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The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025

Central

An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to merchant shipping to ensure compliance with India's obligation under the maritime treaties and international instruments to which India is a party and also to ensure the development of Indian shipping and efficient maintenance of Indian mercantile marine in a manner best suited to serve the national interest and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Act number
24 of 2025
Ministry
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Enacted
18 Aug 2025

Source: IndiaCode Portal, Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India. Open on India Code Check against the official text before relying on it.

325 sections

  1. Section 1Short title and commencement.
  2. Section 2Application of Act.
  3. Section 3Definitions.
  4. Section 4Establishment of National Shipping Board.
  5. Section 5Constitution of Seafarer’s Welfare Board.
  6. Section 6Power to make rules.
  7. Section 7Director-General of Maritime Administration.
  8. Section 8Officers.
  9. Section 9Surveyors.
  10. Section 10Senior radio surveyors and radio inspectors.
  11. Section 11Mercantile Marine Department.
  12. Section 12Shipping office.
  13. Section 13Body for security of vessels and port facilities.
  14. Section 14Application of this Part.
  15. Section 15Indian vessel and its registration.
  16. Section 16Registration of Indian chartered foreign vessels.
  17. Section 17Temporary registration of vessels sought to be recycled.
  18. Section 18Registrar of Indian vessels.
  19. Section 19Provisional registration of Indian vessel.
  20. Section 20Procedure for registration of Indian vessels.
  21. Section 21Temporary pass in lieu of certificate of registration.
  22. Section 22Custody and use of certificate.
  23. Section 23Transfer of Indian vessel or shares.
  24. Section 24Transmission of property in Indian vessel on death, insolvency, etc.
  25. Section 25Order for sale where vessel has ceased to be an Indian vessel.
  26. Section 26Mortgage of vessel or share.
  27. Section 27Rights of mortgagee.
  28. Section 28Liability of mortgagee.
  29. Section 29Mortgage not affected by insolvency.
  30. Section 30Transfer of mortgages.
  31. Section 31Transmission of interest in mortgage in certain circumstances.
  32. Section 32Rules as to name of vessel.
  33. Section 33Registration of alterations.
  34. Section 34Provisional certificate and endorsement where vessel is to be re-registered.
  35. Section 35Transfer of registration.
  36. Section 36Restrictions on re-registration of abandoned vessel.
  37. Section 37National colours for Indian vessels.
  38. Section 38Concealment of Indian or assumption of foreign character.
  39. Section 39Liabilities of vessel not recognised as Indian vessel.
  40. Section 40Proceedings on forfeiture of vessel.
  41. Section 41Liability of owners.
  42. Section 42Evidence of register book, certificate of registration and other documents.
  43. Section 43Closure of registration.
  44. Section 44Power to make rules.
  45. Section 45Certificates to be held by seafarers.
  46. Section 46Certificate of competency and certificate of proficiency.
  47. Section 47Training for grant of certificate of competency and certificate of proficiency.
  48. Section 48Examination for grant of certificates.
  49. Section 49Production of certificate of competency.
  50. Section 50Recognition of certificates of competency granted in other States.
  51. Section 51Foreign vessel not to sail without seafarers having certificate.
  52. Section 52Obligations of certain certificate holders to serve on Indian vessels.
  53. Section 53Power to make rules.
  54. Section 54Application of this Part.
  55. Section 55Definitions.
  56. Section 56Classification of seafarers.
  57. Section 57Application of maritime labour standards to seafarers and vessels.
  58. Section 58Duties of shipping master, director and seafarer’s welfare officer.
  59. Section 59Minimum age for seafarers.
  60. Section 60Medical certificate.
  61. Section 61Training and qualifications.
  62. Section 62Recruitment and placement of seafarers.
  63. Section 63Agreement with seafarers.
  64. Section 64Wages.
  65. Section 65Hours of rest.
  66. Section 66Entitlement to leave.
  67. Section 67Repatriation.
  68. Section 68Compensation for vessel’s loss or foundering.
  69. Section 69Manning levels.
  70. Section 70Accommodation and recreational facilities.
  71. Section 71Food and catering.
  72. Section 72Medical care.
  73. Section 73Ship owners’ liability.
  74. Section 74Health and safety protection and accident prevention.
  75. Section 75Social security.
  76. Section 76Flag State responsibilities.
  77. Section 77Port State responsibilities.
  78. Section 78Rules for enforcement of Maritime Labour Convention.
