Seafarer Safety in Conflict Zones

Seafarer Safety in Conflict Zones is vital in the event of emerging maritime security challenges. Read here to understand the significance of seafarer safety for India.

The tragic death of three Indian seafarers aboard MT Settebello following a military strike in the Gulf of Oman has once again highlighted the growing vulnerability of commercial shipping and civilian mariners in conflict-prone waters.

The incident underscores a significant transformation in maritime security, where merchant vessels are increasingly caught in geopolitical rivalries, sanctions regimes, drone warfare, and military blockades.

For a country like India, which is one of the world’s largest suppliers of maritime manpower and heavily dependent on sea-borne trade, ensuring the safety of seafarers has become a strategic, economic, and humanitarian imperative.

Why Seafarer Safety Has Become a Global Concern

Traditionally, maritime security threats were largely associated with piracy, armed robbery, and smuggling. However, contemporary threats have become far more complex and dangerous.

1. Rise of Asymmetric Maritime Warfare

Modern conflicts increasingly involve:

• Armed drones
• Precision-guided missiles
• Loitering munitions
• Cyber-attacks on shipping infrastructure

Commercial vessels often become unintended targets despite having no military role.

Examples include:

• Red Sea attacks by Houthi rebels
• Tanker incidents in the Gulf region
• Attacks on shipping linked to sanctions enforcement

This marks a shift from conventional naval warfare to asymmetric maritime warfare, where civilian vessels face military-grade threats.

2. Geopolitical Crossfire and Maritime Blockades

Strategic chokepoints have become theatres of geopolitical competition.

• Strait of Hormuz
• Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
• Red Sea
• Gulf of Oman

Merchant vessels carrying Crude oil, LNG, Chemicals, and food supplies often become collateral victims during:

• Naval blockades
• Sanctions enforcement operations
• Military confrontations

The MT Settebello incident illustrates how civilian ships can become casualties despite having no involvement in hostilities.

3. Growing Impact of Economic Sanctions

What are Sanctioned Vessels?

A sanctioned vessel is a ship that faces restrictions due to:

• Ownership links to blacklisted entities
• Transportation of prohibited cargo
• Association with terrorism financing
• Violations of international sanctions

Such vessels may lose:

• Insurance protection
• Port access
• Financial services
• International legal support

Consequently, crew members face heightened operational and safety risks.

India’s Position

• India follows only the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)-mandated sanctions.
• Therefore, vessels sanctioned unilaterally by countries such as the United States or members of the European Union are not automatically considered illegal under Indian law.

Why Seafarer Safety Matters for India

India has emerged as a major supplier of maritime manpower.

• More than 3 lakh trained Indian seafarers (2025)
• Approximately 12% of the global seafaring workforce
• Third-largest maritime labour supplier after China and the Philippines

Under Maritime India Vision 2030, India aims to raise its global share to 20%.

Thus, any threat to maritime workers directly affects India’s global labour presence.

Strategic Presence in High-Risk Waters

Thousands of Indian sailors operate in volatile regions such as:

• Strait of Hormuz
• Gulf of Oman
• Red Sea
• Bab-el-Mandeb Strait

These regions carry a substantial portion of global energy and trade flows.

Any disruption threatens both Indian lives and India’s economic interests.

Flags of Convenience (FoC) Challenge

A significant proportion of Indian seafarers work on vessels registered under:

• Panama
• Liberia
• Marshall Islands
• Palau

This practice, known as Flags of Convenience (FoC), creates legal complexities.

When such ships are attacked:

• Jurisdiction becomes unclear
• Accountability is diluted
• India’s ability to intervene directly is limited

Indian crew members become victims of conflicts unrelated to their nationality.

Economic and Energy Security Implications

India’s economy depends heavily on maritime trade.

• Over 90% of India’s trade by volume moves through sea routes.
• Nearly 70% of trade by value depends on maritime transport.
• India imports most of its crude oil and LNG through vulnerable sea lanes.

Maritime insecurity leads to:

• Higher insurance premiums
• Increased freight charges
• Rising import costs
• Supply chain disruptions

Ultimately, these costs are transferred to consumers and industries.

