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Usage of Satellite Communication Equipment in Indian Coastal Waters by Ships and Seafarers
Key Changes and Requirements
1. Satellite Communication Equipment Usage
Iridium-based satellite communication equipment is permitted for Distress and Safety communications under GMDSS. Thuraya equipment is still banned. Ships participating in the VOS Scheme can use Iridium GMDSS equipment for meteorological and safety-related information.
- Usage: Strictly limited to Distress and Safety communications.
- VOS Scheme: Permitted for transmitting required meteorological and safety-related information.
2. Licensing and Authorization
All mobile satellite communication equipment must be duly licensed and authorized. Indian-flag vessels must comply with Indian regulatory requirements, while foreign-flag vessels must comply with their Flag State/Administration regulations.
- Indian-flag vessels: Comply with Indian regulatory requirements.
- Foreign-flag vessels: Comply with Flag State/Administration regulations.
3. Declaration Requirements
All portable satellite communication equipment must be declared in the Pre-Arrival Notification of Security (PANS), including make, model, and IMEI/ESN numbers. Fixed satellite equipment approved under RMSS does not need to be declared. Personal satellite equipment is not permitted for use in Indian coastal waters and land territory.
- Portable equipment: Mandatory declaration in PANS.
- Fixed equipment: No declaration required if approved under RMSS.
- Personal equipment: Not permitted for use in Indian waters and land territory.
Non-compliance with these requirements may result in an infringement notice and penal action under applicable Indian laws, including the Indian Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
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