Government to restrict entry of ships over 25 years of age
The government has decided to impose certain restrictions on the entry of over 25-year-old ships into Indian ports or territorial waters. This was stated by the Union Minister of Shipping, Mr G. K. Vasan, in the Lok Sabha recently.
The Minister said that most of the ships involved in accidents/collisions were very old. Therefore, the government will be issuing a notification under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 that if the ships are more than 25 years old they will be allowed in only if they satisfy the following conditions:
i) They should be classed with classification societies which are full members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).
ii) Have adequate insurance coverage for liabilities including collision, wreck removal and salvage.
iii) Appoint an Indian ship agent to represent owner/charterer.
iv) The Indian agent should notify the port authority and the Customs collector at least 48 hours prior to arrival, details of the ship including insurance etc.
There are about 93 Indian flag ships which are above 25 years of age. However, they will not be affected as they are all classed with the Indian Register of Shipping, which is a full member of IACS.
The Minister said that most of the ships involved in accidents/collisions were very old. Therefore, the government will be issuing a notification under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 that if the ships are more than 25 years old they will be allowed in only if they satisfy the following conditions:
i) They should be classed with classification societies which are full members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).
ii) Have adequate insurance coverage for liabilities including collision, wreck removal and salvage.
iii) Appoint an Indian ship agent to represent owner/charterer.
iv) The Indian agent should notify the port authority and the Customs collector at least 48 hours prior to arrival, details of the ship including insurance etc.
There are about 93 Indian flag ships which are above 25 years of age. However, they will not be affected as they are all classed with the Indian Register of Shipping, which is a full member of IACS.