The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
Central · 2025
- S. 1Short title and commencement.
- S. 2Application of Act.
- S. 3Definitions.
- S. 4Establishment of National Shipping Board.
- S. 5Constitution of Seafarer’s Welfare Board.
- S. 6Power to make rules.
- S. 7Director-General of Maritime Administration.
- S. 8Officers.
- S. 9Surveyors.
- S. 10Senior radio surveyors and radio inspectors.
- S. 11Mercantile Marine Department.
- S. 12Shipping office.
- S. 13Body for security of vessels and port facilities.
- S. 14Application of this Part.
- S. 15Indian vessel and its registration.
- S. 16Registration of Indian chartered foreign vessels.
- S. 17Temporary registration of vessels sought to be recycled.
- S. 18Registrar of Indian vessels.
- S. 19Provisional registration of Indian vessel.
- S. 20Procedure for registration of Indian vessels.
- S. 21Temporary pass in lieu of certificate of registration.
- S. 22Custody and use of certificate.
- S. 23Transfer of Indian vessel or shares.
- S. 24Transmission of property in Indian vessel on death, insolvency, etc.
- S. 25Order for sale where vessel has ceased to be an Indian vessel.
- S. 26Mortgage of vessel or share.
- S. 27Rights of mortgagee.
- S. 28Liability of mortgagee.
- S. 29Mortgage not affected by insolvency.
- S. 30Transfer of mortgages.
- S. 31Transmission of interest in mortgage in certain circumstances.
- S. 32Rules as to name of vessel.
- S. 33Registration of alterations.
- S. 34Provisional certificate and endorsement where vessel is to be re-registered.
- S. 35Transfer of registration.
- S. 36Restrictions on re-registration of abandoned vessel.
- S. 37National colours for Indian vessels.
- S. 38Concealment of Indian or assumption of foreign character.
- S. 39Liabilities of vessel not recognised as Indian vessel.
- S. 40Proceedings on forfeiture of vessel.
- S. 41Liability of owners.
- S. 42Evidence of register book, certificate of registration and other documents.
- S. 43Closure of registration.
- S. 44Power to make rules.
- S. 45Certificates to be held by seafarers.
- S. 46Certificate of competency and certificate of proficiency.
- S. 47Training for grant of certificate of competency and certificate of proficiency.
- S. 48Examination for grant of certificates.
- S. 49Production of certificate of competency.
- S. 50Recognition of certificates of competency granted in other States.
- S. 51Foreign vessel not to sail without seafarers having certificate.
- S. 52Obligations of certain certificate holders to serve on Indian vessels.
- S. 53Power to make rules.
- S. 54Application of this Part.
- S. 55Definitions.
- S. 56Classification of seafarers.
- S. 57Application of maritime labour standards to seafarers and vessels.
- S. 58Duties of shipping master, director and seafarer’s welfare officer.
- S. 59Minimum age for seafarers.
- S. 60Medical certificate.
- S. 61Training and qualifications.
- S. 62Recruitment and placement of seafarers.
- S. 63Agreement with seafarers.
- S. 64Wages.
- S. 65Hours of rest.
- S. 66Entitlement to leave.
- S. 67Repatriation.
- S. 68Compensation for vessel’s loss or foundering.
- S. 69Manning levels.
- S. 70Accommodation and recreational facilities.
- S. 71Food and catering.
- S. 72Medical care.
- S. 73Ship owners’ liability.
- S. 74Health and safety protection and accident prevention.
- S. 75Social security.
- S. 76Flag State responsibilities.
- S. 77Port State responsibilities.
- S. 78Rules for enforcement of Maritime Labour Convention.
- S. 79Payment of wages.
- S. 80Discharge of seafarers.
- S. 81Wages and property of deceased seafarers and seafarers left behind.
- S. 82Certain undisbursed amounts to be utilised for welfare of seafarers.
- S. 83Shipping master to adjudicate disputes involving seafarer.
