Full Text
REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
The Gazette of India
CG-DL-E-13082026-275429
EXTRAORDINARY
PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (i)
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
No. 651]
NEW DELHI, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2026/SHRAVAN 16, 1948
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, 05th August, 2026
G.S.R. 715 (E).— In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) and clauses (a) to (d), and clause (h)
of sub-section (2) of section 130of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 (24 of 2025) and in supersession of the Merchant
Shipping (Safety of Navigation) Rules, 1997, except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such
supersession, the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, namely:—
CHAPTER-I
PRELIMINARY
1. Short title and commencement. (1) These rules may be called the Merchant Shipping (Safety of
Navigation) Rules, 2026.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. Application. (1) Unless expressly provided otherwise, these rules shall apply to all ships
registered in India under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 (24 of 2025), on all voyages and all ships other than
Indian ships while in coastal waters, except the following, namely: -
(a) warships, naval auxiliaries and other ships owned or operated by a Government and
used only on Government non-commercial service;
(b) pleasure crafts;
(c) ships not propelled by mechanical means;
(d) ships employed in trades or operations where bridge arrangements and navigational
equipment as may be approved by the Director-General are provided to suit special
navigational and operational requirements; and
(e) vessels covered under Part XIII of the Act:
Provided that warships, naval auxiliaries or other ships owned or operated by Government and used
only on Government non-commercial service shall, so far as is reasonable and practicable, act in a manner
consistent with these rules.
(2)A rigidly connected composite unit of a pushing vessel and associated pushed vessel, when designed as a
dedicated and integrated tug and barge combination, shall be regarded as a single ship for the purposes of these
rules.
3. Definitions. (1)In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires, —
(a) "Act" means the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 (24 of 2025);
(b) "bridge" means the area from which the navigation and control of the ship is exercised and
includes the wheel house chart room and the bridge wings complying with the requirements of the
relevant organisation standards;
(c) "constructed" in relation to a ship, means a stage of construction where—
(i) the keel is laid; or
(ii) construction identifiable with a specific ship begins; or
(iii) assembly of that ship commenced comprising of at least 50 gross tonnage or 1 per cent. of
the estimated mass of all structural material whichever is less;
(d) "gyro compass" means direction showing equipment using principle of gyroscope and complying
with the requirements of the relevant organisation standards;
(e) "International Code of Signals" means the code of signals approved by the organisation used for
communication of safety, emergency, and distress messages;
(f) "length" of a ship means its length overall;
(g) "magnetic compass" means an equipment complying with the requirements of the relevant
organisation standards;
(h) "mobile offshore drilling unit" means a mobile offshore drilling unit as defined in regulation XI-
2/1.1.5 of the Safety Convention;
(i) "Organisation" means International Maritime Organization;
(j) "recognised organisation" means a Classification Society or other body recognised by the Central
Government for the purpose of performing statutory surveys, audits, inspections, approvals and
certification functions on behalf of the Central Government.
(k) "routeing system" means any system of one or more routes or routing measures aimed at
reducing the risk of casualties; it includes traffic separation scheme, 2- way routes, recommended
tracks, areas to be avoided, no anchoring areas, inshore traffic zones, roundabouts, precautionary
areas, deep water routes and safety fairways established in coastal waters up to Exclusive Economic
Zone by the nautical advisor conforming to these rules, guidelines and criteria developed by the
Organisation and International Hydrographic Organisation;
(l) "Schedule" means a schedule annexed to these rules;
(m) "search and rescue service" means the performance of distress monitoring, communication, co-
ordination and search and rescue functions, including provision of medical advice, initial medical
assistance, or medical evacuation, through the use of public and private resources including co-
operating aircraft, ships, vessels and other craft and installations;
(n) "ship reporting systems" means a reporting system for the purpose of safety of life at sea, safety
and efficiency of navigation, or protection of the marine environment conforming to these rules and
criteria adopted by the Organisation;
(o) "standards" means recommendations, guidelines or performance standards approved and
published by the Organisation and as amended from time to time.
(2) Words and expressions used in these rules and not defined, but defined in the Act shall have
the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Act.
4. Exemptions and equivalents.— (1) The nautical advisor may, by order and subject to
such conditions as it may deem fit, grant general exemptions to any class or category of ships
that are not fitted with mechanical means of propulsion from the requirements relating to
navigational systems, navigational equipment, bridge layout, navigational visibility, and
navigational records prescribed under these rules, where such requirements are not reasonably
applicable to the design, construction, or operation of such ships.
(2) The nautical advisor may, on a case-by-case basis, grant to any individual ship a partial,
conditional or temporary exemption or may approve equivalent arrangements, where it is
satisfied that—
(a) the nature and duration of the voyage;
(b) the maximum distance of the ship from the shore;
(c) the prevailing navigational and environmental conditions; and
(d) the absence of general navigational hazards,
are such that strict compliance with the requirements relating to navigational systems,
navigational equipment, bridge visibility, navigational procedures, and navigational record-
keeping would be unreasonable or unnecessary in the interests of safety and practicality.
(3) Before granting any exemption or approving an equivalent arrangement under sub-rule (2),
the nautical advisor shall give due consideration to the effect that such exemption or equivalency
may have upon—
(a) the overall safety of the ship and persons on board; and
(b) the safety of other ships navigating in the same area.
(4) Any exemption or equivalent arrangement granted under this rule shall be—
(a) issued in writing by the nautical advisor,
(b) limited in duration, scope, or voyage as may be specified therein; and
(c) carried on board the ship at all times during its validity for inspection by the
appropriate authorities.
(5) The nautical advisor may at any time revoke or modify an exemption or equivalency granted
under this rule, if in its opinion, such action is necessary in the interest of safety of life at sea or
protection of the marine environment.
CHAPTER-II
STANDARDS FOR THE SAFETY OF NAVIGATION, COMMUNICATION,
MANNING, AND OPERATIONAL READINESS OF SHIPS
5. Navigational warnings. The Central Government shall take all necessary measures to
ensure that, upon receipt of information regarding any navigational danger from any reliable
source, such information is promptly disseminated to all persons concerned and communicated,
without delay, to other interested States.
Explanation. For the purposes of this rule, "necessary measures" may include guidance on the
IMO/IHO World-Wide Navigational Warning Service, adopted by the Organisation vide
resolution A.706(17), as amended from time to time.
6. Meteorological services and warnings. - (1) The Central Government shall, -
(a) facilitate the collection of meteorological data by ships at sea and make arrangements for
the examination, dissemination and exchange of such data in a manner best suited for the
purpose of aiding navigation;
(b) encourage the use of meteorological instruments of a high degree of accuracy and
facilitate, upon request, the checking of such instruments by appropriate national
meteorological services free of charge, where practicable.
(2) In particular, the Central Government shall, in cooperation with other States, carry out the
following meteorological arrangements, namely:-
(a) warning ships of gales, storms and tropical cyclones by the issue of information in text
form and, as far as practicable, in graphic form, using appropriate shore-based terrestrial and
space radiocommunication facilities;
(b) issuing, at least twice daily, weather information suitable for shipping through terrestrial
and space radiocommunication services, as appropriate, containing meteorological data,
analyses, warnings and forecasts relating to weather, waves and ice, which shall be
transmitted in text form and, as far as practicable, in graphic form, including meteorological
analysis and forecast charts transmitted by facsimile or in digital form for reconstitution on
board ships;
(c) preparing and issuing such publications as may be necessary for the efficient conduct of
meteorological work at sea and, where practicable, to arrange for the publication and
availability of daily weather charts for the information of departing ships;
(d) arranging for a selected number of ships to be equipped with tested marine
meteorological instruments, including instruments for measuring atmospheric pressure,
humidity and sea temperature, and to require such ships to take, record and transmit
meteorological observations at the standard times for surface synoptic observations, being
not less than four times daily whenever circumstances permit, and to encourage other ships
to take, record and transmit such observations, particularly in areas where shipping traffic is
sparse;
(e) encouraging shipping companies to involve as many of their ships as practicable in the
taking and recording of meteorological observations, which shall be transmitted using the
ship's terrestrial or space radiocommunication facilities for the benefit of national
meteorological services;
(f) ensuring that the transmission of meteorological observations by ships is free of charge
to the ships concerned;
(g) encouraging ships, when in the vicinity of a tropical cyclone or a suspected tropical
cyclone, to take and transmit meteorological observations at more frequent intervals
whenever practicable, having due regard to the navigational responsibilities of ships' officers
during adverse weather conditions;
(h) arranging for the reception and transmission of weather messages to and from ships
through appropriate shore-based terrestrial and space radiocommunication facilities;
(i) encouraging masters of ships to inform ships in the vicinity and relevant shore stations
whenever they experience wind speeds of fifty knots or more;
(j) securing uniformity in international meteorological services and, as far as practicable, to
conform to internationally accepted technical regulations and recommendations relating to
meteorological services for maritime navigation.
(3) Meteorological information, forecasts, warnings and data provided under this rule shall be
furnished in a form suitable for transmission and shall be transmitted in the order of priority
applicable to maritime radiocommunications and in the course of transmission of meteorological
information addressed to all stations, ship stations shall comply with the applicable
radiocommunication procedures.
