India Launches New System To Monitor Seafarers In High-Risk Maritime Regions

India has launched a new module on its e-NAVIK portal to track Indian seafarers working on ships in high-risk maritime areas, including the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Black Sea.

The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) said the new Seafarer Tracking Module will help authorities keep track of Indian seafarers, coordinate with the concerned stakeholders and respond quickly during an emergency.

The Directorate said merchant ships and seafarers are facing greater risks in several areas because of ongoing geopolitical tensions and maritime security threats.

Many Indian seafarers are working on Indian and foreign-flagged ships operating in or passing through these areas.

Five Areas Get Priority

DGMA said it wants to eventually track Indian seafarers working on ships around the world. For now, it has asked RPSLs and Indian shipowners and operators to update details of vessels carrying Indian seafarers in five high-risk areas.

They are:

• Persian Gulf, west of the Strait of Hormuz
• Gulf of Oman, east of the Strait of Hormuz
• Red Sea
• Gulf of Aden
• Black Sea

The Directorate has also listed the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb and Somalia among the areas where merchant shipping and seafarers face increased maritime security risks.

What the New Module Does

The Seafarer Tracking Module is currently in its beta version.

Once RPSLs and shipping companies update the required details, the system can track Indian seafarers onboard ships.

It gives authorities a clear view of Indian seafarers on ships, especially those operating in high-risk areas. It also shows vessel and seafarer details by region.

DGMA said this will help with maritime safety, seafarer welfare and coordination during emergencies.

Information Ships Must Provide

DGMA has asked RPSLs, shipowners, ship managers and ship operators to update the module with:

• Vessel identification and voyage information
• Details of Indian seafarers onboard
• RPSL details, where applicable

All vessels carrying Indian crew and operating in the listed high-risk areas must be updated in the system on priority, the Directorate said.

After the initial information is entered, stakeholders will have to update the vessel’s position every day. They must also update crew sign-on and sign-off details when required.

DGMA Wants to Automate the System

DGMA said it is looking at ways to automate the tracking system so that less information has to be entered manually.

Until that happens, stakeholders have been asked to start updating their vessel data in the module immediately.

The Directorate said it is making efforts to track Indian seafarers globally, but the current priority is the five high-risk areas listed in the circular.

Vessel Location Data Will Be Restricted

DGMA said the information entered into the module, especially vessel-position data, will be kept confidential.

Access will be limited to authorised personnel using designated login credentials and based on their permitted level of access.

DGMA said the system will support coordination and a prompt response during emergencies, while also helping with seafarer safety and welfare.

The Directorate has asked all RPSLs, shipowners, ship managers and ship operators to comply with the new requirements.

The e-NAVIK portal can be accessed at https://beta-enavik.dgma.gov.in/enavik/welcome

Reference: DGMA