Merchant Shipping Act, 2025

Bare Act · 2025

Act number: 24 of 2025
Enacted: 18 August 2025
Contents: 326 sections · 23 chapters

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Contents

Part I

Chapter I — Establishment Of National Shipping Board And Seafarer’s Welfare Board

Chapter II — M A

Section 7 – Director-General of Maritime Administration (preview)
Section 8 – Officers (preview)
Section 9 – Surveyors (preview)
Section 10 – Senior radio surveyors and radio inspectors (preview)
Section 11 – Mercantile Marine Department (preview)
Section 12 – Shipping office (preview)
Section 13 – Body for security of vessels and port facilities (preview)

Part III — Registration Of Vessels

Section 14 – Application of this Part (preview)
Section 15 – Indian vessel and its registration (preview)
Section 16 – Registration of Indian chartered foreign vessels (preview)
Section 17 – Temporary registration of vessels sought to be recycled (preview)
Section 18 – Registrar of Indian vessels (preview)
Section 19 – Provisional registration of Indian vessel (preview)
Section 20 – Procedure for registration of Indian vessels (preview)
Section 21 – Temporary pass in lieu of certificate of registration (preview)
Section 22 – Custody and use of certificate (preview)
Section 23 – Transfer of Indian vessel or shares (preview)
Section 24 – Transmission of property in Indian vessel on death, insolvency, etc (preview)
Section 25 – Order for sale where vessel has ceased to be an Indian vessel (preview)
Section 26 – Mortgage of vessel or share (preview)
Section 27 – Rights of mortgagee (preview)
Section 28 – Liability of mortgagee (preview)
Section 29 – Mortgage not affected by insolvency (preview)
Section 30 – Transfer of mortgages (preview)
Section 31 – Transmission of interest in mortgage in certain circumstances (preview)
Section 32 – Rules as to name of vessel (preview)
Section 33 – Registration of alterations (preview)
Section 34 – Provisional certificate and endorsement where vessel is to be re-registered (preview)
Section 35 – Transfer of registration (preview)
Section 36 – Restrictions on re-registration of abandoned vessel (preview)
Section 37 – National colours for Indian vessels (preview)
Section 38 – Concealment of Indian or assumption of foreign character (preview)
Section 39 – Liabilities of vessel not recognised as Indian vessel (preview)
Section 40 – Proceedings on forfeiture of vessel (preview)
Section 41 – Liability of owners (preview)
Section 42 – Evidence of register book, certificate of registration and other documents (preview)
Section 43 – Closure of registration (preview)
Section 44 – Power to make rules (preview)

Part IV — Maritime Education And Training

Sections

Section 48 – Examination for grant of certificates (preview)
Section 129 – Safety and security management (preview)

