The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), on July 13, 2026, notified the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction, Fire Appliances and Survey) Rules, 2026 under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. The Rules come into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette and establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the construction, fire safety, and survey of passenger ships. [G.S.R. 624(E)]
The Rules apply to new seagoing passenger ships and special trade passenger ships registered in India, as well as specified foreign-registered passenger ships while operating at Indian ports or within Indian coastal waters. The new requirements apply to ships whose keel is laid on or after the date of notification, while ships constructed earlier must continue to comply with the Merchant Shipping (Construction and Survey of Passenger Ships) Rules, 1981 and the Merchant Shipping (Fire Appliances) Rules, 1990.
The Rules prescribe detailed technical standards relating to ship construction, fire protection, fire-resistant divisions, safety equipment, surveys, and compliance requirements, while introducing updated definitions and safety standards aligned with the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 to enhance passenger vessel safety and regulatory oversight.
[G.S.R. 624(E)]