(4) Forecasts, warnings and other meteorological information intended for ships shall be issued
and disseminated by the national meteorological service best placed to serve the relevant coastal
and high seas areas, in accordance with mutual arrangements made between States for the
preparation and dissemination of meteorological information for maritime safety.
7. Ice patrol services. The Central Government may require Indian ships navigating within
the limits of iceberg-prone areas during the ice season to make use of ice patrol services.
8. Search and rescue services. (1) The Central Government shall ensure that adequate
arrangements are made for distress communication, coordination and the rescue of persons in
distress at sea within its area of responsibility, including the establishment, operation and
maintenance of such search and rescue services and facilities as are considered necessary and
practicable, having regard to the volume of maritime traffic and navigational hazards, and shall,
as far as practicable, provide effective means for locating and rescuing persons in distress at sea.
(2) The Central Government shall make available relevant information relating to its search and
rescue services, including details of existing facilities and any proposed changes thereto.
(3) Every passenger ship shall,—
(a) prepare a plan for co-operation with appropriate search and rescue services in the event of
an emergency, in coordination with the ship, the company and the concerned search and rescue
authorities, including provisions for periodic drills or exercises to assess its effectiveness; and
(b) carry on board the plan prepared under clause (a).
9. Life-saving signals. The Central Government shall ensure that life-saving signals are used
by search and rescue facilities engaged in search and rescue operations when communicating
with ships or persons in distress.
10. Hydrographic services.— (1) The Central Government shall make arrangements for the
collection, compilation, publication, dissemination and regular updating of hydrographic data
and nautical information necessary for the safety of navigation.
(2) The Central Government shall, as far as practicable and in cooperation with other States,
ensure the provision of the following hydrographic and nautical services for the purpose of aiding
navigation, namely:—
(a) conduct of hydrographic surveys adequate to meet the requirements of safe navigation;
(b) the preparation and issue of nautical charts, sailing directions, lists of lights, tide tables
and other nautical publications, as may be necessary for safe navigation;
(c) the promulgation of notices to mariners to ensure that nautical charts and publications
are kept up to date; and
(d) the establishment of appropriate data management systems to support hydrographic and
nautical services.
(3) The Central Government shall ensure the maximum possible uniformity in nautical charts
and publications and, as far as practicable, adopt internationally accepted standards and practices.
(4) The Central Government shall, as far as practicable, coordinate its hydrographic activities
with other States whereby hydrographic and nautical information is made available globally in a
timely, reliable and unambiguous manner.
11. Routeing systems. (1) Every ship shall use a mandatory ships' routeing system as required
for its category or cargo carried, in accordance with the applicable rules.
(2) Where the circumstances are beyond the control of the master and a ship is unable to navigate
strictly in accordance with an established routeing system, every precaution shall be taken to
ensure the safety of navigation of all ships in the area, including the transmission of a safety
message indicating such deviation and any such occurrence shall be recorded in the official log
book and be reported, at the earliest opportunity, to the principal officer or, where a principal
officer is not available, to the appropriate authority or officer having jurisdiction.
(3) Any information on violation of a routeing system received from any person or reported by
the appropriate authority or a Port State, whether reported by a master or not, shall be investigated
by the principal officer taking into account any investigation conducted by any other States, if
any, and a report of every such investigation shall be submitted to the nautical advisor.
12. Ship Reporting System. - (1) All ships or certain categories of ships or ships carrying
certain cargoes shall use the ship reporting system in accordance with the guidelines and criteria
developed by the Organisation.
(2) The nautical advisor shall establish and maintain an Indian Ship Reporting System and shall
notify, by order or circular, the detailed modalities, procedures, communication formats, and
reporting requirements for participation in such a system.
(3) The master of every Indian ship of 100 gross tonnage and above entering the specified
coordinates shall participate in the Indian Ship Reporting System, and shall, without delay,
furnish all relevant information required under the provisions of such system.
(4) All ships other than Indian ships of 100 gross tonnage and above entering or transiting through
the Indian Ship Reporting Region shall be encouraged to participate in the Indian Ship Reporting
System.
(5) The shipowner, master or skipper of every ship shall be guided by the general principles for
ship reporting and the requirements relating to the reporting of incidents involving dangerous
goods, nuclear materials or harmful substances as adopted by the Organisation.
(6) The master of a ship shall comply with the requirements of the Indian Ship Reporting System
and other Ship Reporting Systems adopted by the Contracting Governments and shall, without
delay, furnish to the designated authorities the information required in accordance with the
provisions of each such system.
(7) Participation by ships in the adopted Ship Reporting Systems shall be free of charge.
13. Vessel Traffic Services.- (1) The Central Government shall plan, establish and implement
Vessel Traffic Services in such ports, places or areas in India as it may consider necessary, where
in its opinion the volume of maritime traffic or the degree of navigational risk so justifies.
(2) The Vessel Traffic Services established under sub-rule (1) shall be aimed at enhancing the
safety of life at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation, and the protection of the marine
environment, adjacent shore areas, work sites and offshore installations from possible adverse
effects of maritime traffic.
(3) All ships navigating within coastal waters, including ports, places and other areas where such
services are established by the Central Government and other contracting governments, shall
participate in the Vessel Traffic Services and comply with the requirements prescribed by the
concerned port authorities or other authorities in such areas.
(4) For the purposes of implementation of this rule, reference may be made to the guidelines on
Vessel Traffic Services adopted by the Organisation by resolution A.857(20), as amended from
time to time.
14. Establishment and operation of aids to navigation. (1) The Central Government
undertakes to provide, as it deems practical and necessary, such aids to navigation as the volume
of traffic justifies and the degree of risk required.
(2) In order to obtain the greatest possible uniformity in aids to navigation, the Central
Government undertakes to take into account the international recommendations and guidelines
when establishing such aids.
(3) The Central Government undertake to arrange for information relating to aids to
navigation to be made available to all concerned and changes in the transmissions of position-
fixing systems which could adversely affect the performance of receivers fitted in ships shall be
avoided as far as possible and only be effected after timely and adequate notice has been
promulgated.
15. Ship's manning.- (1) Every Indian ship shall be sufficiently and efficiently manned as
applicable to its type and trading area, by Indian seafarers duly certified in accordance with the
applicable rules made under the Act dealing with standards of training, certification and
watchkeeping as well as continuous discharge certificate, and in conformity with the minimum
safe manning requirements, as may be prescribed by issuing executive orders, so as to ensure the
safety of life at sea.
(2) The ship owner or manager shall apply to the Registrar, in the form specified in Schedule I,
along with the proposed manning details and the fee specified in Schedule III, and upon
satisfaction of all certification and manning requirements, the Registrar shall issue the document
in the form specified.
(3) A minimum safe manning document shall remain valid unless there is a substantial change in
the trading area, principal dimensions or gross tonnage of the ship, which shall be immediately
notified to the Director-General and the Registrar.
(4) In case of loss, defacement or destruction of the document, the ship owner shall inform the
Registrar, who may issue a duplicate upon application.
(5) On all ships, to ensure effective crew performance in safety matters, a working language shall
be established and recorded in the ship's logbook by the company, or the master, as appropriate,
and each seafarer shall be required to understand and, where appropriate, give orders and
instructions and to report back in that language:
provided that the working language on Indian ships shall be English and all plans and
lists required to be posted shall be in the working language.
(6) On Indian ships, English shall be used on the bridge as the working language for bridge-to-
bridge and bridge-to-shore safety communications as well as for communications on board
between the pilot and bridge watchkeeping personnel, unless those directly involved in the
communication speak a common language other than English.
(7) For the purposes of implementation of this rule, reference may be made to the Principles of
Minimum Safe Manning adopted by the Organisation by resolution A.1047(27), as amended
from time to time.
16. Principles relating to bridge design, design and arrangement of navigational
systems and equipment and bridge procedures. (1) Every ship shall be provided with
a bridge constructed to ensure its safe navigation and proper operation.
(2) All decisions which are made for the purpose of bridge design, the design and
arrangement of navigational systems and equipment on the bridge and bridge procedures shall
be taken with the aim of—
(a) facilitating the tasks to be performed by the bridge team and the pilot in making full
appraisal of the situation and in navigating the ship safely under all operational
conditions;
(b) promoting effective and safe bridge resource management;
(c) enabling the bridge team and the pilot to have convenient and continuous access to
essential information which is presented in a clear and unambiguous manner, using
standardized symbols and coding systems for controls and displays;
(d) indicating the operational status of automated functions and integrated components,
systems or sub-systems;
(e) allowing for expeditious, continuous and effective information processing and
decision-making by the bridge team and the pilot;
(f) preventing or minimising excessive or unnecessary work and any conditions or
distractions on the bridge which may cause fatigue or interfere with the vigilance of the
bridge team and the pilot; and
(g) minimizing the risk of human error and detecting such error, if it occurs, through
monitoring and alarm systems, in time for the bridge team and the pilot to take appropriate
action.
