What’s New Rule as per Crew Manual 2025 for Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts

Hey there, and welcome! When you step into the world of maritime, you quickly learn that a huge part of your professional life,from your contracts to your safety,is governed by a foundational set of laws. This legal framework, built on the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, is what gives you a professional identity and security at sea. This guide breaks down that legal backbone, pulling directly from the DG Shipping’s Crew Manual to give you a clear, no-nonsense overview. Let’s walk through it together and dive into the latest updates to the Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts.

What is the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and Its Purpose?

The Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, stands as the cornerstone of maritime law in India. It’s not just a collection of rules; it’s the comprehensive legislation that governs nearly every aspect of Indian shipping. The Act establishes the legal framework that facilitates the regulation, development, and administration of the country’s vast maritime sector. This is the law that gives the industry its structure and provides a legal backbone for every person working at sea.

This monumental piece of legislation empowers the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), which serves as the top maritime authority in the country. DG Shipping is responsible for the crucial task of implementing, enforcing, and periodically amending these maritime regulations. Their role is to ensure that India’s domestic laws remain aligned with international conventions and best practices.

The key objectives of the Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts are far-reaching. They exist to ensure the safety and welfare of all seafarers, regardless of the flag of the vessel they are on. This framework also meticulously regulates the entire process of recruitment, including the rules and standards for placement agencies. Most importantly, it gives legal effect to key international agreements like the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), and the STCW Convention, 1978, bringing them into domestic law and making them enforceable.

How Does the MS Act Lay the Foundation for Seafarers’ Rights and What are its Key Parts?

The Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, is a foundational document that meticulously outlines the rights and responsibilities of every seafarer. It provides the legal basis for crucial processes like seafarer grievances, repatriation in times of need, and accessing legal redressal. It defines who is accountable in the maritime ecosystem, clearly outlining the responsibilities for Shipping Masters, Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) agents, shipowners, and port authorities.

To make it more digestible, the Act is divided into 21 distinct parts. For an Indian seafarer, the most relevant provisions are concentrated in a few key areas that directly impact their professional life. These sections of the Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts cover everything from employment to penalties.

• Part V (Masters and Seamen): This part focuses on the practicalities of a seafarer’s career. It details the rules for recruitment and engagement, ensuring fair wages, outlining grievance procedures, and guaranteeing repatriation rights.
• Part XII (Certification of Seamen): This section is critical for every seafarer’s professional journey. It governs the issuance of Certificates of Competency (CoC), regulates the standards for STCW training, outlines the requirements for medical fitness, and covers the crucial process for obtaining and revalidating Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDCs).
• Part XVI (Penalties): This is the part that holds all parties accountable. It contains provisions for penalties, suspension, or blacklisting for fraudulent activities or violations of the law. Understanding these parts of the Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts is crucial for every seafarer to navigate their career with confidence.

Which Specific Rules Govern Seafarers Under the Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts?

The Merchant Shipping Act is supported by a series of specific rules that add a layer of practical detail to the legislation. Each rule addresses a specific aspect of a seafarer’s professional life, ensuring that India’s maritime sector operates with a high degree of order and fairness. These rules are a crucial component of the Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts.

• Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour) Rules, 2016: This legal instrument implements the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006. It sets out the minimum age for working on ships, regulates working and rest hours, ensures timely wage payment, and defines the standards for food, accommodation, and repatriation. This rule ensures that every Indian seafarer’s working conditions meet or exceed global benchmarks, often requiring MLC 2006 Certification.
• Merchant Shipping (Certificate of Competency) Rules, 1989: These rules are the blueprint for professional growth. They regulate the entire process of issuing, examining, and revalidating Certificates of Competency (CoC). They define the sea service and training requirements needed to sit for an examination, ensuring that every certified seafarer is truly qualified for their role.
• Merchant Shipping (Official Logbook and Articles of Agreement) Rules, 2014: These rules mandate the maintenance of official logbooks and the Articles of Agreement (AoA), which are essentially the contract between a seafarer and their employer. These documents are legally binding and are crucial for recording a seafarer’s service and ensuring their rights are protected.
• Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000: Health is paramount at sea. These rules prescribe mandatory medical standards that every Indian seafarer must meet, which are verified by a list of DG Shipping Approved Doctors. They ensure that all seafarers are medically fit for duty, safeguarding their health and the safety of the crew and vessel.
• Merchant Shipping (Seafarers’ Identity Document) Rules, 2016: This governs the issuance of the biometric Seafarer Identity Document (SID) in line with ILO Convention C185. The SID is a globally verifiable ID that facilitates a seafarer’s travel and visa applications, streamlining their international movements. This is a modern addition to the Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts.
• Merchant Shipping (Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers) Rules, 2005 (RPS Rules): This provides the framework for licensing and regulating all Recruitment and Placement Service (RPS) agencies. These rules, which are essential for those seeking an RPSL License in India, ensure that agencies operate with transparency and ethics, protecting seafarers from exploitation and fraudulent practices.

