The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPS&WW) on July 07, 2026, issued the Merchant Shipping (Safety Management) Rules, 2026, in supersession of the Merchant Shipping (Management for the Safe Operation of Ships) Rules, 2000.
They shall come into force on July 13, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The rules establish a comprehensive safety management framework for Indian and applicable foreign ships in line with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code under the SOLAS Convention, 1974. The Rules mandate that shipping companies establish and maintain a Safety Management System (SMS) covering safe ship operations, pollution prevention, emergency preparedness, reporting of accidents and non-conformities, maintenance of ships and equipment, and internal audits. Companies and vessels are required to obtain Documents of Compliance (DOC) and Safety Management Certificates (SMC), including interim certificates where applicable, subject to initial, annual, intermediate, renewal, and additional audits.
• The Rules prescribe the procedure for issuance, validity, suspension, withdrawal, and cancellation of certificates, authorize recognized organizations to issue interim Safety Management Certificates in specified cases, and require companies to cooperate fully during audits by providing records, access, and necessary assistance. They also require continuous compliance with Indian maritime laws and applicable international conventions relating to safety and environmental protection.
• The Rules further provide for penalties for non-compliance, including fines for operating ships without complying with the prescribed safety management requirements, while ensuring that deficiencies are rectified before vessels resume operations. An appeal mechanism has also been provided, allowing aggrieved persons to appeal against actions such as suspension or cancellation of certificates within 30 days to the Chief Surveyor.
• The Rules also prescribe standardized formats for Documents of Compliance, Safety Management Certificates, Interim Certificates, and Domestic Compliance Documents to ensure uniform implementation.
[Notification no. - G.S.R. 589(E)]