International Legal Framework Protecting Seafarers

UNCLOS

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982, provides:

• Freedom of navigation
• Transit passage through international straits
• Maritime jurisdiction rules

Limitation: UNCLOS lacks effective enforcement mechanisms against non-state actors and asymmetric attacks.

Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006

Maritime Labour Convention is often referred to as the “Seafarers’ Bill of Rights.”

It guarantees:

• Safe working conditions
• Health protection
• Welfare measures
• Repatriation rights

India is a signatory to the convention.

International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Conventions

STCW Convention, 1978

Establishes:

• Qualification standards
• Training norms
• Certification requirements

SOLAS Convention, 1974

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea is the most important treaty governing maritime safety.

It provides standards for:

• Ship construction
• Equipment
• Emergency preparedness
• Operational safety

SAR Convention, 1979

• The International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue ensures international cooperation in rescue operations for persons in distress at sea.

India’s Institutional Framework

Merchant Shipping Act, 1958

The principal legislation governing:

• Indian vessels
• Crew welfare
• Safety standards
• Employment conditions

Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)

Functions:

• Regulation of shipping companies
• Certification of vessels
• Licensing of recruitment agencies
• Protection of seafarer interests

Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR)

Acts as India’s maritime intelligence hub by:

• Tracking maritime threats
• Sharing information with partner countries
• Supporting maritime domain awareness

Challenges in Existing Protection Mechanisms

Weak Enforcement of International Law

International conventions guarantee rights but lack effective enforcement against:

• Rebel groups
• Militias
• Terrorist organizations
• State-sponsored attacks

As a result, civilian ships remain vulnerable.

Inadequate Risk Disclosure

Many seafarers are deployed to conflict zones without a comprehensive awareness of:

• Security threats
• Insurance implications
• Potential legal complications

This creates significant occupational risks.

Insurance and Compensation Gaps

Sanction-related restrictions can result in:

• Withdrawal of Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance
• Delayed compensation
• Limited legal recourse for affected families

Measures Needed to Strengthen Seafarer Safety

Strengthening Naval Presence

India should expand initiatives such as Operation Sankalp

Conducted by the Indian Navy to:

• Escort merchant vessels
• Monitor high-risk waters
• Provide rapid response capabilities

A stronger naval footprint can enhance deterrence.

Risk-Based Deployment Framework

Instead of blanket restrictions:

• Dynamic threat assessments should be conducted.
• Real-time advisories should be issued.
• Security protocols should be updated continuously.

This balances operational requirements with safety.

Mandatory Informed Consent

Before deployment to conflict zones:

• Risks must be clearly disclosed.
• Written informed consent should be obtained.
• Seafarers refusing high-risk assignments should receive legal protection.

This strengthens labour rights.

Inter-Ministerial Maritime Crisis Mechanism

A coordinated framework can improve emergency response and family assistance mechanisms. It should involve:

• Ministry of External Affairs
• Ministry of Defence
• Directorate General of Shipping
• Intelligence agencies
• Shipowners
• Seafarer unions

Leveraging International Platforms

India can use its influence in the International Maritime Organisation, the Indian Ocean Rim Association and the International Labour Organisation to advocate for:

• Binding protocols protecting civilian mariners
• Enhanced maritime humanitarian corridors
• Accountability mechanisms for attacks on merchant shipping

Read: Bharat Maritime Insurance pool (BMI Pool)

Conclusion

The death of Indian seafarers in the Gulf of Oman demonstrates that maritime security today extends far beyond piracy and navigation safety. In an era marked by geopolitical rivalry, sanctions enforcement, and asymmetric warfare, civilian sailors increasingly find themselves on the frontlines of conflicts they neither initiate nor influence.

For India, protecting seafarers is not merely a labour welfare issue; it is intrinsically linked to national security, energy security, trade resilience, and the well-being of millions of maritime families.

As India’s maritime ambitions grow under Maritime India Vision 2030, ensuring the safety and dignity of seafarers must become a central pillar of its maritime strategy.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. “The nature of maritime security threats has undergone a significant transformation in the 21st century.” Discuss the emerging challenges to seafarer safety and evaluate India’s preparedness to address them. (250 words)