Section 247. Application of this Chapter.

(1) This Chapter shall apply to--- (a) salvage operations within the territory of India including the coastal waters; and (b) judicial or arbitral proceedings relating to salvage operations in respect of a vessel or any other property which are instituted in India. (2) This Chapter shall not apply to--- (i) the fixed or floating platforms or mobile offshore drilling units when such platforms or units are on location engaged in the exploration, exploitation or production of seabed mineral resources; (ii) warships or other non-commercial vessels owned or operated by the Government which are entitled, at the time of salvage operations, to sovereign immunity; (iii) such vessels as the Central Government may, by notification, specify. (3) This Chapter shall apply, notwithstanding that the vessel undertaking the salvage operations belong to the same owner of the vessel being salvaged.