  79. Section 79Payment of wages.
  80. Section 80Discharge of seafarers.
  81. Section 81Wages and property of deceased seafarers and seafarers left behind.
  82. Section 82Certain undisbursed amounts to be utilised for welfare of seafarers.
  83. Section 83Shipping master to adjudicate disputes involving seafarer.
  84. Section 84Power of shipping master to require production of documents.
  85. Section 85Wages not recoverable outside India in certain cases.
  86. Section 86Summary proceedings for wages.
  87. Section 87Restrictions on suits for wages.
  88. Section 88Remedies of master for wages, disbursements, etc.
  89. Section 89Power to refer disputes between seafarers and employers to Tribunal.
  90. Section 90Recovery of wages, etc., of seafarers lost with vessel.
  91. Section 91Relief and maintenance of abandoned seafarers.
  92. Section 92Replacement crew onboard abandoned vessels.
  93. Section 93Inspection by shipping master, etc.
  94. Section 94Special provisions for protection of seafarers in respect of litigation.
  95. Section 95Facilities for making complaint.
  96. Section 96Vessel not to be boarded without permission.
  97. Section 97Misconduct endangering life or vessel.
  98. Section 98Desertion and absence without leave.
  99. Section 99General liability against discipline.
  100. Section 100Smuggling of goods by seafarer.
  101. Section 101Entry of offences in official logbook.
  102. Section 102Report of desertions and absences without leave.
  103. Section 103Entries and certificates of desertion abroad.
  104. Section 104Facilities for proving desertion in proceedings for forfeiture of wages.
  105. Section 105Application of forfeitures.
  106. Section 106Decision of questions of forfeiture and deduction in suits for wages.
  107. Section 107Payment of fines imposed under agreement to shipping master.
  108. Section 108Seafarer not to be enticed to desert.
  109. Section 109Stowaways and seafarers carried under compulsion.
  110. Section 110On change of master, documents to be handed over to successor.
  111. Section 111Deserters from foreign vessels.
  112. Section 112Official logbook.
  113. Section 113Power to make rules.
  114. Section 114Application of this Part.
  115. Section 115Definitions.
  116. Section 116Safety and security requirements.
  117. Section 117Reporting of incidents.
  118. Section 118Obligations to render assistance on receiving signal of distress and to persons in danger.
  119. Section 119Search and rescue services.
  120. Section 120Radio communication requirements.
  121. Section 121Information about vessel’s stability.
  122. Section 122Submersion of load lines.
  123. Section 123No vessel to carry passenger without certificate.
  124. Section 124Vessel not to proceed to sea without valid safety and security certificates.
  125. Section 125Penalties for certain acts.
  126. Section 126Vessel not to carry cargo or passengers in contravention of Act.
  127. Section 127Unseaworthy vessel not to be sent to sea.
  128. Section 128Obligation of ship owner, master or agent with respect to seaworthiness.
  129. Section 129Safety and security management.
  130. Section 130Power to make rules.
  131. Section 131Application of this Part.
  132. Section 132Definitions.
  133. Section 133Control of discharge or emission of harmful substances or dumping at sea.
  134. Section 134Prevention and containment of pollution and response.
  135. Section 135Vessel not to proceed to sea without valid pollution prevention certificates.
  136. Section 136Record books.
  137. Section 137Power to deny entry, detain or move vessel.
  138. Section 138Power to take measures for containment of pollution and reporting of incidents.
  139. Section 139Power of Central Government to give directions.
  140. Section 140Measures for detection of pollution.
  141. Section 141Appointment of analysts.
  142. Section 142Reception facilities.
  143. Section 143Power to make rules.
  144. Section 144Survey, audit and certification.
  145. Section 145Certificates.
  146. Section 146Power of surveyor.
  147. Section 147Compliance of provisions of convention.
  148. Section 148Recognition of certificates granted outside India.
  149. Section 149Grant of certificate to foreign vessels in India and Indian vessels in foreign States.
  150. Section 150Power to call for information.
  151. Section 151Power to conduct inspections.
  152. Section 152Power to make rules.
  153. Section 153Application of this Chapter.
  154. Section 154Apportionment of liability.
  155. Section 155Damage or loss of vessel, cargo or property.
  156. Section 156Joint and several liability for loss of life or personal injury.
  157. Section 157Right of contribution.
  158. Section 158Duty of master of vessel to assist in case of collision.
  159. Section 159Collision to be entered in official logbook.
