The initiative comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and growing maritime security threats in regions including the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Bab-el-Mandeb, Black Sea and Somalia. A significant number of Indian seafarers are currently serving aboard both Indian-flagged and foreign-flagged vessels operating in or transiting these areas.   According to DGMA Circular No. 56 of 2026, dated September 4, 2026, the new module is intended to facilitate timely information sharing, coordination and prompt response in the event of maritime security emergencies. The Seafarer Tracking Module is currently operating in beta version. Once updated by Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees (RPSLs) and shipping companies, it will enable the monitoring of Indian seafarers operating in these regions.   The module will provide a centralised operational view of Indian seafarers onboard vessels, particularly those operating in high-risk areas. It will also maintain vessel and seafarer data region-wise, supporting enhanced maritime safety, seafarer welfare and coordinated emergency response.   DGMA has requested RPSLs, shipowners, ship managers and ship operators to update the module. The information required includes:   Vessel identification and voyage-related data   Details of Indian seafarers onboard   RPSL particulars, wherever applicable and   The Directorate has also clarified that where the exact position of a vessel is not known, it can still be added to the module by selecting the relevant geographical region from the drop-down menu, with positional information updated when available.

The launch of the tracking mechanism comes at a critical time for Indian maritime stakeholders, providing authorities with a more coordinated mechanism to monitor seafarers and support emergency response across increasingly volatile shipping routes.