How Do India’s Safety and Welfare Provisions Protect Seafarers?

The Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts are not just about paperwork and certifications; they are fundamentally about ensuring the well-being and safety of every seafarer. By aligning with the MLC, 2006, India has mandated comprehensive safety and welfare provisions that protect seafarers throughout their journey.

• Repatriation: This is one of the most critical welfare provisions. The rules state that the shipowner must bear the full cost of repatriation in a wide range of scenarios, including when a contract is completed, a seafarer is injured or becomes ill, or in cases of shipwreck, redundancy, or abandonment. This guarantee provides seafarers with a crucial safety net.
• Rest Hours: The rules mandate a minimum of 10 hours of rest in any 24-hour period and 77 hours in any 7-day period. This provision is designed to combat fatigue, which is a major safety risk at sea. It ensures that seafarers are well-rested and alert, thereby reducing the chances of accidents.
• Health and Medical Care: Seafarers are ensured access to free medical care both onboard and ashore, with all costs covered by the shipowner. This includes treatment for work-related injuries as well as general illnesses.
• Accommodation and Welfare: The rules require ships to comply with high standards for living spaces, food, and recreational facilities. This includes ensuring adequate ventilation, lighting, and sanitary facilities. It also mandates that seafarers have access to free internet where feasible, allowing them to stay in touch with their families and friends while at sea.

What is the Latest Process for Seafarer Certification Under the Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts?

One of the most significant changes under the Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts is the move to a fully integrated digital system. All certification processes are now handled through the DG Shipping e-Governance portal, which requires strict compliance and offers a streamlined user experience.

• Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC): This is a mandatory identity and service record document for all Indian seafarers. The new process is entirely online. To apply, you need a valid INDOS number, a medical fitness certificate, and DG-approved pre-sea training from a DG-approved institute, an area of focus for those considering starting a maritime training institute. The application and document upload process is handled via the DG Shipping e-Governance portal. You submit all documents online, including your passport, training certificates, and medical certificate, and the DG Shipping team verifies them digitally.
• Certificate of Competency (CoC): This certifies that a seafarer is qualified for a specific rank or duty. The requirements remain the same, including having a valid CDC and approved sea service. However, the application process for the written and oral examinations is now managed through the portal, making it more efficient and transparent.
• Seafarer Identity Document (SID): This biometric-enabled, globally verifiable ID is required for international travel. The process involves registering your biometrics with the DG Shipping e-Governance system and then visiting a physical appointment center for verification. The entire process is linked to your INDOS number, creating a seamless and secure digital identity.

What Are the New Disciplinary Frameworks Under the Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts?

To ensure discipline and integrity in the maritime sector, a comprehensive disciplinary framework for seafarers and RPSL agencies has been provided via MS Notice 11 of 2024. This is a major change designed to crack down on fraudulent activities. The framework is governed by Sections 178 to 183 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, giving DG Shipping the power to take swift and decisive action against misconduct.

• Offenses: The rules clearly define a range of offenses for which penalties can be imposed. This includes submitting forged certificates or documents, desertion from a vessel, and misconduct that compromises the safety of the ship or crew. For RPSL companies, non-compliance with the rules, an issue addressed by RPSL annual compliance services, can also lead to severe penalties. The new rules are a critical part of the Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts.
• Penalties: The penalties can be severe. Actions may include the suspension or outright cancellation of CDCs and CoCs, the imposition of fines, and the debarment or blacklisting of companies and individuals. The blacklisting mechanism ensures that those who violate the rules cannot operate in the industry again, safeguarding the integrity of the entire maritime sector.

