Flag State Inspections of Indian Vessels

1. Scheduled Flag State Inspections

The frequency of scheduled Flag State Inspections (FSI) has been updated based on vessel type and age. Vessels should be offered for inspection to the nearest Mercantile Marine Department.

• Passenger Ship: Every calendar year, after 3 months of the Safety Certificate survey, but before 3 months of the date of expiry.
• Cargo Ship (0-5 years): One inspection between 1-3 months after completion of the 1st complete Intermediate Statutory Survey.
• Cargo Ship (5-15 years): Once in 2 years, between 1-3 months after completion of every alternate annual/intermediate/renewal statutory survey.
• Cargo Ship (15 years and above): Every year, between 1-3 months after completion of annual/intermediate/renewal statutory survey.

2. Exemptions and Rewards

Vessels that demonstrate good performance under port state inspection by certain countries may be exempted from the next FSI or General Examination. Vessels with no detention and total deficiencies not exceeding five (5) in the last Paris MOU, USCG, or Tokyo MOU countries' inspection will be considered.