- S. 84Power of shipping master to require production of documents.
- S. 85Wages not recoverable outside India in certain cases.
- S. 86Summary proceedings for wages.
- S. 87Restrictions on suits for wages.
- S. 88Remedies of master for wages, disbursements, etc.
- S. 89Power to refer disputes between seafarers and employers to Tribunal.
- S. 90Recovery of wages, etc., of seafarers lost with vessel.
- S. 91Relief and maintenance of abandoned seafarers.
- S. 92Replacement crew onboard abandoned vessels.
- S. 93Inspection by shipping master, etc.
- S. 94Special provisions for protection of seafarers in respect of litigation.
- S. 95Facilities for making complaint.
- S. 96Vessel not to be boarded without permission.
- S. 97Misconduct endangering life or vessel.
- S. 98Desertion and absence without leave.
- S. 99General liability against discipline.
- S. 100Smuggling of goods by seafarer.
- S. 101Entry of offences in official logbook.
- S. 102Report of desertions and absences without leave.
- S. 103Entries and certificates of desertion abroad.
- S. 104Facilities for proving desertion in proceedings for forfeiture of wages.
- S. 105Application of forfeitures.
- S. 106Decision of questions of forfeiture and deduction in suits for wages.
- S. 107Payment of fines imposed under agreement to shipping master.
- S. 108Seafarer not to be enticed to desert.
- S. 109Stowaways and seafarers carried under compulsion.
- S. 110On change of master, documents to be handed over to successor.
- S. 111Deserters from foreign vessels.
- S. 112Official logbook.
- S. 113Power to make rules.
- S. 114Application of this Part.
- S. 115Definitions.
- S. 116Safety and security requirements.
- S. 117Reporting of incidents.
- S. 118Obligations to render assistance on receiving signal of distress and to persons in danger.
- S. 119Search and rescue services.
- S. 120Radio communication requirements.
- S. 121Information about vessel’s stability.
- S. 122Submersion of load lines.
- S. 123No vessel to carry passenger without certificate.
- S. 124Vessel not to proceed to sea without valid safety and security certificates.
- S. 125Penalties for certain acts.
- S. 126Vessel not to carry cargo or passengers in contravention of Act.
- S. 127Unseaworthy vessel not to be sent to sea.
- S. 128Obligation of ship owner, master or agent with respect to seaworthiness.
- S. 129Safety and security management.
- S. 130Power to make rules.
- S. 131Application of this Part.
- S. 132Definitions.
- S. 133Control of discharge or emission of harmful substances or dumping at sea.
- S. 134Prevention and containment of pollution and response.
- S. 135Vessel not to proceed to sea without valid pollution prevention certificates.
- S. 136Record books.
- S. 137Power to deny entry, detain or move vessel.
- S. 138Power to take measures for containment of pollution and reporting of incidents.
- S. 139Power of Central Government to give directions.
- S. 140Measures for detection of pollution.
- S. 141Appointment of analysts.
- S. 142Reception facilities.
- S. 143Power to make rules.
- S. 144Survey, audit and certification.
- S. 145Certificates.
- S. 146Power of surveyor.
- S. 147Compliance of provisions of convention.
- S. 148Recognition of certificates granted outside India.
- S. 149Grant of certificate to foreign vessels in India and Indian vessels in foreign States.
- S. 150Power to call for information.
- S. 151Power to conduct inspections.
- S. 152Power to make rules.
- S. 153Application of this Chapter.
- S. 154Apportionment of liability.
- S. 155Damage or loss of vessel, cargo or property.
- S. 156Joint and several liability for loss of life or personal injury.
- S. 157Right of contribution.
- S. 158Duty of master of vessel to assist in case of collision.
- S. 159Collision to be entered in official logbook.
- S. 160Report to Director-General of accidents to vessels.
- S. 161Notice of loss of Indian vessel to be given to Director-General.
- S. 162Limitation of liability for damages in respect of certain claims.
- S. 163Conduct barring limitation.