What Is the Penalty and Appeals Mechanism for Seafarers and Agencies?

The penalty and appeal process for Indian seafarers and RPSL holders is a well-defined system that is codified under Sections 178 to 183 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and its associated Rules. While the system is designed to be strict, it also provides a clear and fair mechanism for appeals.

• Appeals: A seafarer has the right to file a representation to the Shipping Master or Principal Officer of the MMD if they believe an action taken against them is unjust. The appeal process is now managed digitally, making it more accessible. The appeal can be escalated to the Director General of Shipping and, ultimately, to the Merchant Shipping Appellate Tribunal, which serves as the highest authority for such cases. All appeals are submitted through the e-Governance portal with an auto-generated tracking ID, ensuring transparency and accountability at every stage. This streamlined process is a key element of the Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts.

How Do the New E-Governance Systems Streamline the Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts?

The new e-Governance system, e-Samudra, represents a fundamental shift in how the maritime sector operates in India. It is a next-generation platform designed to replace older legacy systems. This is a major update to how the Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts are implemented and managed.

The system offers a single, integrated digital framework for all services. This means everything from applying for a new certificate to submitting a grievance can be done from one central portal. This streamlines the entire process, making it more efficient and user-friendly.

The system provides a unified dashboard for each seafarer, giving them one-click access to all their records, applications, and grievance statuses. This puts all the necessary information at their fingertips, empowering them to manage their careers with greater control.

The new system is designed to automate and standardize procedures, which reduces human interaction and the chances of errors. It also enables real-time data sharing between DG Shipping, MMDs, and RPSL agencies, ensuring that all parties, including New RPSL Companies, are working with the most up-to-date information.

Comparison: Old vs. New E-Governance Systems

Feature	Older Legacy Systems	New e-Samudra System
Platform	Fragmented, multiple systems	Single, integrated digital framework
Dashboard	No unified dashboard	Provides a unified dashboard for each seafarer
Access	Requires navigating multiple portals	One-click access to all records, applications, and grievances
Automation	Manual and standardized procedures	Designed to automate and standardize procedures
Human Interaction	Higher level of human interaction	Reduces human interaction and chances of errors
Data Sharing	Slower, not real-time	Enables real-time data sharing between DG Shipping, MMDs, and RPSL agencies

What are the Key Amendments and Circulars That Define the New Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts?

The framework is dynamic, constantly being updated with new circulars and amendments to address the evolving needs of the industry. The most recent circulars, such as the DGS Order 2025, are a direct result of the continuous effort to refine the Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts.

• Crew Circular 11 of 2024: This circular provides a comprehensive legal framework for disciplinary proceedings against seafarers and RPSL agencies. It details the procedures for suspension and blacklisting, ensuring a more rigorous and fair process.
• Crew Circular 25 of 2024: This circular introduced crucial reforms to the e-Migrate system. It now includes mandatory real-time SMS alerts to seafarers about their sign-on and sign-off details and a dedicated dashboard for viewing their sea service history.
• Crew Circular 15 of 2024: This circular introduced updated certification norms for shipboard cooks, aligning with MLC, 2006 standards and requiring training from MLC-compliant institutes.
• Crew Circular 19 of 2024: This circular made it mandatory for all cases of seafarer medical repatriation to be reported to the DG Shipping Medical Cell, along with full treatment records.

The Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts now include provisions for data collection on seafarer mental and financial well-being, as per Crew Circular 2 of 2025.

Ending Note

Understanding the legal framework that governs your professional life at sea is not just an option, it’s essential for your success. The latest amendments and circulars, particularly the new e-Governance systems, have streamlined processes and increased transparency for seafarers. By knowing your rights and responsibilities under the Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts, you can confidently navigate your career, and for more information about maritime consultancy and RPSL startup, you can contact us, secure in the knowledge that you have a solid legal backbone protecting you. The Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Rules & Acts are constantly evolving to ensure a safer and more ethical maritime environment.