Part V — Seafarers

Section 54 – Application of this Part (preview)
Section 55 – Definitions (preview)
Section 56 – Classification of seafarers (preview)
Section 57 – Application of maritime labour standards to seafarers and vessels (preview)
Section 58 – Duties of shipping master, director and seafarer’s welfare officer (preview)
Section 59 – Minimum age for seafarers (preview)
Section 60 – Medical certificate (preview)
Section 61 – Training and qualifications (preview)
Section 62 – Recruitment and placement of seafarers (preview)
Section 63 – Agreement with seafarers (preview)
Section 64 – Wages (preview)
Section 65 – Hours of rest (preview)
Section 66 – Entitlement to leave (preview)
Section 67 – Repatriation (preview)
Section 68 – Compensation for vessel’s loss or foundering (preview)
Section 69 – Manning levels (preview)
Section 70 – Accommodation and recreational facilities (preview)
Section 71 – Food and catering (preview)
Section 72 – Medical care (preview)
Section 73 – Ship owners’ liability (preview)
Section 74 – Health and safety protection and accident prevention (preview)
Section 75 – Social security (preview)
Section 76 – Flag State responsibilities (preview)
Section 77 – Port State responsibilities (preview)
Section 78 – Rules for enforcement of Maritime Labour Convention (preview)
Section 79 – Payment of wages (preview)
Section 80 – Discharge of seafarers (preview)
Section 81 – Wages and property of deceased seafarers and seafarers left behind (preview)
Section 82 – Certain undisbursed amounts to be utilised for welfare of seafarers (preview)
Section 83 – Shipping master to adjudicate disputes involving seafarer (preview)
Section 84 – Power of shipping master to require production of documents (preview)
Section 85 – Wages not recoverable outside India in certain cases (preview)
Section 86 – Summary proceedings for wages (preview)
Section 87 – Restrictions on suits for wages (preview)
Section 88 – Remedies of master for wages, disbursements, etc (preview)
Section 89 – Power to refer disputes between seafarers and employers to Tribunal (preview)
Section 90 – Recovery of wages, etc., of seafarers lost with vessel (preview)
Section 91 – Relief and maintenance of abandoned seafarers (preview)
Section 92 – Replacement crew onboard abandoned vessels (preview)
Section 93 – Inspection by shipping master, etc (preview)
Section 94 – Special provisions for protection of seafarers in respect of litigation (preview)
Section 95 – Facilities for making complaint (preview)
Section 96 – Vessel not to be boarded without permission (preview)
Section 97 – Misconduct endangering life or vessel (preview)
Section 98 – Desertion and absence without leave (preview)
Section 99 – General liability against discipline (preview)
Section 100 – Smuggling of goods by seafarer (preview)
Section 101 – Entry of offences in official logbook (preview)
Section 102 – Report of desertions and absences without leave (preview)
Section 103 – Entries and certificates of desertion abroad (preview)
Section 104 – Facilities for proving desertion in proceedings for forfeiture of wages (preview)
Section 105 – Application of forfeitures (preview)
Section 106 – Decision of questions of forfeiture and deduction in suits for wages (preview)
Section 107 – Payment of fines imposed under agreement to shipping master (preview)
Section 108 – Seafarer not to be enticed to desert (preview)
Section 109 – Stowaways and seafarers carried under compulsion (preview)
Section 110 – On change of master, documents to be handed over to successor (preview)
Section 111 – Deserters from foreign vessels (preview)
Section 112 – Official logbook (preview)
Section 113 – Power to make rules (preview)

Part VI — Safety And Security

Section 114 – Application of this Part (preview)
Section 115 – Definitions (preview)
Section 116 – Safety and security requirements (preview)
Section 117 – Reporting of incidents (preview)
Section 118 – Obligations to render assistance on receiving signal of distress and to persons in danger (preview)
Section 119 – Search and rescue services (preview)
Section 120 – Radio communication requirements (preview)
Section 121 – Information about vessel’s stability (preview)
Section 122 – Submersion of load lines (preview)
Section 123 – No vessel to carry passenger without certificate (preview)
Section 124 – Vessel not to proceed to sea without valid safety and security certificates (preview)
Section 125 – Penalties for certain acts (preview)
Section 126 – Vessel not to carry cargo or passengers in contravention of Act (preview)
Section 127 – Unseaworthy vessel not to be sent to sea (preview)
Section 128 – Obligation of ship owner, master or agent with respect to seaworthiness (preview)
Section 130 – Power to make rules (preview)

Part VII — Prevention And Containment Of Pollution From Vessel And Response

Section 131 – Application of this Part (preview)
Section 132 – Definitions (preview)
Section 133 – Control of discharge or emission of harmful substances or dumping at sea (preview)
Section 134 – Prevention and containment of pollution and response (preview)
Section 135 – Vessel not to proceed to sea without valid pollution prevention certificates (preview)
Section 136 – Record books (preview)
Section 137 – Power to deny entry, detain or move vessel (preview)
Section 138 – Power to take measures for containment of pollution and reporting of incidents (preview)
Section 139 – Power of Central Government to give directions (preview)
Section 140 – Measures for detection of pollution (preview)
Section 141 – Appointment of analysts (preview)
Section 142 – Reception facilities (preview)
Section 143 – Power to make rules (preview)

