The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) on February 10, 2026, issued a draft order regarding the Usage of Satellite Communication Equipment in Indian Waters by Ships and Seafarers.
The purpose of this Order is to ensure compliance with, and to promulgate, the regulatory requirements governing the use, declaration, authorization, and reporting of satellite communication equipment by ships and seafarers while operating in Indian waters, in the interest of maritime safety and national security.
This Order shall be applicable to:
• All Indian-flag ships and vessels operating in Indian waters and in Indian ports;
• All foreign-flag ships and vessels operating, calling, or transiting through Indian waters and ports;
• All seafarers engaged onboard ships and vessels as part of the vessel’s staff; and
• All shore-based personnel engaged onboard ships/vessels for installation, maintenance, operation, or related activities.
This Order shall not apply to ships equipped with satellite equipment used exclusively for Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) for ocean data acquisition under the WMO Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Scheme, subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in relevant clarifications.
Any ship or vessel found in non-compliance and deviating from the above requirements, including failure to declare or unauthorized use of satellite communication equipment, shall be issued an infringement notice and shall be liable for penal action under applicable Indian laws.
Penalization and punishment shall be imposed in accordance with: Section 31 of the Indian Telecommunications Act, 2023 and Entry no. 45 of Section- 281, Part-XIV of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
The comments should be sent to the following email IDs. a) [email protected] , b) [email protected].
[File No.: 25-25/1/2022-NT-DGS (Comp. no.14925)]
