The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPS&W) on May 20, 2026, issued the Merchant Shipping (Radiocommunication) Rules, 2026, in supersession of the Merchant Shipping (Distress and Safety Radiocommunication) Rules, 1995.
These rules shall come into force on May 23, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The rules apply to passenger ships, cargo ships of 300 GT and above, high-speed craft, mobile offshore drilling units, and certain smaller cargo vessels, while warships and non-commercial government vessels are exempt. The rules prescribe mandatory radio communication capabilities for ships, including distress alert transmission, ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore emergency communication, search and rescue coordination, maritime safety information reception, and general radio communication.
• Ships are required to maintain continuous radio watch on specified distress and safety frequencies such as VHF Channel 16 and DSC Channel 70. The framework also mandates carriage of specific radio communication equipment depending on the vessel category and operating sea area (A1 to A4), along with reserve power arrangements for uninterrupted emergency communication.
• The rules further require registration of GMDSS identities, MMSI numbers, EPIRBs and AIS-based emergency devices with designated authorities, including the Indian National Mission Control Centre (INMCC), Bengaluru. All radio equipment shall comply with IMO performance standards, obtain type approval, and be licensed through the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing.
• Detailed provisions have been introduced regarding radio operator qualifications, crew certification under STCW standards, maintenance procedures, periodic testing of equipment, shore-based servicing, onboard spare arrangements, and maintenance of radio logbooks. EPIRBs and related emergency devices shall undergo annual operational testing and periodic maintenance.
• The rules also regulate approved radio service stations and prescribe procedures for equipment installation, surveys and compliance monitoring, thereby strengthening maritime safety, distress response and communication reliability for Indian and foreign vessels operating in Indian coastal waters.
[Notification no. - G.S.R. 376(E)]
