Power of Central Government with respect to vessel without nationality
Section 304 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 deals with power of Central Government with respect to vessel without nationality. Where it is established that a vessel within India or her coastal waters is not legally entitled to fly the flag of a State or has lost such right, the Central Government may take charge of such vessel and detain the same as a vessel without nationality including its cargo, as may be deemed appropri The Act came into force on 15 Mar 2026.
(1) Where it is established that a vessel within India or her coastal waters is not legally entitled to fly the flag of a State or has lost such right, the Central Government may take charge of such vessel and detain the same as a vessel without nationality including its cargo, as may be deemed appropriate, in such manner as may be prescribed.
(2) A vessel which sails under the flags of two or more States, using them according to convenience, may be deemed to be a vessel without nationality.
Section 304, The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 (Act 24 of 2025).
Cross-references
Extracted from the operative text of the enactments themselves. Every destination below exists in our corpus.
Referred to by 2
Questions about Section 304
What does Section 304 of the Merchant Shipping Act deal with?
Section 304 of the Merchant Shipping Act is headed "Power of Central Government with respect to vessel without nationality". Where it is established that a vessel within India or her coastal waters is not legally entitled to fly the flag of a State or has lost such right, the Central Government may take charge of such vessel and detain the same as a vessel without nationality including its cargo, as may be deemed appropri
How do I find court cases under Section 304 of the Merchant Shipping Act?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Merchant Shipping Act 2025 304, section 304 Merchant Shipping Act 2025, section 304 of the Merchant Shipping Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
What should I read with Section 304 of the Merchant Shipping Act, and has it changed?
2 other provisions in this corpus refer back to it.
When did Section 304 of the Merchant Shipping Act come into force?
Section 304 of the Merchant Shipping Act, cited as Merchant Shipping Act 2025 304, came into force on 15 Mar 2026, having been enacted on 18 Aug 2025. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.
Other sections of this Act
- 281. Offences and penalties5433 words
- 3. Definitions2558 words
- 89. Power to refer disputes between seafarers and employers to Tribunal770 words
- 91. Relief and maintenance of abandoned seafarers739 words
- 113. Power to make rules738 words
- 138. Power to take measures for containment of pollution and reporting of incidents667 words
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. Text as in force on 17 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.