The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPS&W) on September 16, 2026, issued the Merchant Shipping (Regulation of Entry of Ships into Coastal Waters) Rules, 2026.
They shall come into force from September 24, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• These rules apply to all Indian ships and to foreign ships operating or navigating through India’s coastal waters, whether or not they enter an Indian port or other facility, with exemptions for foreign government ships used solely for non-commercial purposes. They require ships to maintain prescribed insurance/financial security, including P&I cover, and prescribe authorisation requirements for insurers outside the International Group of P&I Clubs. Foreign ships above specified age limits shall also hold a valid class certificate from an IACS member classification society or a recognised organisation.
• Foreign ships entering or operating in coastal waters shall maintain valid insurance, class certification, salvage contracts and marine pollution response contracts. Operators/shipping agents shall submit compliance documents at least 48 hours before port entry, while port authorities shall verify insurance and other certificates before granting entry or clearance. Insurance certificates generally need to remain valid for at least three months or the anticipated stay, whichever is longer. Non-compliant ships may be detained or refused port clearance.
• The rules also establish obligations during marine casualties, requiring insurers to promptly cooperate with emergency response irrespective of disputes over coverage or costs. The Administration may suspend or withdraw insurer authorisation for failure to respond and may arrange emergency measures where a ship is uninsured or its insurer cannot be contacted, with costs recoverable from the ship owner. Operators shall submit declarations through shipping agents, while a committee evaluates applications for insurer authorisation. The Central Government may exempt ships subject to safety and environmental safeguards, and may deny entry, detain or move non-compliant ships. Contraventions attract penalties under the Merchant Shipping Act, with a residual penalty of up to ₹50,000 and an additional ₹5,000 per day for continuing breaches.
[Notification No. - G.S.R. 815(E)]