(3) Compliance with this rule shall be ensured as far as practicable, and structural alterations
shall be required only where non-compliance is likely to adversely affect the safety of navigation.
(4) For the purposes of implementation of this rule, reference may be made to the Guidelines on
Ergonomic Criteria for Bridge Equipment and Layout as adopted by resolution MSC/Circ.982,
the Guidelines for Bridge Equipment and Systems, their arrangement and integration as adopted
by resolution SN.1/Circ.288, and the Revised Recommendation on Performance Standards for
an Integrated Navigational System as adopted by resolution MSC.252(83), as may be
respectively amended.
17. Maintenance of equipment.- (1) Every ship shall be provided with instructions for the on-
board maintenance of navigational and safety equipment required under these rules and such
maintenance shall be carried out in accordance with those instructions, and the ship shall carry
adequate tools and spare parts as prescribed by the equipment manufacturers to ensure proper
maintenance and operation thereof.
(2) Subject to any other provision of these rules, while every reasonable step shall be taken to
maintain the equipment required under this rule in efficient working order, the malfunction of
such equipment shall not, by itself, be deemed to render the ship unseaworthy or to justify delay
of the ship at a port where repair facilities are not readily available:
Provided that the master shall make suitable arrangements to take the inoperative
equipment or unavailable information into account when planning and executing a safe voyage
to a port where the necessary repairs can be carried out.
(3) Every reasonable step shall be taken to ensure that all navigational equipment required under
these rules is maintained in efficient working order, and where such equipment is found to be
malfunctioning-
(a) a ship engaged on an international voyage may be permitted by the nautical
advisor to proceed to the next port where repairs or spare parts are available; and
(b) a ship engaged on a coasting voyage within India may be permitted to sail
without such equipment for a specified period by the principal officer, which may, on
consideration of the circumstances, be extended by the nautical advisor.
18. Electromagnetic compatibility. (1) All electrical and electronic equipment installed on
or in the vicinity of the bridge on ships constructed on or after the 1st day of July, 2002, shall be
tested for electromagnetic compatibility, taking into account the recommendations and standards
adopted by the Organisation.
(2) All electrical and electronic equipment shall be installed in such a manner that
electromagnetic interference does not adversely affect the proper functioning of any navigational
system or equipment on board.
(3) Portable electrical or electronic equipment shall not be operated on the bridge if its operation
is likely to interfere with the proper functioning of navigational systems or equipment.
(4) For the purposes of this rule, reference may be made to the general requirements for
electromagnetic compatibility for all electrical and electronic ship's equipment adopted by the
Organisation by resolution A.813(19), as amended from time to time.
19. Approval, surveys and performance standards of navigational systems, equipment and
voyage data recorder.- (1) All navigational systems and equipment required to be fitted on
board ships shall be type approved by the nautical advisor or recognised organisation before
installation.
(2) All systems and equipment, including any associated back-up arrangements, installed on or
after the 1st day of July, 2002, shall conform to performance standards as prescribed in Schedule
- II, not inferior to those adopted by the Organisation.
(3) When systems or equipment are replaced or newly installed on ships constructed before the
1st day of July, 2002, such systems or equipment shall, so far as is reasonable and practicable,
comply with the standards specified in sub-rule (2).
(4) Systems and equipment installed prior to the adoption of international performance standards
may, at the discretion of the nautical advisor, be exempted from full compliance with those
standards, having due regard to the recommendations of the Organisation.
(5) The nautical advisor shall ensure that manufacturers of navigational systems and equipment
maintain a quality control system audited by a recognised organisation to verify continuous
compliance with type approval conditions or alternatively, the nautical advisor may apply final
product verification procedures to confirm compliance prior to installation on board ships.
(6) Before granting approval for systems or equipment incorporating new features not previously
covered under these rules, the nautical advisor shall satisfy itself that such features perform
functions at least as effective as those required under these rules.
(7) Any navigational equipment fitted on ships, in addition to that required under these rules,
shall be subject to approval by the nautical advisor and, as far as practicable, shall comply with
performance standards not inferior to those adopted internationally:
Provided that, in addition to the requirements specified in this rule, further technical and
performance requirements applicable to navigational systems, equipment, and voyage data
recorders shall be as specified in Schedule-II to this rule or as may be specified by the
Organisation from time to time.
(8) The voyage data recorder system, including all associated sensors, shall be subjected to an
annual performance test conducted by an approved testing or servicing facility to verify the
accuracy, duration and recoverability of the recorded data and the condition of all protective
enclosures and locating devices and a copy of the certificate of compliance issued by the testing
facility shall be retained on board the ship.
(9) The Automatic Identification System fitted on board ships shall be subjected to an annual test
conducted by an approved testing or servicing facility to verify correct programming of the ship's
static information, correct data exchange with connected sensors as well as verifying the radio
performance by radio frequency measurement and on-air test using, for instance a Vessel Traffic
Service and a copy of the test report shall be retained on board the ship.
CHAPTER-III
CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPBORNE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEMS AND
EQUIPMENT
20. Application and general requirements. The provisions of this rule shall apply to all
ships, subject to the following specifications, namely:-
(1) Ships constructed on or after the 1st day of July, 2002 shall be fitted with navigational systems
and equipment in accordance with the requirements specified therein;
(2) Ships constructed before the 1st day of July, 2002 shall,-
(a) continue to be fitted with navigational systems and equipment conforming to the
standards prescribed under the Merchant Shipping (Safety of Navigation) Rules,
1997, unless upgraded to meet the requirements of this rule;
(b) be fitted with the navigational systems and equipment specified not later than the
dates applicable to such ships; and
(c) be fitted with a Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System in accordance with
the following schedule, namely:
(i) passenger ships, irrespective of size, not later than the first survey after the
1st day of January, 2016;
(ii) cargo ships of three thousand gross tonnage and above, not later than the
first survey after the 1st day of January, 2016;
(iii) cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and above but less than three thousand
gross tonnage, not later than the first survey after the 1st day of January, 2017;
and
(iv) cargo ships of 150 gross tonnage and above but less than five hundred
gross tonnage, not later than the first survey after the 1st day of January, 2018;
(3) The Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System referred to in clause (c) of sub-rule (2) shall
remain in operation whenever the ship is underway at sea;
(4) The nautical advisor may exempt any ship from the requirements of clause (c) of sub-rule (2)
if such ship is intended to be permanently withdrawn from service within two years from the
relevant implementation date.
21. Shipborne navigational equipment and systems. (1) Every ship, irrespective of size,
shall be equipped with the following, namely: -
(a) a properly adjusted standard magnetic compass or equivalent means independent
of power supply to determine and display the ship's heading at the main steering
position;
(b) a pelorus or compass bearing device or equivalent means independent of power
supply to take bearings over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees;
(c) means of correcting headings and bearings to true direction at all times;
(d) nautical charts and nautical publications adequate for voyage planning, route
plotting, and position monitoring throughout the voyage; An electronic chart display
and information system is also accepted as meeting the chart carriage requirements;
(e) back-up arrangements to meet the functional requirements of clause (d), if this
function is partly or fully fulfilled by electronic means;
(f) a receiver for a global navigation satellite or terrestrial radio navigation system
capable of automatically determining and updating the ship's position;
(g) a radar reflector, if less than one hundred and fifty gross tonnage and practicable;
(h) a sound reception system where the bridge is fully enclosed; and
(i) a telephone or equivalent means to communicate heading information to the
emergency steering position, if fitted.
(2) Ships of 150 gross tonnage and above and passenger ships irrespective of size shall, in
addition to the requirements of sub-rule (1), be fitted with the following, namely:-
(a) a spare or duplicate magnetic compass;
(b) a daylight signalling lamp or other means as specified by nautical advisor, to
communicate by light during day and night using an energy source of electrical power
not solely dependent upon the ship's power supply;
(c) a Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System installed and maintained in
accordance with recognized standards;
(d) a sextant or digital sextant;
(e) a calibrated aneroid barometer; and
(f) for navigational and safety communication, —
(i) a set of international code flags;
(ii) the International Code of Signals;
(iii) Standard Marine Communication Phrases; and
(iv) means to transmit distress signals consistent with collision rules.
(3) Ships of 300 gross tonnage and above and passenger ships irrespective of size shall, in
addition to the requirements of sub-rule (2), be fitted with the following, namely:-
(a) an echo-sounding device or other electronic means, to measure and display the
available depth of water;
(b) a nine gigahertz radar or other means to determine and display the range and
bearing of radar transponders and of other surface craft, obstructions, buoys, shorelines
and navigational marks to assist in navigation and in collision avoidance;
(c) an electronic plotting aid, or other means, to plot electronically the range and
bearing of targets to determine collision risk;
(d) speed and distance measuring device, or other means, to indicate speed and
distance through the water; and
(e) a properly adjusted transmitting heading device, or other means, to transmit
heading information for input to the equipment referred to in clauses (b), (c) and (d) of
sub-rule (3) and sub-rule (4).
