vessels.

Most casualties occurred on foreign-flagged ships operating through high-risk zones such as the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Why Are So Many Indian Seafarers at Risk?

• India is the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers after the Philippines.
• India’s seafaring workforce increased from about 1.03 lakh in 2013 to 3.23 lakh in 2025.
• A large majority of Indian seafarers work aboard foreign-flagged vessels, placing them outside the direct protection of Indian-flagged shipping.
• Some continue accepting high-risk assignments because companies may offer two to three times normal wages, while others do so due to financial necessity.

Government Regulation of High-Risk Voyages

• The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) issues advisories for the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, but does not completely prohibit voyages.
• Under an August 2026 circular, shipowners or crewing agencies must inform DGMA before transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
• Companies must also obtain written consent from every Indian seafarer on board before such voyages.
• Merchant vessels retain the right of innocent passage under UNCLOS, subject to applicable international law.

Legal Protection for Seafarers

• The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 recognises seafarers as key workers and provides for their right to a safe workplace.
• DGMA maintains that regular crew changes continue and seafarers should not remain aboard beyond their contractual period.

Indian Vessels in Risk Zones

• As of 8 October 2026, DGMA was monitoring 38 vessels of Indian interest in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
• These included 30 Indian-flagged ships carrying about 750 Indian seafarers and eight foreign-flagged ships carrying India-bound cargo.
• Vessels include container ships, crude/product tankers, bulk carriers and LPG carriers.

Compensation in Case of Death or Illness

• Death in a war-like/high-risk zone: ₹10 lakh ex-gratia from the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society.
• Eligible members of the National Union of Seafarers of India may receive another ₹10 lakh.
• Eligible members of the Maritime Union of India may receive ₹12 lakh.
• Additional compensation may be paid by the shipowner’s Protection and Indemnity insurer under the employment contract.

Other Welfare Benefits

• Death on Board, Survivor and Invalidity Benefits: up to ₹6 lakh each.
• Critical Illness Benefit: up to ₹2 lakh.
• Abandoned seafarers may receive ₹20,000 per month for up to 12 months.
• Lost seafarer documents can be replaced free of charge.

DGMA can assist with recovery of wages, insurance claims and contractual dues.