Part VIII — Survey, Audit And Certification

Section 144 – Survey, audit and certification (preview)
Section 145 – Certificates (preview)
Section 146 – Power of surveyor (preview)
Section 147 – Compliance of provisions of convention (preview)
Section 148 – Recognition of certificates granted outside India (preview)
Section 149 – Grant of certificate to foreign vessels in India and Indian vessels in foreign States (preview)
Section 150 – Power to call for information (preview)
Section 151 – Power to conduct inspections (preview)
Section 152 – Power to make rules (preview)

Chapter I — Collision, Accident At Sea And Liability

Section 153 – Application of this Chapter (preview)
Section 154 – Apportionment of liability (preview)
Section 155 – Damage or loss of vessel, cargo or property (preview)
Section 156 – Joint and several liability for loss of life or personal injury (preview)
Section 157 – Right of contribution (preview)
Section 158 – Duty of master of vessel to assist in case of collision (preview)
Section 159 – Collision to be entered in official logbook (preview)
Section 160 – Report to Director-General of accidents to vessels (preview)
Section 161 – Notice of loss of Indian vessel to be given to Director-General (preview)

Chapter II — Limitation Of Liability For Maritime Claims

Section 162 – Limitation of liability for damages in respect of certain claims (preview)
Section 163 – Conduct barring limitation (preview)
Section 164 – Counter claims (preview)
Section 165 – Limits of liability (preview)
Section 166 – Limit for passenger claims (preview)
Section 167 – Aggregation of claims (preview)
Section 168 – Constitution of limitation fund (preview)
Section 169 – Limitation of liability without constitution of a limitation fund (preview)
Section 170 – Distribution of fund (preview)
Section 171 – Bar to other actions (preview)
Section 172 – Compulsory insurance or other financial security for maritime claims subject to limitation (preview)
Section 173 – Scope of application of this Chapter (preview)
Section 174 – Power to make rules for matters under Chapters I and II of this Part (preview)

Chapter III — Civil Liability For Oil Pollution Damage

Section 175 – Application of this Chapter (preview)
Section 176 – Definitions (preview)
Section 177 – Liability of ship owner (preview)
Section 178 – Joint and several liability for ships (preview)
Section 179 – Jurisdiction of High Court (preview)
Section 180 – Jurisdiction where pollution damage occurs in two or more States (preview)
Section 181 – Limitation of liability (preview)
Section 182 – Constitution of limitation fund (preview)
Section 183 – Claims for compensation where fund is established (preview)
Section 184 – Acquisition of right for compensation by subrogation (preview)
Section 185 – Consolidation of claims and distribution of fund (preview)
Section 186 – Arrest and sale of ship if ship owner, etc., unable to satisfy claims for compensation (preview)
Section 187 – Restriction on enforcement of claims after establishment of fund (preview)
Section 188 – Compulsory insurance or other financial security (preview)
Section 189 – Acceptance of certificate granted outside India (preview)
Section 190 – Ban on entering or leaving an Indian port without certificate (preview)
Section 191 – Direct action against insurer or other person providing financial security (preview)
Section 192 – Recognition of judgment of court of contracting parties to Civil Liability Convention (preview)
Section 193 – Limitation period (preview)
Section 194 – Government ships (preview)
Section 195 – Power to make rules (preview)

