How Are International Maritime Conventions Implemented In India?

India, as a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is committed to implementing major international maritime conventions that regulate shipping safety, marine pollution, and seafarers’ welfare. The responsibility for adopting and enforcing these conventions in India lies primarily with the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. These international laws are integrated into national legislation through amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and supported by rules, notifications, and maritime circulars.

Major International Conventions Adopted by India

1. SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea)

India enforces SOLAS provisions through mandatory inspections, ship certifications, and crew training under the Indian Merchant Shipping Act. Life-saving appliances, fire safety systems, and navigation equipment are checked regularly.

2. MARPOL (Marine Pollution)

India is a party to all six annexes of MARPOL. Ports are equipped with pollution reception facilities, and Indian ships are required to carry pollution prevention certificates and maintain oil record books.

3. STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping)

Seafarer training institutes in India must be approved by DG Shipping, which ensures all courses comply with STCW standards. Indian-issued Certificates of Competency (CoCs) are internationally recognized.

4. MLC (Maritime Labour Convention)

India ensures the rights and working conditions of seafarers by implementing MLC provisions through:

• Crew welfare inspections
• Minimum age and wage regulations
• Onboard living conditions
• Medical care and repatriation policies

Implementation Mechanisms in India

1. Merchant Shipping Act, 1958

This is India’s principal legislation for maritime affairs. It is amended periodically to align with international conventions. It covers ship registration, safety, crew welfare, and pollution control.

2. Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping)

The central authority responsible for:

• Issuing rules and circulars based on international conventions
• Certifying ships and seafarers
• Conducting audits and inspections

3. Port State Control (PSC)

Indian port authorities inspect foreign ships visiting Indian ports under the Indian PSC regime, which aligns with Tokyo MOU standards. Deficiencies are reported and unsafe ships are detained.

4. Flag State Control

Indian-registered vessels are inspected for compliance with safety and environmental rules. DG Shipping maintains oversight through regular surveys and audits by recognized classification societies.

5. Training and Certification of Seafarers

Training institutes follow IMO model courses and guidelines issued by DG Shipping. India has one of the largest pools of STCW-compliant seafarers globally.

6. Environmental Measures

India has taken several steps such as:

• Banning single-use plastics on Indian-flagged ships
• Implementing Ballast Water Management rules
• Monitoring emissions in accordance with MARPOL Annex VI

Example

Scenario:

An Indian shipping company launches a new oil tanker. Before the vessel begins international operations, it must comply with various international standards.

Steps for Implementation in India:

• Registration under the Indian flag via DG Shipping.
• Surveys and Certification carried out under SOLAS and MARPOL by an authorized classification society.
• Crew Certification through DG Shipping-approved maritime academies following STCW norms.
• MLC Compliance checks to ensure fair working conditions and seafarer contracts.
• PSC Readiness to ensure the ship passes inspections in foreign ports.
• Ongoing Monitoring via periodic audits, flag state inspections, and environment compliance checks.

This ensures the vessel operates safely, legally, and in accordance with both Indian and international maritime regulations.