DRAFT – 14.10.

2024

Directorate General of Shipping, India

Merchant Shipping Notice No. XX of 2024

Ref No. File No.: 25-63/12/2024-NT - DGS Date:

Subject: Installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Systems on Indian-

Flagged Vessels and Foreign flag vessels visiting Indian Ports

To: All Owners, ISM Managers, Masters of Indian-Flagged Merchant Vessels and
Masters of Foreign Flagged vessel visiting Indian Ports.

1. Recent incidents aboard vessels, including personnel disappearances, potential

suicides, collisions, casualties, and other maritime security concerns have prompted a
thorough reassessment of existing safety protocols and the implementation of more
robust security measures. In cases of Man-over Board incidents and missing cases of
seafarers the Search and Rescue efforts could not be conducted effectively due to lack
of sufficient information i.e. exact time and location of the incidents. In the recent
incidents, Search and Rescue agencies and other vessels assisting SAR agencies had to
engage in prolonged search operation due to the same reason.

2. The Directorate, in view of its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of

seafarers and upholding the highest standards of maritime safety and security, has
carefully evaluated various solutions to address these pressing concerns. After
extensive deliberation, installing Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems on merchant
vessels has been identified as a necessary and effective measure to enhance onboard
safety & security and provide valuable documentation in the event of incidents.

3. In view of the foregoing, the following is being mandated:

3.1 All existing Indian-flagged vessels with a gross tonnage exceeding 500 GT
shall be required to install Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems:

a) During their next scheduled dry-docking, or

 b) Within twenty-four (24) months from the date of issuance of this circular,

whichever occurs first.

3.2 Any vessel undergoing conversion from a foreign flag to Indian flag shall be
required to install CCTV systems:

a) Within twelve (12) months of the issuance of the permanent certificate of

registry;

3.3 All newly constructed vessels, irrespective of size, shall have CCTV systems
installed and fully operational prior to the commencement of sea trials.

3.4 All foreign flagged vessels of size 500 GT or more visiting Indian Ports shall
have CCTV systems installed within 12 months of issuance of this circular.

4. The technical and other specifications for these CCTV systems are detailed in the
following sections of this notice. The CCTV installation should preferably meet the
standards recognized by the Classification Societies or Internationally recognized
standards such as IEC 62676 — Video Surveillance Systems for use in security
applications.

5. Vessel owners/ISM managers in coordination with the master shall conduct a

comprehensive risk assessment to identify vessel-specific vulnerabilities and optimal
camera placement, including an assessment of potential areas crucial to safety and
security. A tailored CCTV system design shall be developed to address identified risks
and meet all specified safety requirements, including the need to be intrinsically safe for
tankers.

6. The CCTV system installed on the ships should be so as to have comprehensive

coverage of all access points, deck areas (including mooring stations), and critical
zones, strategically positioned to eliminate blind spots. Specific attention shall be given
to high-risk areas such as railings, common areas, and isolated spaces. The coverage
shall also include the navigation bridge and engine room for operational monitoring and
collision avoidance analysis.

7. The cameras installed in the CCTV should have a minimum resolution of 1080p Full
HD, a frame rate of at least 30 fps, wide dynamic range (WDR) capability, an IP66 or
higher weatherproof rating, infrared or low-light capabilities for nighttime operation (in
unlit areas), and Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) functionality for key areas.

8. The system shall also provide for continuous 24/7 recording with a minimum storage
capacity for 90 days of footage. Additionally, backup storage systems shall be
implemented to prevent data loss, and tamper-evident storage solutions is also to be
utilized to maintain the integrity of the system.

9. Furthermore, a centralized monitoring station shall be established on the bridge or in

a dedicated security office, with a user-friendly interface for real-time monitoring and
playback. There should be access control measures shall be implemented to prevent
unauthorized system alterations.

10. Additionally, the CCTV systems of all foreign-going vessels shall have secure,
encrypted data transmission capabilities for the main deck and accommodation feeds to
authorized shore-based facilities and be compatible with remote access by the
Directorate or other designated security agencies, Indian Armed Forces (including the
Coast Guard), and authorized casualty investigators. This transmission will only be done
on request by such agencies and should be capable of being triggered by the vessel
owners/ISM managers.

11. Professional installation shall be carried out by certified technicians, ensuring the
proper configuration and testing of all components. Thorough training on system
operation, monitoring, and maintenance shall be provided to the master and crew, with
CCTV protocols included in regular security drills and exercises. Detailed records of
system design, installation, maintenance schedules, and operational procedures shall be
maintained, and Form E of the safety equipment certificate of the vessel will include the
endorsement of the CCTV system.

