Implementation of The Hong Kong International Convention for The Safe And Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 on Indian Flag Vessels and Type Approval/ certification of the equipment/material/appliances manufactured in India for use on board sh…

Applicable to: Indian Flag Vessels and Manufacturers of marine equipment/material/appliances

Effective Date: 18th June 2026

Superseded Circulars: DGS Order No. 6 of 2013

Key Changes and Requirements

1. Implementation of HKC, 2009 on Indian Flag Vessels — Ratified by India, entered into force internationally on 26th June 2025

Recognized Organizations (ROs) authorized to carry out surveys, audits, inspections, verification, certification, and related statutory functions for Indian-flagged vessels under the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, the Recycling of Ships Rules, 2021, and the Recycling of Ships Regulations, 2026, in accordance with HKC, 2009.

ROs: Remit administrative fee to the Central Government/Administration as per DGS Merchant Shipping Notice No. 09 of 2012 or subsequent amendments.

2. Type Approval/Certification of Equipment, Materials, and Appliances Manufactured in India

Authorized ROs to undertake inspection, testing, verification, type approval, and certification of equipment, materials, and appliances manufactured in India for use on board ships.

ROs: Maintain and publish an updated list of approved manufacturers, products, and equipment on their respective websites and upload it to the e-Samudra system quarterly.
Principal Officer, MMD: Responsible for monitoring the implementation of statutory provisions and quality standards by the concerned RO, with at least two inspections in 5 years.
Type Approval/Certification: Accepted for installation on Indian-flagged vessels and vessels constructed in India or elsewhere, subject to compliance with applicable requirements.

Authorized ROs: Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), Lloyd's Register Group Limited (LR), Bureau Veritas SA (BV), American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK), Korean Register (KR), RINA Services S.p.A. (RINA), DNV AS (DNV)

Important Note

Any non-compliance with Flag State, statutory, convention, classification society, or other relevant technical requirements must be reported to the Directorate General of Shipping immediately.

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