Chapter IV — Civil Liability For Bunker Oil Pollution Damage

Section 196 – Application of this Chapter (preview)
Section 197 – Definitions (preview)
Section 198 – Liability for bunker oil pollution (preview)
Section 199 – Exemption from liability (preview)
Section 200 – Right of ship owner to limitation of liability (preview)
Section 201 – Determination of limitation of liability (preview)
Section 202 – Consolidation of claims and distribution of amount (preview)
Section 203 – Extinguishment of right to claim (preview)
Section 204 – Maintenance of compulsory insurance or other financial security (preview)
Section 205 – Direct action against insurer or other person providing financial security (preview)
Section 206 – Grant of certificate (preview)
Section 207 – Ban on entering or leaving port without clearance (preview)
Section 208 – Right of recourse (preview)
Section 209 – Recognition of judgment of court of contracting parties to Bunker Convention (preview)
Section 210 – Power to make rules (preview)

Chapter V — International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund

Section 211 – Application of this Chapter (preview)
Section 212 – Definitions (preview)
Section 213 – Contribution to Fund (preview)
Section 214 – Contribution payable by persons to Fund (preview)
Section 215 – Liability of Fund (preview)
Section 216 – Limitation of liability of Fund (preview)
Section 217 – Power to call for information (preview)
Section 218 – Claims against Fund and jurisdiction of courts (preview)
Section 219 – Extinguishment of claims (preview)
Section 220 – Subrogation and right of recourse (preview)
Section 221 – Power of Central Government to establish fund for excess claim (preview)
Section 222 – Power to make rules (preview)

Part X — Marine Incident And Emergency Response

Section 223 – Application of this Part (preview)
Section 224 – Definitions (preview)
Section 225 – Appointment of nodal authority for marine incidents (preview)
Section 226 – Primary response party (preview)
Section 227 – Plans and procedures for response mechanisms (preview)
Section 228 – Powers of nodal authority (preview)
Section 229 – Maintenance of compulsory insurance or other financial security (preview)
Section 230 – Power to make rules (preview)

Part XI — Investigation And Inquiries On Marine Casualties

Section 231 – Marine casualties and report thereof (preview)
Section 232 – Power of Central Government to initiate proceedings (preview)

Chapter I — Wreck

Section 233 – Application of this Chapter (preview)
Section 234 – Definitions (preview)
Section 235 – Receiver of wreck (preview)
Section 236 – Duty to report wrecks (preview)
Section 237 – Determination of hazard (preview)
Section 238 – Locating and marking of wrecks (preview)
Section 239 – Power to pass over adjoining lands (preview)
Section 240 – Prohibition of certain acts in respect of wreck (preview)
Section 241 – Search warrants where wreck is involved (preview)
Section 242 – Measures to facilitate removal of wrecks (preview)
Section 243 – Liability of ship owner (preview)
Section 244 – Maintenance of insurance or other financial security (preview)
Section 245 – Claims of ship owners to wreck (preview)
Section 246 – Extinguishment of right to claim recovery of costs (preview)

Chapter II — Salvage

Section 247 – Application of this Chapter (preview)
Section 248 – Definitions (preview)
Section 249 – Salvage payable for saving life, cargo or wreck (preview)
Section 250 – Salvage operations controlled by Government or port and public authorities (preview)
Section 251 – Salvage contracts (preview)
Section 252 – Duties of salvor, owner and master (preview)
Section 253 – Rights of salvors (preview)
Section 254 – Powers and duties of Central Government in relation to salvage operations (preview)
Section 255 – Retention of salvors (preview)
Section 256 – Disputes between ship owner and salvor (preview)
Section 257 – Adjudication of disputes between ship owner and salvor (preview)
Section 258 – Extinguishment of claims (preview)
Section 259 – Savings (preview)
Section 260 – Power to make rules (preview)

