The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
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.
Administered by. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways · Other Acts of 2025
Preamble
THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ACT, 2025
ACT NO. 24 OF 2025
[18th August, 2025.]
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.
BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India as follows:---
What this Act covers
Summary of Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
Act aligns Indian shipping laws with international maritime conventions, strengthens vessel safety, environmental protection, and seafarer welfare, while promoting the development of the Indian shipping industry and ensuring ease of doing business.
Key Provisions
1. Registration and Regulation of Vessels
Mandatory Registration: Indian vessels must be registered in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
Survey and Certification: Vessels are required to undergo periodic surveys, audits, and certification to ensure seaworthiness and compliance with safety standards.
2. Seafarer Welfare and Maritime Education
Seafarers' Rights: Provides for the welfare, training, certification, employment, and working conditions of seafarers.
Maritime Education: Establishes standards for maritime education and training institutions to ensure competent maritime professionals.
3. Safety and Environmental Protection
Safety Measures: Prescribes requirements for vessel safety, security, emergency preparedness, and accident prevention.
Pollution Control: Provides measures for the prevention and containment of pollution from vessels and establishes liability for environmental damage.
4. Maritime Liability and Investigation
Compensation and Liability: Lays down provisions relating to collisions, maritime claims, limitation of liability, and compensation for oil pollution damage.
Marine Casualty Investigation: Establishes procedures for investigating marine accidents, casualties, and wrecks to improve maritime safety.
Sections
Type to filter. 325 sections.
- 1Short title and commencement
- 2Application of Act
- 3Definitions
- 4Establishment of National Shipping Board
- 5Constitution of Seafarer’s Welfare Board
- 6Power to make rules
- 7Director-General of Maritime Administration
- 8Officers
- 9Surveyors
- 10Senior radio surveyors and radio inspectors
- 11Mercantile Marine Department
- 12Shipping office
- 13Body for security of vessels and port facilities
- 14Application of this Part
- 15Indian vessel and its registration
- 16Registration of Indian chartered foreign vessels
- 17Temporary registration of vessels sought to be recycled
- 18Registrar of Indian vessels
- 19Provisional registration of Indian vessel
- 20Procedure for registration of Indian vessels
- 21Temporary pass in lieu of certificate of registration
- 22Custody and use of certificate
- 23Transfer of Indian vessel or shares
- 24Transmission of property in Indian vessel on death, insolvency, etc
- 25Order for sale where vessel has ceased to be an Indian vessel
- 26Mortgage of vessel or share
- 27Rights of mortgagee
- 28Liability of mortgagee
- 29Mortgage not affected by insolvency
- 30Transfer of mortgages
- 31Transmission of interest in mortgage in certain circumstances
- 32Rules as to name of vessel
- 33Registration of alterations
- 34Provisional certificate and endorsement where vessel is to be re-registered
- 35Transfer of registration
- 36Restrictions on re-registration of abandoned vessel
- 37National colours for Indian vessels
- 38Concealment of Indian or assumption of foreign character
- 39Liabilities of vessel not recognised as Indian vessel
- 40Proceedings on forfeiture of vessel
- 41Liability of owners
- 42Evidence of register book, certificate of registration and other documents
- 43Closure of registration
- 44Power to make rules
- 45Certificates to be held by seafarers
- 46Certificate of competency and certificate of proficiency
- 47Training for grant of certificate of competency and certificate of proficiency
- 48Examination for grant of certificates
- 49Production of certificate of competency
- 50Recognition of certificates of competency granted in other States
- 51Foreign vessel not to sail without seafarers having certificate
- 52Obligations of certain certificate holders to serve on Indian vessels
- 53Power to make rules
- 54Application of this Part
- 55Definitions
- 56Classification of seafarers
- 57Application of maritime labour standards to seafarers and vessels
- 58Duties of shipping master, director and seafarer’s welfare officer
- 59Minimum age for seafarers
- 60Medical certificate
- 61Training and qualifications
- 62Recruitment and placement of seafarers
