In response to the deteriorating security situation in Iran and the broader Persian Gulf region, India’s Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has established a dedicated 24×7 Quick Response Team. This initiative is designed to safeguard Indian nationals in the maritime sector, ensuring timely assistance, coordination, and support for those stranded in the conflict zone.
Operating under the leadership of Capt. P.C. Meena, Deputy Director General (Crew), the response team is tasked with immediate crisis management and evacuation coordination. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is actively monitoring the situation to facilitate the safe extraction of Indian seafarers if required. To maintain visibility on the ground, the team is required to submit situation reports every three hours detailing the location and condition of affected crew members.
To ensure uninterrupted communication and efficient resource deployment, the DGS team is working directly with:
- Shipping companies and RPSL (Recruitment and Placement Services License) entities
- Indian missions abroad
- Relevant port authorities and trade unions
- Families and Next of Kin (NoKs) of affected seafarers
To streamline crisis assistance, the DGCOMM Centre has been designated as the first point of contact for seafarers and their families. The center is operating in three shifts to provide round-the-clock support.
Seafarers in need of immediate assistance should use the following dedicated channels:
- WhatsApp / Calls: +91-9004048406
- Email: support.dgs@gov.in
more details:
24/7 PRIMARY EMERGENCY HELPLINES (First point of contact for immediate assistance)
- WhatsApp / Calls: +91-9004048406
- Email: support.dgs@gov.in
DGCOMM CENTRE DUTY OFFICERS (Round-the-clock immediate support)
- 0700 to 1500 hrs: Somesh Kokate | +91-8451998483
- 1500 to 2200 hrs: Murari Rupesh | +91-9518747611
- 2200 to 0700 hrs: Yash Desai | +91-9168269916
DEDICATED CONTACTS FOR FAMILIES & NoKs (For communication regarding stranded seafarers)
- Daytime (0600 – 1800 hrs): Ms. Prajakta Patkar | +91-9619693255
- Nighttime (1800 – 0600 hrs): Shri Gaurav Goel | +91-9769349502
RPSL & SHIPPING COMPANY COORDINATION
- Daytime (0600 – 1800 hrs): Shri Santosh Kumar Singh | +91-9320490825
- Nighttime (1800 – 0600 hrs): Shri Binish Verma | +91-9920581232
OVERALL SHIFT COORDINATORS
- Day Shift (0600 – 1800 hrs): Capt. Bipin Dhiman | +91-9867002698
- Night Shift (1800 – 0600 hrs): Major Anutosh Singh | +91-9660099646
CORE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Shri Shyam Jagannathan (Director General) | +91-9435119100
Capt. P.C. Meena (Deputy DG, Crew Branch) | +91-7039363939
Capt. Nitin Mukesh (Deputy Nautical Advisor) | +91-9883280303
Shri Sushil Mansingh Khopde (Additional DG) | +91-9546345991
India remains firmly committed to the welfare of its maritime workforce, and this crisis redressal mechanism will remain active until further notice from the Competent Authority.