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DGMA Circular 36/2026 Bans Indian Seafarers on Strait of Hormuz Voyages Amid US-Iran War

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
16 Jul 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:DGMA Circular No. 36 of 202613 Indian sailors deadFebruary 28, 2026
Bodies:DGMADirectorate General of Shipping
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.DGMA Circular No. 36 of 2026 directs shipping firms to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz until further orders.

2.The advisory cites a 'heightened security situation' following US Central Command attacks on Iranian targets, Iran's retaliation, and a US blockade of Hormuz for Iranian ships.

3.13 Indian sailors have died in the region since the US-Iran war began on February 28, 2026; one seafarer went missing after a Cyprus-flagged ship was targeted by Iran.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

India has officially barred its seafarers from transiting the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating US-Iran hostilities. 13 Indian sailors have died since the war began in Feb 2026, and one went missing after a Cyprus-flagged ship was targeted. This advisory directly impacts India's maritime security and diaspora safety in a critical global chokepoint.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Issuing AuthorityDirectorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA)
Circular NumberDGMA Circular No. 36 of 2026
Restricted AreaStrait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, adjoining waters
Indian Sailors Killed Since Feb 28, 202613 (as of July 16, 2026)
US AnnouncementBlockade of Hormuz for Iranian ships (by President Trump)

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Issuing Authority: Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA)
  • ›Circular Number: DGMA Circular No. 36 of 2026
  • ›Target this Data: DGMA Circular No. 36 of 2026
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
  • ›Target this Legal Point: ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code) and Ship Security Plans (SSP)

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which Indian regulatory body issued Circular No. 36 of 2026 regarding the deployment of Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the DGMA advisory on the Strait of Hormuz:

1. The advisory was issued due to the heightened security situation in the Gulf region after US-Iran hostilities.

2. The advisory applies only to Indian-flagged vessels and not to foreign ships carrying Indian seafarers.

3. The advisory requires masters of vessels to implement Ship Security Plans (SSP) in accordance with the ISPS Code.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

How many Indian sailors have died in the Gulf region since the US-Iran war began, according to the article?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary objective of DGMA Circular No. 36 of 2026?

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