- 63Agreement with seafarers
- 64Wages
- 65Hours of rest
- 66Entitlement to leave
- 67Repatriation
- 68Compensation for vessel’s loss or foundering
- 69Manning levels
- 70Accommodation and recreational facilities
- 71Food and catering
- 72Medical care
- 73Ship owners’ liability
- 74Health and safety protection and accident prevention
- 75Social security
- 76Flag State responsibilities
- 77Port State responsibilities
- 78Rules for enforcement of Maritime Labour Convention
- 79Payment of wages
- 80Discharge of seafarers
- 81Wages and property of deceased seafarers and seafarers left behind
- 82Certain undisbursed amounts to be utilised for welfare of seafarers
- 83Shipping master to adjudicate disputes involving seafarer
- 84Power of shipping master to require production of documents
- 85Wages not recoverable outside India in certain cases
- 86Summary proceedings for wages
- 87Restrictions on suits for wages
- 88Remedies of master for wages, disbursements, etc
- 89Power to refer disputes between seafarers and employers to Tribunal
- 90Recovery of wages, etc., of seafarers lost with vessel
- 91Relief and maintenance of abandoned seafarers
- 92Replacement crew onboard abandoned vessels
- 93Inspection by shipping master, etc
- 94Special provisions for protection of seafarers in respect of litigation
- 95Facilities for making complaint
- 96Vessel not to be boarded without permission
- 97Misconduct endangering life or vessel
- 98Desertion and absence without leave
- 99General liability against discipline
- 100Smuggling of goods by seafarer
- 101Entry of offences in official logbook
- 102Report of desertions and absences without leave
- 103Entries and certificates of desertion abroad
- 104Facilities for proving desertion in proceedings for forfeiture of wages
- 105Application of forfeitures
- 106Decision of questions of forfeiture and deduction in suits for wages
- 107Payment of fines imposed under agreement to shipping master
- 108Seafarer not to be enticed to desert
- 109Stowaways and seafarers carried under compulsion
- 110On change of master, documents to be handed over to successor
- 111Deserters from foreign vessels
- 112Official logbook
- 113Power to make rules
- 114Application of this Part
- 115Definitions
- 116Safety and security requirements
- 117Reporting of incidents
- 118Obligations to render assistance on receiving signal of distress and to persons in danger
- 119Search and rescue services
- 120Radio communication requirements
- 121Information about vessel’s stability
- 122Submersion of load lines
- 123No vessel to carry passenger without certificate
- 124Vessel not to proceed to sea without valid safety and security certificates
- 125Penalties for certain acts
- 126Vessel not to carry cargo or passengers in contravention of Act
- 127Unseaworthy vessel not to be sent to sea
- 128Obligation of ship owner, master or agent with respect to seaworthiness
- 129Safety and security management
- 130Power to make rules
- 131Application of this Part
- 132Definitions
- 133Control of discharge or emission of harmful substances or dumping at sea
- 134Prevention and containment of pollution and response
- 135Vessel not to proceed to sea without valid pollution prevention certificates
- 136Record books
- 137Power to deny entry, detain or move vessel
- 138Power to take measures for containment of pollution and reporting of incidents
- 139Power of Central Government to give directions
- 140Measures for detection of pollution
- 141Appointment of analysts
- 142Reception facilities
- 143Power to make rules
- 144Survey, audit and certification
- 145Certificates
- 146Power of surveyor
- 147Compliance of provisions of convention
- 148Recognition of certificates granted outside India
- 149Grant of certificate to foreign vessels in India and Indian vessels in foreign States
- 150Power to call for information
- 151Power to conduct inspections
- 152Power to make rules
- 153Application of this Chapter
- 154Apportionment of liability
- 155Damage or loss of vessel, cargo or property
- 156Joint and several liability for loss of life or personal injury
- 157Right of contribution
- 158Duty of master of vessel to assist in case of collision
- 159Collision to be entered in official logbook
- 160Report to Director-General of accidents to vessels
- 161Notice of loss of Indian vessel to be given to Director-General
- 162Limitation of liability for damages in respect of certain claims
- 163Conduct barring limitation
- 164Counter claims
- 165Limits of liability
- 166Limit for passenger claims
- 167Aggregation of claims
- 168Constitution of limitation fund
- 169Limitation of liability without constitution of a limitation fund
- 170Distribution of fund