(4) (a) Ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards engaged on international voyages and cargo ships
of 500 gross tonnage and upwards not engaged on international voyages and passenger ships
irrespective of size shall be fitted with an Automatic Identification System;
(b) The Automatic Identification System shall-
(i) provide automatically to shore stations, other ships, and aircraft information
including the ship's identity, type, position, course, speed, and navigational status and
other safety related information;
(ii) receive automatically such information from other ships;
(iii) monitor and track ships; and
(iv) exchange data with shore-based facilities;
(c) Ships fitted with Automatic Identification System shall maintain it in operation at
all times except where international agreements, rules or standards provide for the
protection of navigational information.
(5) Ships of 500 gross tonnage and above shall, in addition to the requirements of sub-rule (3)
and sub-rule (4), with exception of clauses (c) and (e) of sub-rule (3) be fitted with—
(a) a gyro compass or equivalent non-magnetic means of determining heading being
clearly readable by the helmsman at the main steering position;
(b) gyro-compass repeaters at the emergency steering position;
(c) a gyro-compass bearing repeater, or other means, to take bearings, over an arc of
the horizon of 360 degrees using the gyro-compass or other means referred to in
clause (a) provided that ships of less than 1,600 gross tonnage shall be fitted with such
means as far as possible.
(d) rudder, propeller, thrust, pitch and operational mode indicators, or other means, to
determine and display rudder angle, propeller revolutions, the force and direction of
thrust and, if applicable, the force and direction of lateral thrust and the pitch and
operational mode, all to be readable from the conning position; and
(e) an automatic tracking aid or other means, to plot automatically the range and
bearing of other targets to determine collision risk.
(6) Ships of 3000 gross tonnage and above shall, in addition to the requirements of sub-rule (5),
be fitted with—
(a) a three gigahertz radar or a second nine gigahertz radar functionally independent
of the primary radar; and
(b) a second automatic tracking aid, or other means, to plot automatically the range
and bearing of other targets to determine collision risk which are functionally
independent of the first.
(7) Ships of 10000 gross tonnage and above shall, in addition to the requirements of sub-rule (6)
with the exception of clause (b) of sub-rule (6), be fitted with—
(a) an automatic radar plotting aid, or other means, to plot automatically the range and
bearing of at least 20 other targets, connected to a device to indicate speed and
distance through the water, to determine collision risks and simulate a trial
manoeuvre; and
(b) a heading or track control system capable of automatically maintaining a heading
or straight track.
(8) Ships of 50000 gross tonnage and above shall, in addition to the requirements of sub-rule (7),
be fitted with—
(a) a rate-of-turn indicator or other means to determine and display the rate of turn;
and
(b) a speed and distance measuring device capable of indicating speed and distance
over the ground in both the forward and athwartships direction.
(9) Every ship engaged on international voyages shall be fitted with an Electronic Chart Display
and Information System in accordance with the following, namely:-
(a) passenger ships of 500 gross tonnage and above constructed on or after the 1st
day of July, 2012;
(b) tankers of 3000 gross tonnage and above constructed on or after the 1st day of
July, 2012;
(c) cargo ships, other than tankers, of 10000 gross tonnage and above constructed on
or after the 1st day of July, 2013;
(d) cargo ships, other than tankers, of 3000 gross tonnage and above but less than
10000 gross tonnage constructed on or after the 1st day of July, 2014; and
(e) existing passenger, tanker and cargo ships shall comply not later than the first
survey conducted after the dates between the 1st day of July, 2014 and the 1st day
of July, 2018, based on tonnage category.
(10) When other means are permitted under this rule as specified by nautical advisor, such means
must be approved by the nautical advisor in accordance with the requirements in this Chapter.
(11) All navigational systems and equipment required under this rule shall be installed, tested,
and maintained to ensure continuous efficiency and reliability.
(12) Where navigational systems or equipment provide multiple operational modes, the mode in
use shall be clearly indicated at all times.
(13) The nautical advisor may accept alternative means or technologies for compliance if
satisfied that such means attain equivalent performance and monitoring capability.
(14) Integrated bridge systems shall be designed and installed such that—
(a) any failure of a sub-system is immediately brought to the attention of the officer
in charge of the navigational watch by audible and visual alarms;
(b) failure of one sub-system does not result in the failure of any other sub-system;
and
(c) each item of equipment or sub-system can be operated independently in the
event of failure of any part of the system.
(15) Every ship shall keep the Automatic Identification System in continuous operation at all
times while operating in coastal waters, and the Automatic Identification System shall not be
switched off or rendered non-operational except for reasons of safety or security duly recorded
by the master and after informing the concerned authority.
(16) Operation of a ship with a non-operational Automatic Identification System or with
Automatic Identification System switched off without lawful justification or intimation shall
constitute a contravention of this rule and shall render the ship liable for detention and penalty
for violation of sub-section (1) of section 116, as specified under sub-section (2) of section 281
of the Act.
22. Long range identification and tracking of ships. (1) This rule applies to ships
engaged on international voyages of the following descriptions, namely:-
(a) passenger ships, including high-speed passenger craft;
(b) cargo ships, including high-speed craft of three hundred gross tonnage and above,
where gross tonnage is determined in accordance with the International Convention
on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969; and
(c) mobile offshore drilling units.
(2) This rule establishes requirements to enable the Director-General to undertake long-range
identification and tracking of ships for security, search and rescue and other lawful purposes.
(3) Every ship to which this rule applies shall be fitted with a system to automatically transmit
long-range identification and tracking information.
(4) Ships fitted with an Automatic Identification System and operated exclusively within sea area
A1 as defined under the Merchant Shipping (Radiocommunication) Rules, 2026 are not required
to comply with the provisions of this rule.
(5) Where a ship is required by this rule to be fitted with equipment for the automatic transmission
of long-range identification and tracking information, the nautical advisor may, on application
and for valid reasons, grant exemptions in individual cases.
(6) The shipboard system equipment shall automatically and without manual intervention
transmit the following long-range identification and tracking information at regular intervals,
namely:-
(a) the identity of the ship (unique ship identifier);
(b) the position of the ship (latitude and longitude); and
(c) the date and time of the position provided (Coordinated Universal Time).
(7) Systems and equipment installed under this rule shall conform to performance standards and
functional requirements specified in Schedule II.
(8) All shipboard equipment used under this rule shall be of a type approved by the nautical
advisor or recognised organisation, prior to installation.
(9) Systems and equipment used under this rule shall be capable of being switched off on board
or of ceasing the distribution of long-range identification and tracking information, in the
following circumstances only, namely:-
(a) where international agreements, rules or standards require protection of navigational
information; or
(b) in exceptional circumstances and for the shortest duration possible where the master
reasonably considers that operation of the system compromises the safety or security of
the ship.
(10) Where the master exercises the option under clause (b) of sub-rule (9), the master shall-
(a) inform the Director-General without undue delay giving reasons for the action; and
(b) record in the ship's record, the navigational activities and incidents giving the reasons
for switching off the system and the period during which it was switched off.
(11) The Director-General shall be entitled to receive the following long-range identification
and tracking information, namely:-
(a) information concerning Indian ships, irrespective of the location of such ships;
(b) information concerning ships, other than Indian ships, which have indicated an intention to
enter a port facility or place under the jurisdiction of India, irrespective of the location of such
ships, in case such ships are not located within waters landward of the baselines of another State
established in accordance with international law; and
(c) information concerning ships entitled to fly the flag of another State, not intending to enter
any port facility or place under the jurisdiction of India, navigating within a distance not
exceeding one thousand nautical miles from the coast of India, provided that such ships are not
located within waters landward of the baselines of another State established in accordance with
international law.
(12) The Central Government shall bear all costs associated with any long-range identification
and tracking information requested and received, and shall not impose any charges on such ships.
(13) The search and rescue services of contracting governments shall be entitled to receive, free
of any charges, long-range identification and tracking information in relation to the search and
rescue of persons in distress at sea.
(14) The nautical advisor may issue technical guidance and directions for the compliance of this
rule.
23. Voyage data recorders (1) The following ships engaged on international voyages shall
be fitted with a voyage data recorder for the purpose of assisting in casualty investigations,
namely:-
(a) passenger ships constructed on or after the 1st day of July, 2002;
(b) ro-ro passenger ships constructed before the 1st day of July, 2002, not later than
the first survey after that date;
(c) passenger ships, other than ro-ro passenger ships, constructed before the 1st
day of July, 2002, not later than the 1st day of January, 2004; and
(d) ships, other than passenger ships, of 3,000 gross tonnage and above,
constructed on or after the 1st day of July, 2002.
(2) The following cargo ships engaged on international voyages shall be fitted with a voyage data
recorder or a simplified voyage data recorder, namely:-
(a) cargo ships of 20,000 gross tonnage and above, constructed before the 1st day
of July, 2002, at the first scheduled dry-docking after the 1st day of July, 2006, but
not later than the 1st day of July, 2009;
(b) cargo ships of 3,000 gross tonnage and above but less than 20,000 gross
tonnage, constructed before the 1st day of July, 2002, at the first scheduled dry-
docking after the 1st day of July, 2007, but not later than the 1st day of July, 2010.
