Blog Preview

DGS Circular No. 54 of 2025 - Consolidated requirements for Minimum Safe Manning for Indian Ships (Nautical)

**Summary of DGS Circular No. 54 of 2025**
Applicable to: All Indian-registered self-propelled ships, except passenger vessels
Effective Date: 08/12/2025
Superseded Circulars: Circular No. MSL-1(2)/95-II, MSL Branch Circular No. 3 of 2008, MSL Branch Circular No. 1 of 2010, Nautical Wing Circular NT/RADIO/01/2011, NT Wing Circular (NT/Safe Manning/Dredge) No. 01 of 2011, Circular No. MSL-1(2)/95-III, MSL Circular No. 01 of 2013, RSV Notification 2013, Coastal Vessel Rules Notification 2014, MS Notice Nautical 01 of 2022, and any other relevant DGS orders/Circulars/MS-Notices/Letters.

Key Changes and Requirements

1. Consolidated Minimum Safe Manning Scales

This circular consolidates and standardizes minimum safe manning scales for Indian ships, aligning with international principles and strengthening regulatory certainty.

  • Annexures: A to G7 prescribing minimum safe manning scales based on ship type, nature of operation, and area of operation.
  • Applicability: All types of self-propelled ships registered under the Merchant Shipping Act, except passenger vessels.
  • Minimum Safe Manning Document (MSMD): Companies must submit safe manning proposals in line with these guidelines and IMO Resolution A.1047(27). The Administration will issue the MSMD based on the approved manning scale.
  • Dispensation: Temporary deviations from prescribed manning are allowed only in exceptional circumstances. Companies must apply to the Nautical Wing and remit the applicable MUI maximum basic wage.
II/4
Minimum Safe Manning Scales for Indian Offshore Areas (Between 20 NM from the Indian Coast to Indian EEZ)
Important Note

Companies must ensure that ships are sufficiently, effectively, and efficiently manned to protect seafarer welfare, prevent fatigue, and ensure the safety and security of ship operations at sea and in ports.

Download official PDF

Want to learn and share your knowledge about the maritime world?

Explore the Blog app on Navvyx - Get maritime insights from across the world in one place.

Join Navvyx - it's Free