- 171Bar to other actions
- 172Compulsory insurance or other financial security for maritime claims subject to limitation
- 173Scope of application of this Chapter
- 174Power to make rules for matters under Chapters I and II of this Part
- 175Application of this Chapter
- 176Definitions
- 177Liability of ship owner
- 178Joint and several liability for ships
- 179Jurisdiction of High Court
- 180Jurisdiction where pollution damage occurs in two or more States
- 181Limitation of liability
- 182Constitution of limitation fund
- 183Claims for compensation where fund is established
- 184Acquisition of right for compensation by subrogation
- 185Consolidation of claims and distribution of fund
- 186Arrest and sale of ship if ship owner, etc., unable to satisfy claims for compensation
- 187Restriction on enforcement of claims after establishment of fund
- 188Compulsory insurance or other financial security
- 189Acceptance of certificate granted outside India
- 190Ban on entering or leaving an Indian port without certificate
- 191Direct action against insurer or other person providing financial security
- 192Recognition of judgment of court of contracting parties to Civil Liability Convention
- 193Limitation period
- 194Government ships
- 195Power to make rules
- 196Application of this Chapter
- 197Definitions
- 198Liability for bunker oil pollution
- 199Exemption from liability
- 200Right of ship owner to limitation of liability
- 201Determination of limitation of liability
- 202Consolidation of claims and distribution of amount
- 203Extinguishment of right to claim
- 204Maintenance of compulsory insurance or other financial security
- 205Direct action against insurer or other person providing financial security
- 206Grant of certificate
- 207Ban on entering or leaving port without clearance
- 208Right of recourse
- 209Recognition of judgment of court of contracting parties to Bunker Convention
- 210Power to make rules
- 211Application of this Chapter
- 212Definitions
- 213Contribution to Fund
- 214Contribution payable by persons to Fund
- 215Liability of Fund
- 216Limitation of liability of Fund
- 217Power to call for information
- 218Claims against Fund and jurisdiction of courts
- 219Extinguishment of claims
- 220Subrogation and right of recourse
- 221Power of Central Government to establish fund for excess claim
- 222Power to make rules
- 223Application of this Part
- 224Definitions
- 225Appointment of nodal authority for marine incidents
- 226Primary response party
- 227Plans and procedures for response mechanisms
- 228Powers of nodal authority
- 229Maintenance of compulsory insurance or other financial security
- 230Power to make rules
- 231Marine casualties and report thereof
- 232Power of Central Government to initiate proceedings
- 233Application of this Chapter
- 234Definitions
- 235Receiver of wreck
- 236Duty to report wrecks
- 237Determination of hazard
- 238Locating and marking of wrecks
- 239Power to pass over adjoining lands
- 240Prohibition of certain acts in respect of wreck
- 241Search warrants where wreck is involved
- 242Measures to facilitate removal of wrecks
- 243Liability of ship owner
- 244Maintenance of insurance or other financial security
- 245Claims of ship owners to wreck
- 246Extinguishment of right to claim recovery of costs
- 247Application of this Chapter
- 248Definitions
- 249Salvage payable for saving life, cargo or wreck
- 250Salvage operations controlled by Government or port and public authorities
- 251Salvage contracts
- 252Duties of salvor, owner and master
- 253Rights of salvors
- 254Powers and duties of Central Government in relation to salvage operations
- 255Retention of salvors
- 256Disputes between ship owner and salvor
- 257Adjudication of disputes between ship owner and salvor
- 258Extinguishment of claims
- 259Savings
- 260Power to make rules
- 261Application of this Part
- 262Definitions
- 263Decision of question whether a vessel falls under this Part
- 264Requirements for safety, security, prevention of pollution and insurance
- 265Manning of fishing vessels
- 266Central Government to grant certificate of proficiency
- 267Training for grant of certificate of competency and certificate of proficiency
- 268Examination for grant of certificate
- 269Withdrawal, suspension or cancellation of certificate
- 270Production of certificate
- 271Agreements in respect of fishing vessel
- 272Fishery data to be furnished by Indian fishing vessels
- 273Vessel not to proceed without valid certificates
- 274Power of Central Government to initiate action against non-mechanically propelled vessels
- 275Statement relating to crew of vessels to be maintained
- 276Inquiry to jettisoning of cargo