(3) The nautical advisor may exempt ships, other than ro-ro passenger ships, constructed before
the 1st day of July, 2002, from the requirement of fitting a voyage data recorder where it is
demonstrated to his satisfaction that interfacing the recorder with the ship's existing equipment
is unreasonable or impracticable.
24. International Code of Signals and International Aeronautical and Maritime
Search and Rescue Manual.- (1) Every ship required to carry a radio installation shall also
carry on board the latest edition of the International Code of Signals.
(2) The nautical advisor may require any other ship, not compulsorily fitted with a radio
installation, to carry the International Code of Signals where, in its opinion, such carriage is
necessary for navigational safety or communication purposes.
(3) Every ship shall carry on board the latest edition of Volume III of the International
Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual for reference during search and rescue
operations.
CHAPTER-IV
SHIP'S OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND BRIDGE PROCEDURES
25. Navigational bridge visibility.- (1) Every ship of not less than fifty-five metres in
length, constructed on or after the 1st day of July, 1998, shall comply with the following bridge
visibility requirements, namely:-
(a) the view of the sea surface from the conning position shall not be obscured by
more than two ship lengths, or five hundred metres, whichever is less, forward of the bow to ten
degrees on either side, under all conditions of draught, trim and deck cargo;
(b) blind sectors caused by cargo, cargo gear, or other obstructions forward of the
beam shall not exceed ten degrees;
(c) the total arc of blind sectors shall not exceed twenty degrees;
(d) each individual blind sector shall not exceed five degrees; and
(e) the clear sectors between blind sectors shall be at least five degrees;
(f) the horizontal field of vision from the conning position shall extend over an arc
of not less than two hundred and twenty-five degrees, that is, from right ahead to not less than
twenty-two and a half degrees abaft the beam on either side of the ship;
(g) from each bridge wing, the horizontal field of vision shall extend over an arc of
at least two hundred and twenty-five degrees, that is, from at least forty-five degrees on the
opposite bow through right ahead and then from right ahead to right astern through one hundred
and eighty degrees on the same side of the ship;
(h) from the main steering position, the horizontal field of vision shall extend over
an arc from right ahead to at least sixty degrees on each side of the ship;
(i) the ship's side shall be visible from each bridge wing in accordance with the
Organisation Guidelines contained in MSC.1/Circ.1350/Rev.1 on Unified Interpretations;
(j) the height of the lower edge of the navigation bridge front windows above the
bridge deck shall be kept as low as practicable and shall not obstruct the forward view required
under this rule; and
(k) the upper edge of the navigation bridge front windows shall allow a forward
view of the horizon for a person with a height of eye of one thousand eight hundred millimetres
above the bridge deck at the conning position when the ship is pitching in heavy seas:
Provided that where the nautical advisor is satisfied that a height of one thousand
eight hundred millimetres is unreasonable or impracticable, it may allow a reduction of
the height of eye to not less than one thousand six hundred millimetres; and
(l) the navigation bridge front windows shall—
(i) be inclined from the vertical plane, top out, at an angle of not less than
ten degrees and not more than twenty-five degrees to avoid reflections;
(ii) have framing kept to a minimum and not placed directly forward of
any workstation;
(iii) not be fitted with polarised or tinted glass; and
(iv) provide a clear view through at least two of the bridge front windows
and any additional number of clear-view windows as necessary to maintain
visibility in all weather conditions.
(2) Every ship constructed before the 1st day of July, 1998 shall, where practicable, comply with
the requirements specified in clauses (a) and (b) of sub-rule (1):
Provided that, no structural alteration or installation of additional equipment shall be required
solely for the purpose of such compliance.
(3) On ships of unconventional design, where compliance with the requirements of sub-rule (1)
is not practicable, the nautical advisor may permit alternative arrangements which provide a level
of visibility that is as near as reasonably possible to that prescribed under this rule.
(4) Subject to the sub-rule (1), ballast water exchange operations may be undertaken with the
following conditions, namely:-
(a) the master shall determine that it is safe to do so, taking into account any
increase in blind sectors or reduction in the field of vision and ensuring that a proper
lookout is maintained at all times;
(b) the operation shall be conducted in accordance with the ship's ballast water
management plan, having regard to the international recommendations on ballast water
exchange; and
(c) the commencement and completion of the operation shall be recorded in the
ship's record of navigational activities.
26. Pilot transfer arrangements.- (1) Every ship shall be provided with a pilot ladder and pilot
transfer arrangements or any other safe and convenient means as specified by the nautical advisor
in compliance with the requirements of the relevant standards.
(2) Pilot transfer arrangements shall enable pilots and other personnel to embark and disembark
safely in all seagoing conditions of draught and trim.
(3) Pilot transfer arrangements provided in accordance with sub-rule (1) and installed on or after
the 1st January, 2028 shall be designed, manufactured, constructed, secured and installed in
accordance with the introduction and parts A, B and C of the performance standards adopted by
the Organisation by resolution MSC.576(110).
(4) Pilot transfer arrangements installed before the 1st January, 2028 on ships shall comply with
the requirements provided in sub-rule (3) not later than the first survey on or after 1st January
2029.
(5) Inspection, stowage, maintenance, replacement and familiarisation of all pilot transfer
arrangements, regardless of the installation date, shall comply with the introduction and parts D
and E of the performance standards adopted by the Organisation by resolution MSC.576(110).
(6) For the purpose of this rule, the expression "installed on or after the 1st January, 2028" means
a contractual delivery date for the pilot transfer arrangement or, in the absence of a contractual
delivery date, the actual delivery date of the arrangement on or after the 1st January, 2028.
(7) Pilot transfer arrangements provided for in sub-rule (3) shall be approved by the nautical
advisor or recognised organisation in accordance with part F of the performance standards
adopted by the Organisation by resolution MSC.576(110)
(8) Pilot transfer arrangements provided for in sub-rule (3) on ships shall be inspected in
accordance with regulations I/6 and I/7 or I/8 of International Convention for the Safety of Life
at Sea to the satisfaction of the nautical advisor or recognised organisation.
(9) Mechanical pilot hoists shall not be used.
(10) Adequate means of illumination, either fixed or portable, shall be capable of illuminating all
pilot transfer arrangements overside and the position on deck where pilots and other personnel
embark or disembark and portable lights, when used, shall have brackets to permit their
positioning.
(11) Where a pilot or other personnel has a reasonable doubt that the pilot transfer arrangement
provided is non-compliant, they may inform the master and refuse to use the arrangement until
it is made compliant.
(12) The pilot ladder and other appliances required to be carried on board under this rule shall be
maintained in good condition and shall be used exclusively for the embarkation and
disembarkation of pilots, officials, or other persons while the ship is arriving at or leaving a port
and no ladder other than a certified pilot ladder or approved pilot transfer arrangements shall be
used for such operations.
27. Use of heading or track control systems. (1) In areas of high traffic density, in conditions
of restricted visibility and in all other hazardous navigational situations where heading or track
control systems in use, it shall be possible to establish manual control of the ship's steering
immediately.
(2) In the above circumstances, the officer in charge of the navigational watch shall have
available without delay the services of a qualified helmsperson who shall be ready at all times
to take over steering control.
(3) The change-over from automatic to manual steering and vice versa shall be made by, or
under the supervision of, a responsible officer.
(4) The manual steering shall be tested after prolonged use of heading or track control systems
and before entering areas where navigation demands special caution.
28. Operation of steering gear. In areas where navigation demands special caution and
whenever the ship is being manoeuvred in pilotage or restricted waters or in areas of high traffic
density or in a routeing system, more than one steering gear power unit shall be in operation
when such units are capable of simultaneous operation.
29. Steering gear testing and drills.- (1) Within twelve hours before departure, the ship's
steering gear shall be checked and tested.
(2) The checks and tests referred to in sub-rule (1) shall include, where applicable, the operation
of the following, namely:-
(a) the main steering gear;
(b) the auxiliary steering gear;
(c) the remote steering gear control systems;
(d) the steering positions located on the navigation bridge;
(e) the emergency power supply;
(f) the rudder angle indicators in relation to the actual position of the rudder;
(g) the remote steering gear control system power failure alarms;
(h) the steering gear power unit failure alarms;
(i) automatic isolating arrangements and other automatic equipment;
(j) the full movement of the rudder according to the required capabilities of the
steering gear;
(k) a visual inspection of the steering gear and its connecting linkage;
(l) the operation of the means of communication between the navigation bridge
and the steering gear compartment;
(m) steering capability from the navigation bridge, as well as from the remote
steering location in the vicinity of the steering gear; and
(n) communications between the bridge and the remote steering location.
(3) The following requirements shall apply in respect of steering gear operations, namely:-
(a) simple operating instructions with a block diagram showing the changeover procedures
for remote steering gear control systems and steering gear power units shall be permanently
displayed on the navigating bridge and in the steering gear compartment;
(b) all ship's officers concerned with the operation of maintenance of steering gear shall be
familiar with the operation of the steering systems fitted on the ship and with the procedures for
changing over from one system to another.
