Exemption from Immediate Compliance to Requirements under the Merchant Shipping (Regulation of Entry of Ships into Coastal Waters) Rules, 2026, Revised Requirements for Ships Entering or Operating in Indian Coastal Waters, reg.

Applicable to: All Indian ships and foreign ships operating in Indian coastal waters

Effective Date: 14 October 2026

Superseded Circulars: Merchant Shipping (Regulation of Entry of Ships into Ports, Anchorages and Offshore Facilities) Rules, 2012

Key Changes and Requirements

1. Classification Requirements

Foreign ships entering or operating in Indian coastal waters, aged over the threshold specified in Rule 5 of the 2026 Rules, must hold a valid certificate of class from an IACS member or a Recognised Organisation.

2. Salvage and Pollution Response Contracts

Ships entering, remaining in, or sailing out of Indian ports, or transiting/operating within Indian coastal waters must maintain valid Salvage and Marine Pollution Response Contracts with approved entities.

II/4

Checklists for empanelment of salvors and marine pollution response operators are available on the DGMA website.

3. Transition Period

Ships already operating in Indian coastal waters have six months (until 01 April 2027) to comply with the new classification and contract requirements.

Important Note

All stakeholders are advised to review and update their arrangements to ensure full compliance with the 2026 Rules by 01 April 2027.

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