- 277Detention of vessel by proper officer
- 278Detention of unseaworthy vessels
- 279Power to exempt
- 280Power to make rules
- 281Offences and penalties
- 282Authority for imposition of penalty and procedure therefor
- 283Place of trial and jurisdiction of court
- 284Special provision regarding punishment
- 285Appointment of Special Public Prosecutors
- 286Penalties in respect of masters or owners of special trade passenger vessels
- 287Offences by companies
- 288Depositions to be received in evidence when witness cannot be produced
- 289Power to detain foreign vessel that has occasioned damage
- 290Power to enforce detention of vessel
- 291Levy of wages, etc., by distress of movable property or vessel
- 292Service of documents
- 293Birth and death of persons onboard vessel during a voyage
- 294Inquiry into cause of death onboard or person missing from Indian vessel
- 295Certain persons deemed to be public servants
- 296Power of persons authorised to investigate, inquire, etc
- 297Power to permit alternative provisions and arrangement
- 298Control of nuclear vessels and security measures
- 299Exemption of Government vessels, foreign and Indian
- 300Power to exempt
- 301Power of Director-General to give directions
- 302Special provisions with respect to defaulting ship owners
- 303Right to pursue foreign vessels in high seas
- 304Power of Central Government with respect to vessel without nationality
- 305Protection of action taken in good faith
- 306Agreement with other States
- 307Control measures and detention of vessels
- 308Costs of detention and damages
- 309Procedure for detention of vessel other than Indian vessel
- 310Obligations of ports under conventions and monitoring thereof by Director-General
- 311Power of Central Government in respect of abandoned vessels
- 312Power to cancel, suspend, etc., certificate of seafarers
- 313Re-hearing
- 314Maintenance of insurance or such other financial security
- 315Use and maintenance of electronic records
- 316Classification of vessels
- 317Transparency of charges
- 318Power of Director-General to call for information
- 319General power to make rules
- 320Provisions with respect to rules
- 321Power to remove difficulties
- 322Power to constitute committees
- 323Power of Central Government to protect interest of Indian Shipping
- 324Repeals and savings
- 325Amendment of Act 20 of 2021
Legislative history
Legislative History: The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 Source: Official Record of Parliament, India Code, and Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Act Title - The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 Act Number - Act No. 24 of 2025 Act ID (India Code) - 202524 Presidential Assent date - August 18, 2025 Enforcement Date - April 15, 2026 Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Precedent & Historical Rationale ● Overhaul & Modernization of Legacy Maritime Laws: Repeals the sprawling Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 and the colonial-era Coasting Vessels Act, 1838, replacing 561 outdated sections with 325 streamlined clauses across 15 clean parts. ● Compliance with Global Conventions & Seafarer Welfare: Codifies Indian obligations under key International Maritime Organization (IMO) and ILO conventions—including SOLAS, MARPOL, the Nairobi Wreck Removal Convention, and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006). It expands vessel ownership eligibility (permitting OCIs, NRIs, and bareboat charters) and introduces unified "Marine Casualty" investigation protocols. Parliamentary Trajectory & Enactment ● Formulation: Introduced by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, as the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 (Bill No. 183C of 2024) to reduce compliance burdens, digitize ship registration, and support Maritime India Vision 2030. ● Parliamentary Passage: Introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 10, 2024; passed by the Lok Sabha on August 6, 2025; and passed by the Rajya Sabha on August 11, 2025. ● Presidential Assent: Received the assent of the President of India on August 18, 2025. ● Enforcement: Enforced on April 15, 2026.
Related Acts
- The Indian Ports Act 202586 sections
- The Coastal Shipping Act, 202542 sections
- The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 202512 sections
- The Bills of Lading Act, 20256 sections
- The Inland Vessels Act, 2021114 sections
- The Major Port Authorities Act, 202176 sections
- The Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 202153 sections
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Every one of the 325 sections of this Act has its own page. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.