The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024: A New Approach to India’s Maritime Framework

• Repeals outdated laws like the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 and the Coasting Vessels Act, 1838, especially for offshore vessels.

• Introduces reforms like ease of registration, reduced ownership thresholds, and provisions for temporary vessel registration.

• Regulates only mechanised ships above a certain size.

• Expands the definition of’vessels’ to include a wide range of crafts.

• Strengthens coastal security by empowering authorities to issue instructions to all types of vessels.

• Implements measures to reduce marine pollution.

• Aligns India’s maritime regulatory framework with global standards.

• Extends welfare measures to include Indian seafarers working on foreign-flagged ships.

• Introduces clear legal provisions for regulating maritime training.