  160. Section 160Report to Director-General of accidents to vessels.
  161. Section 161Notice of loss of Indian vessel to be given to Director-General.
  162. Section 162Limitation of liability for damages in respect of certain claims.
  163. Section 163Conduct barring limitation.
  164. Section 164Counter claims.
  165. Section 165Limits of liability.
  166. Section 166Limit for passenger claims.
  167. Section 167Aggregation of claims.
  168. Section 168Constitution of limitation fund.
  169. Section 169Limitation of liability without constitution of a limitation fund.
  170. Section 170Distribution of fund.
  171. Section 171Bar to other actions.
  172. Section 172Compulsory insurance or other financial security for maritime claims subject to limitation.
  173. Section 173Scope of application of this Chapter.
  174. Section 174Power to make rules for matters under Chapters I and II of this Part.
  175. Section 175Application of this Chapter.
  176. Section 176Definitions.
  177. Section 177Liability of ship owner.
  178. Section 178Joint and several liability for ships.
  179. Section 179Jurisdiction of High Court.
  180. Section 180Jurisdiction where pollution damage occurs in two or more States.
  181. Section 181Limitation of liability.
  182. Section 182Constitution of limitation fund.
  183. Section 183Claims for compensation where fund is established.
  184. Section 184Acquisition of right for compensation by subrogation.
  185. Section 185Consolidation of claims and distribution of fund.
  186. Section 186Arrest and sale of ship if ship owner, etc., unable to satisfy claims for compensation.
  187. Section 187Restriction on enforcement of claims after establishment of fund.
  188. Section 188Compulsory insurance or other financial security.
  189. Section 189Acceptance of certificate granted outside India.
  190. Section 190Ban on entering or leaving an Indian port without certificate.
  191. Section 191Direct action against insurer or other person providing financial security.
  192. Section 192Recognition of judgment of court of contracting parties to Civil Liability Convention.
  193. Section 193Limitation period.
  194. Section 194Government ships.
  195. Section 195Power to make rules.
  196. Section 196Application of this Chapter.
  197. Section 197Definitions.
  198. Section 198Liability for bunker oil pollution.
  199. Section 199Exemption from liability.
  200. Section 200Right of ship owner to limitation of liability.
  201. Section 201Determination of limitation of liability.
  202. Section 202Consolidation of claims and distribution of amount.
  203. Section 203Extinguishment of right to claim.
  204. Section 204Maintenance of compulsory insurance or other financial security.
  205. Section 205Direct action against insurer or other person providing financial security.
  206. Section 206Grant of certificate.
  207. Section 207Ban on entering or leaving port without clearance.
  208. Section 208Right of recourse.
  209. Section 209Recognition of judgment of court of contracting parties to Bunker Convention.
  210. Section 210Power to make rules.
  211. Section 211Application of this Chapter.
  212. Section 212Definitions.
  213. Section 213Contribution to Fund.
  214. Section 214Contribution payable by persons to Fund.
  215. Section 215Liability of Fund.
  216. Section 216Limitation of liability of Fund.
  217. Section 217Power to call for information.
  218. Section 218Claims against Fund and jurisdiction of courts.
  219. Section 219Extinguishment of claims.
  220. Section 220Subrogation and right of recourse.
  221. Section 221Power of Central Government to establish fund for excess claim.
  222. Section 222Power to make rules.
  223. Section 223Application of this Part.
  224. Section 224Definitions.
  225. Section 225Appointment of nodal authority for marine incidents.
  226. Section 226Primary response party.
  227. Section 227Plans and procedures for response mechanisms.
  228. Section 228Powers of nodal authority.
  229. Section 229Maintenance of compulsory insurance or other financial security.
  230. Section 230Power to make rules.
  231. Section 231Marine casualties and report thereof.
  232. Section 232Power of Central Government to initiate proceedings.
  233. Section 233Application of this Chapter.
  234. Section 234Definitions.
  235. Section 235Receiver of wreck.
  236. Section 236Duty to report wrecks.
  237. Section 237Determination of hazard.
  238. Section 238Locating and marking of wrecks.
  239. Section 239Power to pass over adjoining lands.
  240. Section 240Prohibition of certain acts in respect of wreck.
  241. Section 241Search warrants where wreck is involved.
  242. Section 242Measures to facilitate removal of wrecks.
  243. Section 243Liability of ship owner.
  244. Section 244Maintenance of insurance or other financial security.
  245. Section 245Claims of ship owners to wreck.
