The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPS&W) on July 07, 2026, issued the Merchant Shipping (Cargo Vessel Construction, Fire Appliances and Survey) Rules, 2026.
They shall come into force on July 16, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The rules prescribe a comprehensive regulatory framework for the construction, survey, certification, fire safety, and operational standards of cargo vessels. The Rules align India's maritime safety regime with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, and incorporate detailed requirements relating to vessel construction, structural integrity, subdivision and stability, machinery, electrical installations, fire prevention, fire detection and firefighting systems, steering gear, watertight integrity, and emergency arrangements.
• The Rules apply primarily to cargo vessels of 500 gross tonnage (GT) and above, while specifying exemptions for certain categories of vessels and limited applicability for vessels below 500 GT. They also empower the Director General of Shipping to grant exemptions or approve equivalent materials, equipment, and safety arrangements where they provide an equivalent level of safety.
• The Rules further prescribe requirements for surveys, certification, recognised classification societies, approval of plans and drawings, applicable fees, and compliance standards for new vessels as well as major repairs, alterations, and conversions, thereby strengthening maritime safety and harmonising India's cargo vessel regulations with international best practices.
The detailed notification is attached below.
[Notification no. - G.S.R. 590(E)]
