The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) on September 24, 2026, notified the Declaration of Indian Coastal Waters as Sea Area A1 and Sea Area A2 under GMDSS.
The following has been stated:
• It has declared the entire Indian Coastal Waters as Sea Area A1 or Sea Area A2 under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), based on the communication coverage of operational Coast Radio Stations (CRS). The Indian Coast Guard has established 32 GMDSS-compliant VHF and MF stations, primarily designated as Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) and Maritime Rescue Sub-Centres (MRSCs), to provide distress, urgency, safety and search-and-rescue communications.
• Accordingly, vessels operating in Indian Coastal Waters are required to carry radiocommunication equipment as prescribed under the Merchant Shipping (Radiocommunication) Rules, 2026, corresponding to the applicable Sea Area A1 or A2. However, harbour and port crafts operating within port or harbour limits shall carry equipment specified in Schedule XV under Rule 28 of the said Rules.
[Notification No. - 25-25011/3/2024-NT-DGS (C. No. 34098)]