12. The Mercantile Marine Departments (MMDs) and Recognized organizations (ROs)
shall ensure the fitment of CCTV systems during the scheduled surveys and inspections.
The CCTV installation should be maintained as per the instructions of makers and
should be inspected by the ROs during the annual surveys. The deficiency with
respect to CCTV installation shall not be considered detainable during the Flag State
and Port State Control inspections. The ship owners/managers should be given a
reasonable time for rectification of deficiencies (if any) noted in CCTV installations
during the inspections.

13. The vessel's safety management system shall be updated to incorporate the
CCTV installation, operation and maintenance protocols and align with ISM Code
requirements.

This is issued with the approval of the competent authority.

Capt. Manish Kumar

Nautical Surveyor-cum-Deputy Director General (Technical)
Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India
Draft MS Notice on subject ‘Mandatory Verification of Protection and Indemnity
(P&I) Certificate by Indian Port Authorities’

Kindly send the inputs/comments by 17.10.2024 by email to

madhavpatil.dgs@gov.in and cc to: manish-dgs@gov.in, anish-dgs@gov.in,

Directorate General of Shipping, India

Draft Merchant Shipping Notice No. XX of 2024

Ref No. File No.: 25-63/13/2024-NT - DGS Date: xx/09/2024

Subject: Mandatory Verification of Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Certificate by

Indian Port Authorities

1. Any merchant vessel calling at Indian ports is required to maintain valid Protection
and Indemnity (P&I) insurance coverage in accordance with the applicable provisions of
the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, Regulations of Entry of Ships into Ports, Anchorages
and Offshore facilities) Rules, 2012, and various other applicable statute and
international conventions.

2. The required P&I coverage is required to encompass, but is not limited to, liabilities
arising under the following international conventions, as applicable to the vessel type
and operation:

a. International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage;

b. International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage;

c. Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007;

d. Maritime Labour Convention, 2006;

e. Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims.

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3. A valid Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Insurance for vessels entering Indian ports is
critical as it provides essential coverage for third-party liabilities, including personal
injury, environmental pollution, cargo damage, and wreck removal. Recent incidents
have highlighted instances of vessels with invalid P&I Certificates, due to non-payment
of premiums, entering Indian ports without proper notification to Port Authorities. This
situation necessitates a more rigorous verification process to ensure the validity and
authenticity of P&I Certificates, thereby maintaining the integrity and safety of maritime
operations in Indian waters.

4. This notice mandates that all Indian port authorities implement a comprehensive
verification process for the authenticity and validity of Protection and Indemnity (P&I)
Insurance Certificates, including confirmation of premium payments, for all vessels calling
at Indian ports.

5. Accordingly, it is imperative to note that the specific conventions covered may vary
depending on the P&I club and the particular policy terms. Shipowners and operators
are strongly advised to meticulously review their P&I coverage to ensure it adequately
meets their specific operational needs and complies with all relevant international and
Indian regulations.

6. Furthermore, all Indian port authorities of the major /non-major ports, and/or
maritime boards as well as all vessels, irrespective of flag, calling at Indian ports need
to comply with the following requirements:

1. Vessel owners, operators, masters, or their authorized representatives shall

submit the following documents to the respective port authority at least 72 hours
prior to the vessel's expected arrival:
(a) Original or certified copy of the P&I Insurance Certificate
(b) Evidence of valid premium payment
(c) Blue Card and Certificate of Insurance or Other Financial Security

2. Port authorities shall:

(a) Verify the authenticity of the P&I Insurance Certificate directly with the

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 issuing P&I Club through their official channels.
(b) Ensure the certificate's validity covers the entire duration of the vessel's
intended port stay.
(c) Confirm that all premiums have been paid in full and are current.
(d) Verify the Blue Card or CiOFS through the International Group of P&I
Clubs' online verification system (https://www.igpandi.org/vessel-search/) or
the non-IG insurers website.
(e) Alternately verify the authenticity by sending an email query to the PnI
insurer.
(f) Confirmation shall include verification of the premium amount, payment
date, and receipt of payment by the P&I Club.

3. The IG Clubs and DGS approved Non-IG insurers shall ensure that the validity
of P&I certificates including the status of premium paid etc. are available
online for verification by the Port Authorities. The method of verification by
email shall not be encouraged beyond 01.01.2025.

7. Any irregularities or suspicions concerning the authenticity or validity of the P&I

Insurance Certificate, Blue Card, or CIOFS shall be reported to the Directorate without
delay and such vessel would not be permitted entry.

8. The required transmission of documents shall be conducted via electronic mail or

physical delivery methods until 30.11.2024. Thereafter, in compliance with the Maritime
Single Window (MSW) requirements and to ease the process, all document submissions
shall be executed through the designated MSW online portal.

This Merchant Shipping Notice shall come into immediate effect and is issued with the
approval of the competent authority.

Capt. Manish Kumar

Nautical Surveyor-cum- Deputy Director General (Technical)
Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India
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