Inspection by shipping master, etc

Section 93 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 deals with inspection by shipping master, etc. A shipping master, surveyor, seafarer's welfare officer, Indian ambassador or any other officer at any port duly authorised in this behalf by the Central Government shall, at any time,--- (a) in the case of any vessel upon which the seafarer has been shipped at that port; The Act came into force on 15 Mar 2026.

(1) A shipping master, surveyor, seafarer's welfare officer, Indian ambassador or any other officer at any port duly authorised in this behalf by the Central Government shall, at any time,---

(a) in the case of any vessel upon which the seafarer has been shipped at that port; and

(b) in the case of any Indian vessel, and if the master or three or more of the seafarers so request,

enter onboard the vessel and inspect,

(i) the provisions and water;

(ii) the weights and measures;

(iii) the accommodation for seafarers,

with which the vessel is required to be provided by or under this Act and also the space and equipment used for the storage and handling of food, water and the galley and other equipment used for the preparation and service of meals;

(iv) the Maritime Labour Certificate and Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance.

(2) All Indian vessels engaged in international voyage or operating from a port, or between ports, in another State, shall possess a Maritime Labour Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance.

Explanation.---For the purposes of this sub-section, "international voyage" means a voyage from or to a port or place in India to or from a port or place outside India or between any ports outside India.

(3) The vessels not covered under sub-section (2) shall, unless exempted by the Central Government, possess such certificate in such manner and form as may be prescribed.

(4) For the purpose of preventing seafarer from being taken onboard any vessel at any port in India contrary to the provisions of this Act, a shipping master or deputy shipping master or assistant shipping master or a director, or deputy director or assistant director of the seafarer's employment office may enter at any time, onboard any such vessel upon which he has reasons to believe that seafarers have been shipped, and may muster and examine the seafarers employed therein.

Explanation.---For the purposes of this section, "Maritime Labour Certificate" means a certificate granted by the Central Government or by any officer, authority or organisation authorised by it in this behalf, in accordance with the provisions of the Maritime Labour Convention.

Section 93, The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 (Act 24 of 2025).