- S. 164Counter claims.
- S. 165Limits of liability.
- S. 166Limit for passenger claims.
- S. 167Aggregation of claims.
- S. 168Constitution of limitation fund.
- S. 169Limitation of liability without constitution of a limitation fund.
- S. 170Distribution of fund.
- S. 171Bar to other actions.
- S. 172Compulsory insurance or other financial security for maritime claims subject to limitation.
- S. 173Scope of application of this Chapter.
- S. 174Power to make rules for matters under Chapters I and II of this Part.
- S. 175Application of this Chapter.
- S. 176Definitions.
- S. 177Liability of ship owner.
- S. 178Joint and several liability for ships.
- S. 179Jurisdiction of High Court.
- S. 180Jurisdiction where pollution damage occurs in two or more States.
- S. 181Limitation of liability.
- S. 182Constitution of limitation fund.
- S. 183Claims for compensation where fund is established.
- S. 184Acquisition of right for compensation by subrogation.
- S. 185Consolidation of claims and distribution of fund.
- S. 186Arrest and sale of ship if ship owner, etc., unable to satisfy claims for compensation.
- S. 187Restriction on enforcement of claims after establishment of fund.
- S. 188Compulsory insurance or other financial security.
- S. 189Acceptance of certificate granted outside India.
- S. 190Ban on entering or leaving an Indian port without certificate.
- S. 191Direct action against insurer or other person providing financial security.
- S. 192Recognition of judgment of court of contracting parties to Civil Liability Convention.
- S. 193Limitation period.
- S. 194Government ships.
- S. 195Power to make rules.
- S. 196Application of this Chapter.
- S. 197Definitions.
- S. 198Liability for bunker oil pollution.
- S. 199Exemption from liability.
- S. 200Right of ship owner to limitation of liability.
- S. 201Determination of limitation of liability.
- S. 202Consolidation of claims and distribution of amount.
- S. 203Extinguishment of right to claim.
- S. 204Maintenance of compulsory insurance or other financial security.
- S. 205Direct action against insurer or other person providing financial security.
- S. 206Grant of certificate.
- S. 207Ban on entering or leaving port without clearance.
- S. 208Right of recourse.
- S. 209Recognition of judgment of court of contracting parties to Bunker Convention.
- S. 210Power to make rules.
- S. 211Application of this Chapter.
- S. 212Definitions.
- S. 213Contribution to Fund.
- S. 214Contribution payable by persons to Fund.
- S. 215Liability of Fund.
- S. 216Limitation of liability of Fund.
- S. 217Power to call for information.
- S. 218Claims against Fund and jurisdiction of courts.
- S. 219Extinguishment of claims.
- S. 220Subrogation and right of recourse.
- S. 221Power of Central Government to establish fund for excess claim.
- S. 222Power to make rules.
- S. 223Application of this Part.
- S. 224Definitions.
- S. 225Appointment of nodal authority for marine incidents.
- S. 226Primary response party.
- S. 227Plans and procedures for response mechanisms.
- S. 228Powers of nodal authority.
- S. 229Maintenance of compulsory insurance or other financial security.
- S. 230Power to make rules.
- S. 231Marine casualties and report thereof.
- S. 232Power of Central Government to initiate proceedings.
- S. 233Application of this Chapter.
- S. 234Definitions.
- S. 235Receiver of wreck.
- S. 236Duty to report wrecks.
- S. 237Determination of hazard.
- S. 238Locating and marking of wrecks.
- S. 239Power to pass over adjoining lands.
- S. 240Prohibition of certain acts in respect of wreck.
- S. 241Search warrants where wreck is involved.
- S. 242Measures to facilitate removal of wrecks.
- S. 243Liability of ship owner.
- S. 244Maintenance of insurance or other financial security.
- S. 245Claims of ship owners to wreck.
- S. 246Extinguishment of right to claim recovery of costs.
- S. 247Application of this Chapter.
- S. 248Definitions.