(4) In addition to the routine checks and tests specified in sub-rules (1) and (2), emergency
steering drills shall be conducted at least once every three months in order to practice emergency
steering procedures and such drills shall include direct control from within the steering gear
compartments, the communication procedure with the navigating bridge and where applicable,
the operation of alternative power supplies.
(5) Every ship on regular frequent voyages of less than twenty-four hours may carry out the detail
tests specified in sub-rules (1) and (2) at least once every week and operational tests shall be
carried out before departure.
(6) The date on which the checks and tests specified in sub-rules (1) and (2) are carried out and
the date and details of emergency steering drills carried out under sub-rule (4) shall be recorded.
30. Nautical charts and nautical publications.- (1) Every ship shall carry on board adequate
and up-to-date nautical charts and nautical publications necessary for the safe conduct of the
intended voyage.
(2) For the purposes of sub-rule (1), the term "nautical chart or nautical publication" means a
special-purpose map, book, or a specially compiled database from which such a map or book is
derived, that is officially issued by the National Hydrographic Office or any other hydrographic
office authorised by the competent authority of the state or by any other relevant Government
institution, and is intended to meet the requirements of marine navigation, and includes but not
limited to sailing directions, lists of lights, notices to mariners, tide tables and all other relevant
nautical publications required for planning and executing the voyage.
(3) The master shall ensure that all charts and publications carried on board are corrected and
maintained up to date in accordance with the latest official notices and information issued by the
authorised hydrographic or other relevant authorities.
31. Records of navigational activities and daily reporting. (1) Every ship engaged on
international voyages shall maintain on board a record of all navigational activities and incidents
which are of significance to the safety of navigation which shall contain sufficient detail to enable
the reconstruction of the complete voyage.
(2) Where the information referred to in sub-rule (1) is not entered in the ship's logbook, it shall
be maintained in electronic form or such other form as may be approved by the nautical advisor.
(3) Every ship of five hundred gross tonnage and above, engaged on international voyages
exceeding forty-eight hours in duration, shall submit a daily report to its company, which shall
retain such report and all subsequent daily reports for the duration of the voyage.
(4) The daily report referred to in sub-rule (3) may be transmitted by any means, in case,—
(a) the report is transmitted to the company as soon as practicable after
determination of the ship's position; and
(b) automated reporting systems, where used, include a recording function of
transmissions and are subject to regular verification by the master, including verification
of their interfaces with position-fixing equipment.
(5) Each daily report shall contain the following particulars, namely:-
(a) the ship's position;
(b) the ship's course and speed; and
(c) details of any external or internal conditions affecting the ship's voyage or the
normal safe operation of the ship.
32. Life-saving signals to be used by ships, aircraft or persons in distress. (1) Every ship
shall carry on board an illustrated table describing the life-saving signals to be used by ships,
aircraft or persons in distress, and such table shall be readily available to the officer of the watch
at all times.
(2) The life-saving signals referred to in sub-rule (1) shall be used by ships or persons in distress
when communicating with life-saving stations, maritime rescue units or aircraft engaged in
search and rescue operations.
(3) The life-saving signals shall conform to the descriptions contained in Volume III (Mobile
Facilities) of the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual and the
illustrations provided in the International Code of Signals, as amended from time to time.
33. Operational limitations. (1) This rule shall apply to all passenger ships to which the
provisions of these rules apply.
(2) A list of all operational limitations of a passenger ship, including any exemptions, restrictions
in operating areas, weather or sea state restrictions, limitations in permissible loads, trim, speed,
and any other restrictions imposed by the Director-General or established during the design or
construction stages, shall be prepared before the passenger ship is placed in service.
(3) The list referred to in sub-rule (2), together with all necessary explanations, shall—
(a) be documented in a form acceptable to the nautical advisor;
(b) be kept on board the ship and made readily available to the master;
(c) be maintained and updated as necessary; and
(d) if prepared in a language other than English, be accompanied by an English
translation.
34. Danger messages. (1) The master of every ship that encounters any of the following
conditions shall, by all means available, communicate the relevant information to ships in the
vicinity and to the nearest authorities, namely:-
(a) dangerous ice or a dangerous derelict; or
(b) any other direct danger to navigation; or
(c) a tropical storm; or
(d) sub-freezing air temperatures associated with gale force winds causing severe
ice accretion on superstructures; or
(e) winds of force ten or above on the Beaufort scale for which no storm warning
has been received; or
(f) one or more freight containers lost overboard from the ship.
(2) The master of every ship that observes one or more freight containers adrift at sea,
whether or not the ship is involved in the loss of such containers, shall communicate the
particulars of such observation, by all means available and without delay, to ships in the vicinity
and to the nearest authorities.
(3) Where a ship is involved in the loss of one or more freight containers and the master
is unable to make the report required under clause (f) of sub-rule (1) by reason of the ship having
been abandoned or the master being otherwise incapacitated, the ship owner or manager shall
assume the obligation to report the loss without delay to the nearest coastal State and to the
Director-General.
(4) The message conveying information under sub-rule (1) may be transmitted in plain
language, preferably in English, or by means of the International Code of Signals.
(5) Every radio message issued under sub-rule (1) shall be preceded by the prescribed
safety signal in accordance with the procedure laid down in the applicable Merchant Shipping
(Radiocommunication) Rules, 2026.
(6) Upon receipt of a report of loss of freight containers under clause (f) of sub-rule (1)
or under sub-rule (3), the Director-General shall cause the relevant information to be reported to
the Organisation.
(7) The Central Government shall take all steps necessary to ensure that when intelligence
of any of the dangers specified in sub-rule (1) is received, it will be promptly brought to the
knowledge of those concerned and communicated to other interested States.
35. Information required in danger messages. (1) The master of a ship transmitting a danger
message under these rules shall include in the message such information as may be relevant to
the nature of the danger encountered, in accordance with the provisions of this rule.
(2) Where the danger arises from ice, derelicts or other direct dangers to navigation, the
message shall include the following, namely :-
(a) the kind of ice, derelict or danger observed;
(b) the position of the ice, derelict or danger when last observed; and
(c) the time and date, in Universal Co-ordinated Time, when the danger was last
observed.
(3) (a) Where a tropical cyclone or storm has been encountered, or where the master has
reason to believe that such a weather system is developing or exists in the vicinity, the message
shall include-
(i) a statement indicating that a tropical cyclone or storm has been encountered or
observed; and
(ii) the time, date and position of the ship when the observation was taken.
(b) As far as practicable, the message shall also contain the following information,
namely:-
(i) barometric pressure, preferably corrected, stating the units used (hectopascals,
millimetres or inches) and whether corrected or uncorrected;
(ii) barometric tendency, indicating the change in pressure during the preceding
three hours;
(iii) true wind direction;
(iv) wind force on the Beaufort scale;
(v) state of the sea, indicating whether smooth, moderate, rough or high;
(vi) swell, indicating whether slight, moderate or heavy and the true direction
from which it originates;
(vii) period or length of swell, if known, indicating whether short, average or long;
and
(viii) true course and speed of the ship.
(4) When a master has reported a tropical cyclone or other dangerous storm, it is desirable, though
not obligatory, that further observations be made and transmitted hourly, if practicable, and in
any case at intervals not exceeding three hours, while the ship remains under the influence of the
storm.
(5) Where winds of force ten or above are encountered for which no storm warning has been
received, the message shall include information similar to that required under sub-rule (3),
excluding details relating to the sea and swell.
(6) Where sub-freezing air temperatures associated with gale force winds are causing severe ice
accretion on the ship's superstructures, the message shall include the following information,
namely;-
(a) the time and date of observation (in UTC);
(b) the air temperature;
(c) the sea temperature, if practicable; and
(d) the wind force and direction.
(7) Where one or more freight containers have been lost overboard from the ship, the message
transmitted under clause (f) of sub-rule (1) of rule 34 shall include the following information,
namely:
(a) the ship's identity, including its IMO number, name, call sign and Maritime
Mobile Service Identity number;
(b) the time and date of the loss, in Universal Co-ordinated Time, or where the
exact time is not known, the time and date when the loss was discovered;
(c) the position of the ship at the time of the loss, or where this is not known, the
position at the time of discovery, indicating whether the position is the actual position, an
estimated position, or the position at the time of discovery;
(d) the total number of freight containers lost, or the best estimate thereof if the
exact number has not yet been ascertained;
(e) whether any of the containers lost contained dangerous goods, and if so, the
United Nations numbers of such goods, to the extent known;
(f) a description of the freight containers, including dimensions and type, to the
extent known;
(g) the wind direction and speed at the time of the loss; and
(h) any observation of cargo spill or debris in the water.
(8) Where one or more freight containers are observed adrift at sea, the message transmitted
under sub-rule (2) of rule 34 shall include the following information, to the fullest extent
available, namely: -
(a) the ship's identity, including its IMO number, name, call sign and Maritime
Mobile Service Identity number;
(b) the time and date of the observation, in Universal Co-ordinated Time;
(c) the position of the observed containers at the time of the observation;
(d) the total number of freight containers observed;
(e) a description of the observed containers, including dimensions and type, to the
extent known; and
(f) any observation of cargo spill, wind direction and speed, or other relevant
information.
