India Issues Black Sea Safety Advisory for Seafarers
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has issued a safety advisory for Indian nationals considering employment on commercial vessels operating or transiting through the Black Sea region, citing heightened maritime security risks and ongoing attacks in the area.
The advisory said the security situation in and around the Black Sea and adjoining maritime areas remains highly volatile due to continuing conflicts. Commercial vessels operating in or transiting the region are facing significant security risks, including missile and drone attacks. Since April 2026, there have been several incidents involving commercial vessels, including losses of life.
Indian nationals planning to work on commercial vessels in the affected areas have been urged to carefully assess the security situation before accepting assignments. The government advised seafarers to obtain detailed information from employers, recruitment agencies and ship operators regarding vessel routes, ports of call, security arrangements, insurance coverage and emergency response procedures.
The advisory also stressed the importance of ensuring that employment terms comply with international maritime standards and provide adequate medical evacuation, repatriation and compensation arrangements in the event of an emergency.
Indian nationals have further been advised to keep their families informed about their travel itineraries, maintain regular contact and closely monitor security advisories issued by Indian authorities and relevant maritime organisations.
The advisory also encouraged seafarers to follow guidance from the Directorate General of Maritime Administration and other relevant authorities, particularly the latest Security Advisory issued in July 2026.
For those requiring assistance, the Indian Embassy in Russia and the Indian Embassy in Ukraine have provided emergency contact channels for Indian nationals in the region.
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