  246. Section 246Extinguishment of right to claim recovery of costs.
  247. Section 247Application of this Chapter.
  248. Section 248Definitions.
  249. Section 249Salvage payable for saving life, cargo or wreck.
  250. Section 250Salvage operations controlled by Government or port and public authorities.
  251. Section 251Salvage contracts.
  252. Section 252Duties of salvor, owner and master.
  253. Section 253Rights of salvors.
  254. Section 254Powers and duties of Central Government in relation to salvage operations.
  255. Section 255Retention of salvors.
  256. Section 256Disputes between ship owner and salvor.
  257. Section 257Adjudication of disputes between ship owner and salvor.
  258. Section 258Extinguishment of claims.
  259. Section 259Savings.
  260. Section 260Power to make rules.
  261. Section 261Application of this Part.
  262. Section 262Definitions.
  263. Section 263Decision of question whether a vessel falls under this Part.
  264. Section 264Requirements for safety, security, prevention of pollution and insurance.
  265. Section 265Manning of fishing vessels.
  266. Section 266Central Government to grant certificate of proficiency.
  267. Section 267Training for grant of certificate of competency and certificate of proficiency.
  268. Section 268Examination for grant of certificate.
  269. Section 269Withdrawal, suspension or cancellation of certificate.
  270. Section 270Production of certificate.
  271. Section 271Agreements in respect of fishing vessel.
  272. Section 272Fishery data to be furnished by Indian fishing vessels.
  273. Section 273Vessel not to proceed without valid certificates.
  274. Section 274Power of Central Government to initiate action against non-mechanically propelled vessels.
  275. Section 275Statement relating to crew of vessels to be maintained.
  276. Section 276Inquiry to jettisoning of cargo.
  277. Section 277Detention of vessel by proper officer.
  278. Section 278Detention of unseaworthy vessels.
  279. Section 279Power to exempt.
  280. Section 280Power to make rules.
  281. Section 281Offences and penalties.
  282. Section 282Authority for imposition of penalty and procedure therefor.
  283. Section 283Place of trial and jurisdiction of court.
  284. Section 284Special provision regarding punishment.
  285. Section 285Appointment of Special Public Prosecutors.
  286. Section 286Penalties in respect of masters or owners of special trade passenger vessels.
  287. Section 287Offences by companies.
  288. Section 288Depositions to be received in evidence when witness cannot be produced.
  289. Section 289Power to detain foreign vessel that has occasioned damage.
  290. Section 290Power to enforce detention of vessel.
  291. Section 291Levy of wages, etc., by distress of movable property or vessel.
  292. Section 292Service of documents.
  293. Section 293Birth and death of persons onboard vessel during a voyage.
  294. Section 294Inquiry into cause of death onboard or person missing from Indian vessel.
  295. Section 295Certain persons deemed to be public servants.
  296. Section 296Power of persons authorised to investigate, inquire, etc.
  297. Section 297Power to permit alternative provisions and arrangement.
  298. Section 298Control of nuclear vessels and security measures.
  299. Section 299Exemption of Government vessels, foreign and Indian.
  300. Section 300Power to exempt.
  301. Section 301Power of Director-General to give directions.
  302. Section 302Special provisions with respect to defaulting ship owners.
  303. Section 303Right to pursue foreign vessels in high seas.
  304. Section 304Power of Central Government with respect to vessel without nationality.
  305. Section 305Protection of action taken in good faith.
  306. Section 306Agreement with other States.
  307. Section 307Control measures and detention of vessels.
  308. Section 308Costs of detention and damages.
  309. Section 309Procedure for detention of vessel other than Indian vessel.
  310. Section 310Obligations of ports under conventions and monitoring thereof by Director-General.
  311. Section 311Power of Central Government in respect of abandoned vessels.
  312. Section 312Power to cancel, suspend, etc., certificate of seafarers.
  313. Section 313Re-hearing.
  314. Section 314Maintenance of insurance or such other financial security.
  315. Section 315Use and maintenance of electronic records.
  316. Section 316Classification of vessels.
  317. Section 317Transparency of charges.
  318. Section 318Power of Director-General to call for information.
  319. Section 319General power to make rules.
  320. Section 320Provisions with respect to rules.
  321. Section 321Power to remove difficulties.
  322. Section 322Power to constitute committees.
  323. Section 323Power of Central Government to protect interest of Indian Shipping.
  324. Section 324Repeals and savings.
  325. Section 325Amendment of Act 20 of 2021.