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AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale.
Slide 1 · INDIAN
INDIAN
SHIPPING LAW
UNDER THE
MERCHANT
SHIPPING ACT,
2025
Registration, Marine
Casualties & Survey
Framework
INDIAN SHIP
& REGISTRATION
SHIPPING
CASUALTY
COURT OF SURVEY
(OLD VS NEW
FRAMEWORK)
Slide 2 · INDIAN SHIP
INDIAN SHIP
& REGISTRATION
How an Indian Ship is Registered
under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
WHAT IS AN INDIAN SHIP?
Registered under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
Owned by an Indian citizen or a company meeting DG-approved ownership criteria.
On fulfilling the conditions, the vessel is entitled to be registered as an Indian vessel.
REGISTRATION PROCESS
1
Application made to the Principal Officer (MMD) at the port of registry (Registrar of Indian Vessels).
2
Submit proof of title, ownership and other required documents.
3
Payment of prescribed fees.
4
Issue of Certificate of Registration with vessel particulars.
5
Issue of Tonnage Certificate with gross and net tonnage.
6
Registration is for a fixed period and must be renewed on expiry.
PROVISIONAL REGISTRATION
If no Registrar is available at a port, a provisional certificate may be granted having the effect of a permanent certificate. The unsatisfied mortgage continues to be reflected if provisional registration is later deemed closed.
LOSS OF STATUS
If a registered vessel is lost, taken by the enemy, broken up or ceases to be an Indian vessel, the owner must immediately advise the Registrar as prescribed.
Slide 3 · SHIPPING CASUALTY
SHIPPING CASUALTY
As defined under Section 231 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
WHAT COUNTS AS A CASUALTY?
Loss, abandonment, stranding or material damage to a vessel on or near the coast of India.
Fire or explosion on an Indian vessel worldwide, or on any vessel near the Indian coast.
Loss of life or presumed loss of life onboard a vessel on or near the Indian coast.
Pollution or the potential threat of severe pollution or damage to the environment.
Loss or damage to another vessel or external infrastructure (e.g., a jetty).
REPORTING DUTY
The master, owner, manager, operator or pilot MUST report the casualty to the officer appointed by the Central Government within
TWENTY-FOUR
24
HOURS
INVESTIGATION PROCESS
1
PRELIMINARY INQUIRY
Officer conducts a preliminary inquiry on receipt of the notice.
2
REPORT TO GOVERNMENT
A report is submitted to the Central Government.
3
MARINE SAFETY INVESTIGATION
Government may appoint a body to conduct marine safety investigation under the Casualty Investigation Code.
4
PREVENTION FOCUSED
Objective is to ascertain the causes to prevent recurrence, not to apportion blame.
Slide 4 · COURT OF
COURT OF
SURVEY
UNDER THE 2025 FRAMEWORK
The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 replaces the
historic Court of Survey with a modern, streamlined
administrative and safety investigation framework.
OLD SYSTEM
(MERCHANT SHIPPING ACT, 1958)
VS
NEW SYSTEM
(MERCHANT SHIPPING ACT, 2025)
COURT OF SURVEY
MARINE SAFETY
INVESTIGATION FRAMEWORK
Hears appeals against
decisions of Surveyors.
Central Government conducts
marine safety investigations
under Part XI.
Deals with disputes like
ship detention due to
unseaworthiness, delays,
etc.
If evidence of incompetency,
misconduct or violation of law
is found.
Consists of a Judge and
two Assessors (one from
Mercantile Marine & one
from the master/engineer
side).
Administrative action or
direction to maritime authority
to initiate proceedings.
Governed by Sections
385–387 of the Merchant
Shipping Act, 1958.
Focus on compliance,
accountability and prevention
of recurrence.
IMPORTANT EXAM POINT
The 2025 Act restructures the old Court of Survey mechanism
into a modern marine safety and administrative framework
focused on investigation, compliance and prevention.
Drafted by SailR from our daily lessons. AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale. Last updated 18 Oct 2026.
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