- S. 249Salvage payable for saving life, cargo or wreck.
- S. 250Salvage operations controlled by Government or port and public authorities.
- S. 251Salvage contracts.
- S. 252Duties of salvor, owner and master.
- S. 253Rights of salvors.
- S. 254Powers and duties of Central Government in relation to salvage operations.
- S. 255Retention of salvors.
- S. 256Disputes between ship owner and salvor.
- S. 257Adjudication of disputes between ship owner and salvor.
- S. 258Extinguishment of claims.
- S. 259Savings.
- S. 260Power to make rules.
- S. 261Application of this Part.
- S. 262Definitions.
- S. 263Decision of question whether a vessel falls under this Part.
- S. 264Requirements for safety, security, prevention of pollution and insurance.
- S. 265Manning of fishing vessels.
- S. 266Central Government to grant certificate of proficiency.
- S. 267Training for grant of certificate of competency and certificate of proficiency.
- S. 268Examination for grant of certificate.
- S. 269Withdrawal, suspension or cancellation of certificate.
- S. 270Production of certificate.
- S. 271Agreements in respect of fishing vessel.
- S. 272Fishery data to be furnished by Indian fishing vessels.
- S. 273Vessel not to proceed without valid certificates.
- S. 274Power of Central Government to initiate action against non-mechanically propelled vessels.
- S. 275Statement relating to crew of vessels to be maintained.
- S. 276Inquiry to jettisoning of cargo.
- S. 277Detention of vessel by proper officer.
- S. 278Detention of unseaworthy vessels.
- S. 279Power to exempt.
- S. 280Power to make rules.
- S. 281Offences and penalties.
- S. 282Authority for imposition of penalty and procedure therefor.
- S. 283Place of trial and jurisdiction of court.
- S. 284Special provision regarding punishment.
- S. 285Appointment of Special Public Prosecutors.
- S. 286Penalties in respect of masters or owners of special trade passenger vessels.
- S. 287Offences by companies.
- S. 288Depositions to be received in evidence when witness cannot be produced.
- S. 289Power to detain foreign vessel that has occasioned damage.
- S. 290Power to enforce detention of vessel.
- S. 291Levy of wages, etc., by distress of movable property or vessel.
- S. 292Service of documents.
- S. 293Birth and death of persons onboard vessel during a voyage.
- S. 294Inquiry into cause of death onboard or person missing from Indian vessel.
- S. 295Certain persons deemed to be public servants.
- S. 296Power of persons authorised to investigate, inquire, etc.
- S. 297Power to permit alternative provisions and arrangement.
- S. 298Control of nuclear vessels and security measures.
- S. 299Exemption of Government vessels, foreign and Indian.
- S. 300Power to exempt.
- S. 301Power of Director-General to give directions.
- S. 302Special provisions with respect to defaulting ship owners.
- S. 303Right to pursue foreign vessels in high seas.
- S. 304Power of Central Government with respect to vessel without nationality.
- S. 305Protection of action taken in good faith.
- S. 306Agreement with other States.
- S. 307Control measures and detention of vessels.
- S. 308Costs of detention and damages.
- S. 309Procedure for detention of vessel other than Indian vessel.
- S. 310Obligations of ports under conventions and monitoring thereof by Director-General.
- S. 311Power of Central Government in respect of abandoned vessels.
- S. 312Power to cancel, suspend, etc., certificate of seafarers.
- S. 313Re-hearing.
- S. 314Maintenance of insurance or such other financial security.
- S. 315Use and maintenance of electronic records.
- S. 316Classification of vessels.
- S. 317Transparency of charges.
- S. 318Power of Director-General to call for information.
- S. 319General power to make rules.
- S. 320Provisions with respect to rules.
- S. 321Power to remove difficulties.
- S. 322Power to constitute committees.
- S. 323Power of Central Government to protect interest of Indian Shipping.
- S. 324Repeals and savings.
- S. 325Amendment of Act 20 of 2021.