(9) Where a report has been transmitted under sub-rule (7), and the exact number of freight
containers lost was not ascertained at the time of the initial report, the master shall, as soon as
the exact number is confirmed following investigation, transmit a final report containing the
confirmed number of containers lost, together with any additional information that has become
available since the initial report, to the nearest coastal State and to the Director-General.
36. Distress situations, obligations and procedures.- (1) The master of a ship at sea which is
in a position to render assistance, on receiving information from any source that persons are in
distress at sea, shall proceed with all possible speed to their assistance and, where practicable,
shall inform the persons in distress or the nearest search and rescue service of the ship's intentions
to do so.
(2) The obligation under sub-rule (1) to provide assistance shall apply irrespective of the
nationality or status of the persons in distress or the circumstances in which they are found.
(3) Where the master of a ship receiving a distress alert is unable, or in the special circumstances
of the case considers it unreasonable or unnecessary, to proceed to render assistance, the master
shall-
(a) record in the official logbook the reasons for not proceeding; and
(b) inform the nearest search and rescue service accordingly.
(4) The Central Government shall coordinate and cooperate to ensure that masters of ships
providing assistance by embarking persons in distress at sea are released from their obligations
with minimum further deviation from the ships' intended voyage:
Provided that releasing the master of the ship from the obligations under the current rule
does not further endanger the safety of life at sea.
(5) The Government responsible for the search and rescue region in which such assistance is
rendered shall exercise primary responsibility for ensuring coordination and cooperation so that
survivors assisted are disembarked from the assisting ship and delivered to a place of safety as
soon as reasonably practicable, taking into account the particular circumstances of the case and
guidelines developed by the Organisation.
(6) The master of a ship in distress or the search and rescue service concerned may, after
consultation so far as practicable with the masters of ships responding to the distress alert,
requisition one or more ships considered best able to render assistance and it shall be the duty of
the master or masters of the ship or ships so requisitioned to comply with such requisition and
proceed with all possible speed to the assistance of the persons in distress.
(7) A master of a ship shall be released from the obligation imposed by sub-rule (1) upon being
informed that-
(a) the ship has not been requisitioned under sub-rule (6); and
(b) one or more other ships have been requisitioned and are proceeding to render
assistance,
such information shall, where practicable, be communicated to the other requisitioned ships and
to the relevant search and rescue service.
(8) A master of a ship shall also be released from the obligations imposed under sub-rules (1)
and (6) upon being informed by the persons in distress, the search and rescue service, or the
master of another ship which has reached the persons in distress, that assistance is no longer
required.
(9) This rule shall not affect the provisions of the international conventions relating to assistance
and salvage at sea, including the obligations imposed under Chapter II of Part XII of the Act, and
the rules thereunder.
(10) Masters of ships who have embarked persons in distress at sea shall treat such persons
with humanity within the capabilities and limitations of the ship.
37. Safe navigation and avoidance of dangerous situations.- (1) Prior to proceeding to sea,
the master of every ship shall ensure that the intended voyage has been carefully planned using
appropriate and up-to-date nautical charts and nautical publications for the area concerned.
(2) The voyage plan referred to in sub-rule (1) shall-
(a) identify a safe route for the intended voyage;
(b) take into account all relevant ships' routeing systems;
(c) ensure that sufficient sea room is available for the safe passage of the ship
throughout the voyage;
(d) identify and avoid, as far as practicable, all known navigational hazards and
areas affected by adverse weather conditions; and
(e) consider applicable marine environmental protection measures and avoid, as
far as possible, any actions or activities which may cause damage to the marine
environment.
38. Master's discretion. (1) No owner, charterer, company operating the ship or any other
person shall prevent or restrict the master of the ship from taking or executing any decision
which, in the master's professional judgment, is necessary for-
(a) ensuring the safety of life at sea; or
(b) preventing or minimising damage to the marine environment.
(2) The master's decision under sub-rule (1) shall be final with respect to the immediate safety
of navigation and protection of the environment during the voyage.
39. Misuse of distress signals.- (1) The use of any international distress signal, except for the
sole purpose of indicating that a person or persons are in actual distress, is strictly prohibited.
(2) The use of any signal which may be confused with an international distress signal is also
prohibited.
(3) Any contravention of the provisions of this rule shall be deemed a breach of navigational
safety obligations and may attract action under the applicable provisions of the Act and the rules
made thereunder.
40. Basic principles to be observed in keeping navigational and engineering watches.- (1)
Every ship shall maintain proper navigational and engineering watches at all times while at sea
or in port.
(2) The master, chief engineer, and all watchkeeping personnel shall observe the basic principles
of watchkeeping, ensuring the continuous safety of navigation and the efficient operation of the
ship's machinery.
(3) The duties and conduct of watchkeeping personnel in this rule shall be in accordance with the
principles and standards specified in the applicable rules made under the Act. dealing with
standards of training, certification and watchkeeping.
41. Deck and engine log books. (1) Every ship shall carry deck and engine log books in which,
or by other approved means, the following particulars shall be recorded, namely:-
(a) the performance of the ship including her position, course, speed and weather
conditions;
(b) machinery operations including pressures, temperatures, fuel consumption and
tank soundings; and
(c) any events or incidents of importance affecting the safety of life at sea or the
prevention of pollution of the marine environment.
(2) All entries in the log books shall-
(a) be recorded indelibly in English;
(b) where entered by hand, be signed daily by the officers of the watch; and
(c) be countersigned by the master or the chief engineer, as the case may be.
(3) The log books, or certified copies thereof, shall be made available to the surveyor whenever
required for inspection, verification, or record purposes.
CHAPTER-V
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
42. Rights and obligations. (1) No ship owner, ship manager or ship master shall make or
cause to be made any alteration to a ship in respect of the installation or modification of
navigational systems and equipment without the prior permission of the nautical advisor.
(2) The ship owner, ship manager, ship master and radio personnel shall at all times maintain the
ship in a condition that ensures the proper and efficient functioning of all navigational systems
and equipment.
(3) The ship owner, ship manager or ship master shall, in the event of any damage to navigational
systems and equipment during the operation of the ship, immediately notify the nearest principal
officer of the Mercantile Marine Department or port authority, who shall forthwith communicate
the information to the nautical advisor.
(4) The ship master or skipper shall not take the ship to sea unless-
(a) the ship complies with all applicable requirements relating to navigational systems and
equipment;
(b) the ship carries on board a valid and appropriate certificate issued under the provisions
of the Act and these rules; and
(c) the ship is manned in accordance with the manning requirements prescribed under these
rules and the guidelines issued by the nautical advisor.
(5) The master, skipper, seamen and fishermen shall have the right to make a complaint on any
matter pertaining to the safety of the ship, crew or fishermen to the Director-General.
43. Fees, inspection and certification. - (1) For the purpose of ensuring the efficiency
and proper functioning of navigational systems, equipment and associated arrangements, every
ship shall be subject to inspection and survey by a surveyor appointed under the relevant
provisions of the Act.
(2) Upon satisfactory completion of such inspection or survey the ship shall be issued with a
certificate in format as provided in Safety Convention.
(3) The fees for all plan approval, inspection conducted under this rule, shall be payable in
accordance with the rates specified in Schedule - III to these rules.
44. Control and compliance. (1) For the purpose of ensuring compliance with these
rules and maintaining the safe operation of navigational systems and equipment, any officer
authorised by the Director-General, principal officer of the Mercantile Marine Department or any
surveyor may board any ship for inspection.
(2) A ship may be detained if it is found that the general efficiency or condition of its navigational
systems and equipment is such that it endangers the safety of the ship or those on board.
(3) The procedure for detention of unsafe or unseaworthy ships shall be in accordance with the
provisions of the Act.
45. Penalty.- (1) Any contravention of these rules or failure to comply with any
requirement thereof shall be liable to penalties as specified in the Act.
(2) Any person who operates any ship in contravention of the provisions of these rules,
and for which no specific penalty is provided under sub-section (2) of section 281 of the Act,
shall be liable to penalty which may extend to fifty thousand rupees, and if the breach is a
continuing one, with further penalty which may extend to five thousand rupees for every day
after the first day during which the breach continues.
(3) The imposition of any penalty under this rule shall not absolve the owner or master
from the requirement of rectifying the non-compliance.
SCHEDULE -I
[See rule 15 (2)]
MINIMUM SAFE MANNING DOCUMENT
Issued under the provisions of regulations Ch V/14 (2) of the
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 as amended from time to time
Under the authority of the
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Particulars of Ship
Name of Ship :
Distinctive Number or Letter :
IMO Number :
Port of Registry :
Gross Tonnage :
International Tonnage Convention, 1969:
Main Propulsion Power :
Type of Ship :
Periodically Unattended Machinery Space :
Trading Area:
The ship named in this document is considered to be safely manned if, when it proceeds to sea, it carries not less than the
number and Grade/Capacities of personnel specified in the table(s) below.
