What happened
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has stated that the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 came into force on 15 March 2026. The Act is presented as a modernisation of India’s maritime legal framework and as a stronger statutory base for the safety, welfare, and rights of seafarers.
The same reply also records a series of advisories and circulars issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration in response to security risks in conflict-sensitive maritime regions, especially Iran, the Persian Gulf, and the Strait of Hormuz.
What changed
The government says the new Act adds statutory safeguards for abandoned seafarers, strengthens regulation of Recruitment and Placement Services, and creates a legal basis for implementing evolving international maritime labour standards.
The advisories shift the response from general caution to more structured risk management. Shipping companies are asked to avoid deploying Indian seafarers to identified conflict areas, maintain emergency contact systems, coordinate with Indian Missions, and share verified security information with crews and stakeholders.
Related current affairs
- Govt. summons Iran envoy after missile hit kills Indian sailor in Strait of Hormuz
- Govt. slams ship attack off Oman; seafarer missing
- Eyes on the seas
- U.S. helicopter fires on ship that tried to break blockade
- Trump says U.S. going ‘low key’ as Tehran firm on Hormuz demands
- Hormuz deal seeks to give Iran control over inbound ships