In a significant move to uphold maritime safety standards, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Government of India, has officially rejected the application for renewal of the Document of Compliance (DOC) submitted by ITT Shipping (Private) Limited, Kolkata. The decision, issued on May 23, 2025, comes after a series of grave safety violations, a fatal vessel sinking, and repeated non-compliance with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.
Background: Fatal Sinking of ITT Puma
The alarm was first raised following the sinking of the cargo vessel ITT Puma on August 25, 2024, en route from Kolkata to Port Blair. The tragic incident, which occurred 78 nautical miles southeast of Sagar Island, led to the disappearance of three crew members, including the Master and Chief Officer. A statutory Preliminary Inquiry revealed severe lapses in safety compliance, cargo handling, manning, and emergency preparedness.
Systemic Failures Uncovered
The DOC renewal audit, conducted on April 3, 2025, uncovered three major non-conformities and five additional safety violations. These included:
- Inadequate maintenance of critical equipment and spare part inventory
- Employment of a 74-year-old Master without a valid medical certificate
- Improper cargo loading and stowage in violation of the IMSBC Code
- Failure to man vessels with certified and medically fit crew
- Outdated emergency procedures and inadequate emergency drills
- Non-reporting of major incidents including collisions and flooding
Legal Battle and High Court Directives
Rather than responding to the DGS‘s Show Cause Notice, the company approached the Hon’ble High Court of Calcutta, seeking to challenge the Directorate’s jurisdiction. While the Court temporarily permitted vessel operations, it directed the DGS to make a final decision on the DOC renewal by May 26, 2025.
Despite multiple opportunities and extended deadlines, ITT Shipping‘s corrective submissions were found incomplete and unsatisfactory by the auditors. Their failure to effectively close the major non-conformities raised concerns about their commitment to safety.
Recurring Safety Incidents
This rejection is not an isolated action but stems from a pattern of repeated safety violations, including:
- Sinking of ITT Panther (2017)
- Collision of ITT Leopard with the Indian Coast Guard vessel (2023)
- Failure of ITT Jaguar to assist a distressed vessel post-collision (2023)
- Flooding of ITT Leopard due to maintenance neglect (2025)
These incidents underline a systemic breakdown in ITT Shipping’s safety management system and disregard for maritime regulations.
Final Verdict and Way Forward
Based on the findings, the DGS has officially declared DOC No. DGS/DOC/2011377 issued on 01.06.2020 as invalid, effectively prohibiting the company from operating any vessel under the Indian flag without a valid DOC. The order cites Rule 5(6) of the Merchant Shipping (Safe Operation of Ships) Rules, 2000.
ITT Shipping Pvt Ltd has been advised that it may appeal this decision under Section 13 of Merchant Shipping Notice 9 of 2014.
Conclusion
This development serves as a strong reminder to Indian ship owners and technical managers: compliance with the ISM Code is non-negotiable. The DGS’s decisive action reinforces its commitment to protecting lives at sea and ensuring environmental sustainability in maritime operations.