The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPS&W) on July 27, 2026, issued the Merchant Shipping (Port State Control and Flag State Implementation) Rules, 2026.
They shall come into force on July 30, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The rules establish a comprehensive framework for Port State Control (PSC) inspections of foreign ships visiting Indian ports and Flag State Implementation (FSI) inspections of Indian-flagged vessels. The rules aim to ensure compliance with international maritime conventions relating to ship safety, maritime security, environmental protection, and crew welfare, while implementing India's obligations under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments.
• The rules define the roles and responsibilities of the National Authority, Regional Authorities, Port State Control Officers, and Flag State Inspectors. They prescribe qualification requirements, inspection procedures, reporting mechanisms through a Centralised Electronic Database and Information Management System, and empower authorities to inspect, detain, or take corrective action against substandard or unsafe vessels. The National Authority is responsible for uniform implementation, approval of inspection reports, maintenance of authorised inspectors, and oversight of enforcement across India.
• For Indian-flagged vessels, the rules prescribe a risk-based flag state inspection regime, including periodic and surprise inspections, inspections following foreign port detentions, verification of exemptions and equivalent arrangements, operational drills, reporting, re-inspections after rectification of deficiencies, and detention where vessels pose risks to life, property, or the marine environment. The framework also provides for monitoring, appeals, corrective actions, and compliance with IMO standards to strengthen India's maritime safety and regulatory oversight.
[Notification no. – G.S.R. 672(E)]