Part XIII — Sailing, Fishing And Other Vessels

Section 261 – Application of this Part (preview)
Section 262 – Definitions (preview)
Section 263 – Decision of question whether a vessel falls under this Part (preview)
Section 264 – Requirements for safety, security, prevention of pollution and insurance (preview)
Section 265 – Manning of fishing vessels (preview)
Section 266 – Central Government to grant certificate of proficiency (preview)
Section 267 – Training for grant of certificate of competency and certificate of proficiency (preview)
Section 268 – Examination for grant of certificate (preview)
Section 269 – Withdrawal, suspension or cancellation of certificate (preview)
Section 270 – Production of certificate (preview)
Section 271 – Agreements in respect of fishing vessel (preview)
Section 272 – Fishery data to be furnished by Indian fishing vessels (preview)
Section 273 – Vessel not to proceed without valid certificates (preview)
Section 274 – Power of Central Government to initiate action against non-mechanically propelled vessels (preview)
Section 275 – Statement relating to crew of vessels to be maintained (preview)
Section 276 – Inquiry to jettisoning of cargo (preview)
Section 277 – Detention of vessel by proper officer (preview)
Section 278 – Detention of unseaworthy vessels (preview)
Section 279 – Power to exempt (preview)
Section 280 – Power to make rules (preview)

Part XIV — Penalties And Procedures

Section 281 – Offences and penalties (preview)
Section 282 – Authority for imposition of penalty and procedure therefor (preview)
Section 282A – Compounding for certain offences (preview)
Section 283 – Place of trial and jurisdiction of court (preview)
Section 284 – Special provision regarding punishment (preview)
Section 285 – Appointment of Special Public Prosecutors (preview)
Section 286 – Penalties in respect of masters or owners of special trade passenger vessels (preview)
Section 287 – Offences by companies (preview)
Section 288 – Depositions to be received in evidence when witness cannot be produced (preview)
Section 289 – Power to detain foreign vessel that has occasioned damage (preview)
Section 290 – Power to enforce detention of vessel (preview)
Section 291 – Levy of wages, etc., by distress of movable property or vessel (preview)
Section 292 – Service of documents (preview)

Part XV — Miscellaneous

Section 293 – Birth and death of persons onboard vessel during a voyage (preview)
Section 294 – Inquiry into cause of death onboard or person missing from Indian vessel (preview)
Section 295 – Certain persons deemed to be public servants (preview)
Section 296 – Power of persons authorised to investigate, inquire, etc (preview)
Section 297 – Power to permit alternative provisions and arrangement (preview)
Section 298 – Control of nuclear vessels and security measures (preview)
Section 299 – Exemption of Government vessels, foreign and Indian (preview)
Section 300 – Power to exempt (preview)
Section 301 – Power of Director-General to give directions (preview)
Section 302 – Special provisions with respect to defaulting ship owners (preview)
Section 303 – Right to pursue foreign vessels in high seas (preview)
Section 304 – Power of Central Government with respect to vessel without nationality (preview)
Section 305 – Protection of action taken in good faith (preview)
Section 306 – Agreement with other States (preview)
Section 307 – Control measures and detention of vessels (preview)
Section 308 – Costs of detention and damages (preview)
Section 309 – Procedure for detention of vessel other than Indian vessel (preview)
Section 310 – Obligations of ports under conventions and monitoring thereof by Director-General (preview)
Section 311 – Power of Central Government in respect of abandoned vessels (preview)
Section 312 – Power to cancel, suspend, etc., certificate of seafarers (preview)
Section 313 – Re-hearing (preview)
Section 314 – Maintenance of insurance or such other financial security (preview)
Section 315 – Use and maintenance of electronic records (preview)
Section 316 – Classification of vessels (preview)
Section 317 – Transparency of charges (preview)
Section 318 – Power of Director-General to call for information (preview)
Section 319 – General power to make rules (preview)
Section 320 – Provisions with respect to rules (preview)
Section 321 – Power to remove difficulties (preview)
Section 322 – Power to constitute committees (preview)
Section 323 – Power of Central Government to protect interest of Indian Shipping (preview)
Section 324 – Repeals and savings (preview)

Part XVI

Section 325 – Amendment of Act 20 of 2021 (preview)