+-----+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+------------------------+-------------------+
| Sr. | Grade | Capacity | Certificate (STCW | Number of |
| No. | | | Regulation) | Persons |
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) |
+-----+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+------------------------+-------------------+
| 01 | Master (F.G.) | Master | II/2 | 01 |
+-----+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+------------------------+-------------------+
| 02 | Mate (F.G.) | Chief Mate | II/2 | 01 |
+-----+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+------------------------+-------------------+
| 03 | Officer-In-Charge of | Officer-In-Charge of | II/1 | 02 |
| | Navigational Watch | Navigational Watch | | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+------------------------+-------------------+
| 04 | GMDSS Operator | GMDSS Operator *(4) | IV/2 | See Note (4) |
+-----+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+------------------------+-------------------+
| 05 | M.E.O. Class I | Chief Engineer | III/2 | 01 |
+-----+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+------------------------+-------------------+
| 06 | M.E.O. Class II | Second Engineer | III/2 | 01 |
+-----+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+------------------------+-------------------+
| 07 | M.E.O. Class IV or M.E.O | Officer-In-Charge of | III/1 | 02 |
| | Class IV and JEO having 3 | Engineering watch *(6) | | |
| | months sea service after having | | | |
| | completed GME pre-sea course | | | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+------------------------+-------------------+
| 08 | Rating forming part of | Rating forming part of | II/4 or II/5 | 03 |
| | Navigational watch | Navigational watch | | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+------------------------+-------------------+
| 09 | Rating | Deck Rating | Basic STCW Courses | 03 |
+-----+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+------------------------+-------------------+
| 10 | Rating forming part of | Rating forming part of | III/4 or III/5 | 03 |
| | Engineering Watch | Engineering Watch *(6) | | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+------------------------+-------------------+
| 11 | Cook | Cook *(5) | Basic STCW Courses | 01 |
+-----+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+------------------------+-------------------+
Special requirements:
* The ship named in this document is considered to be safely manned if, when it is operating in prescribed in Trading
Area and carries not less than the number and Grade/ Capacities of personnel specified in the table(s) above.
* The vessel shall be manned by Indian seafarers duly certified under MS (STCW) Rules, 2026 and MS (Continuous
Discharge Certificate) Rules, 2026.
(1) Officers and Rating assigned specific duties and responsibilities or with immediate responsibility for loading, discharging
and care in transit or handling of Cargo or Cargo Equipment on Tanker should possess Tanker Endorsement Certificate for the
appropriate level.
(2) Seafarer should carry evidence of having received appropriate approved basic training and instructions as per requirement
of table A-VI/1-1, A-VI/1-2, A-VI/1-3, A-VI/1-4 and A-VI/6-1 or A- VI/6-2 of STCW Code, 1978 as amended from time to
time.
(3) The Certificate of Competency provided shall also authorize the holder thereof to perform any lower ranking position, as
long as it is of the same function as the one for which the respective COC was issued.
(4) Two Officers to have Indian GMDSS or a dedicated Radio Officer holding Indian GMDSS.
(5) Cook must be trained and qualified in accordance with Regulation 3.2 of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.
(6) When the ship is assigned UMS Notation and is plying so, then only one Marine Engineer Officer Class IV and Junior
Engineer Officer after having completed GME pre-sea course and two Ratings forming part of Engineering Watch will be
required.
Issued at: XX on the XX day of XX
(Month & Year)
Date of Expiry (if any):
REGISTRAR OF INDIAN VESSELS
Mercantile Marine Department
MUMBAI
Note:
Any documents pertaining to dispensation/exemption granted from the manning requirement should be kept attached with this
letter.
SCHEDULE-II
[See rules 19 and 22 (7)]
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS OF NAVIGATIONAL EQUIPMENT
Refer to the following recommendations adopted by the Organisation by the resolutions as
amended from time to time and as stated in these rules:
* Recommendations on general requirements for shipborne radio equipment forming part
of the Global maritime Distress and safety System (GMDSS) and for Electronic
Navigation Aids (resolution A.694(17));
* Recommendation on performance standards for gyro-compasses (resolution A.424(XI));
* Recommendation on performance standards for radar equipment (resolution
MSC.64(67), annex 4);
* Revised Recommendation on performance standards for radar equipment (resolution
MSC.192(79));
* Performance standards for automatic radar plotting aids (resolution A.823(19));
* Recommendation on performance standards for Electronic Chart Display and
Information Systems (ECDIS) (resolution A.817(19)), as amended);
* Recommendation on performance standards for shipborne Loran-C and Chayka receivers
(resolution A.818(19));
* Recommendation on performance standards for shipborne global positioning system
receiver equipment (resolution A.819(19)) as amended);
* Recommendation on performance standards for shipborne GLONASS receiver
equipment (resolution MSC.53(66)) as amended);
* Recommendation on performance standards for shipborne DGPS and DGLONASS
maritime radio beacon receiver equipment (resolution MSC.64(67), annex 2) as
amended);
* Recommendation on performance standards for combined GPS/ GLONASS receiver
equipment (resolution MSC.74(69), annex 1, as amended);
* Performance standards for shipborne Galileo receiver equipment (resolution
MSC.233(82));
* Performance standards for shipborne Beidou Satellite Navigation System (BDS) receiver
equipment (resolution MSC.379(93));
* Performance standards for multi-system shipborne radio navigation receivers (resolution
MSC.401(95), as amended);
* Performance standards for shipborne Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System
(IRNSS) receiver equipment (resolution MSC.449(99));
* Recommendation on performance standards for heading control systems (resolution
MSC.64(67), annex 3);
* Recommendation on performance standards for track control systems (resolution
MSC.74(69), annex 2);
* Recommendation on performance standards for a universal shipborne Automatic
Identification System (AIS) (Res. MSC.74(69), annex 3);
* Recommendation on performance standards for echo-sounding equipment (resolution
A.224(VII), as amended);
* Recommendation on performance standards for devices to indicate speed and distance
(resolution A.824(19), as amended);
* Performance standards for rate-of-turn indicators (resolution A.526(13));
* Recommendation on unification of performance standards for navigational equipment
(resolution A.575(14));
* Recommendation on Performance standards for Radar Reflectors (resolution A.384(X)),
as amended);
* Recommendation on Performance standards for magnetic compasses (resolution
A.382(X));
* Recommendation on Performance standards for daylight signalling lamp(resolution
MSC.95(72));
* Recommendation on Performance standards for sound reception system(resolution
MSC.86(70), annex 1);
* Recommendation on performance standards for shipborne voyage data recorders (VDRs)
(resolution MSC.333(90));
* Recommendation on performance standards for shipborne simplified voyage data
recorders (S-VDRs) (resolution MSC.163(78), as amended);
* Recommendation on Performance standards for marine transmitting heading devices
(THDs)(resolution MSC. 116(73));
* Performance standards for a bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS)
(resolution MSC.128(75));
* Performance standards for electronic inclinometers (resolution MSC.363(92))(Added by
Res.MSC.532(107))
SCHEDULE-III
[See rules 15 (2) and rule 43 (3)]
FEES
+--------+---------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+-----------------------------+
| Serial | Services | Category Or Description | FEES (in rupees) |
| number | | | |
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) |
+========+=================================+=============================================+=============================+
| 1. | Plan Approval | Below 300 Gross Tonnage | 16,000 |
| | | | |
| | | Above 300 Gross Tonnage | 16,000 + 1,000 per |
| | | | additional 100 Gross |
| | | | Tonnage |
| | | | (Maximum 30,000) |
| | | | |
| | | Amendment per plan | 6,000 |
+--------+---------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+-----------------------------+
| 2. | Service Stations | (a) Issuance of Certificate of Approval | 30,000 |
| | | (Initial/Renewal) | |
| | | | |
| | | (b) Amendment in the Certificate of | 5,000 |
| | | Approval | |
| | | | |
| | | (c) Addition/Deletion of Competent person | 5,000 |
| | | in the Certificate of Approval (CoA)/Person | |
| | | | |
| | | (d) Duplicate Certificates | 5,000 |
+--------+---------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+-----------------------------+
| 3. | Inspection of Service | Initial/Annual/Renewal/Intermediate | 16,000 |
| | Stations | | |
+--------+---------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+-----------------------------+
| 4. | Prototype Approval | Type Approval | 30,000 |
| | for any equipment | | |
+--------+---------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+-----------------------------+
| 5. | Dispensation for | Per Application | 5,000 |
| | equipment or other | | |
| | related matters | | |
+--------+---------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+-----------------------------+
| 6. | Miscellaneous-Any | Per Case Basis | 5,000 |
| | Other Request | | |
+--------+---------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+-----------------------------+
| 7. | Minimum Safe | Issuance of a new certificate | 10,000 |
| | Manning Document | | |
+--------+---------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+-----------------------------+
| 8. | Minimum Safe | Issuance of a duplicate certificate | 5,000 |
| | Manning Document | | |
+--------+---------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+-----------------------------+
[F. No. SY-19014/199/2025-MG-Part(7)]
VENKATESAPATHY S, Jt. Secy.
Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064
and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.
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