IndiaPosted at: Oct 27 2026 9:39AM


Centre notifies new maritime security rules; ships face detention, Rs 8 lakh fee for expired certificates

New Delhi, Oct 27 (UNI) The Central Government has introduced a new maritime security framework, providing for detention of vessels, financial charges for specified violations and stricter security compliance requirements for ships and port facilities across India.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has notified the Merchant Shipping (Ships and Port Facility Security) Rules, 2026, replacing the 2024 regulations under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
According to the notification, a vessel sailing with an expired International or Coastal Ship Security Certificate will face detention until a valid certificate is produced. The shipowner will also be required to pay a prescribed fee of Rs 8 lakh.
Ships furnishing false information about ports of call or other particulars in their pre-arrival security notifications may also be detained until corrected information, supported by flag endorsement, is provided. Such violations will attract a fee of Rs 2 lakh.
The government has also made advance security reporting mandatory for ships entering Indian ports.
“Every ship entering a port within the jurisdiction of India shall submit a pre-arrival notification,” the notification states.
Under Rule 30, the information must be submitted at least 96 hours before arrival. For voyages lasting less than 96 hours, the notification must be submitted within two hours of departure from the previous port.
Shipping companies that operate without qualified company security officers or provide false particulars about such officers will face a fine of Rs 5 lakh. Repeated non-compliance will attract an additional Rs 5 lakh and withdrawal of the relevant ship security certificate.
Vessels failing to maintain or possess prescribed security equipment will face detention and a fee of Rs 1 lakh for each faulty or missing item.
Failure by a ship's master or company security officer to report security or stowaway incidents to the Directorate General of Shipping will attract a fee of Rs 2 lakh.
The rules also require security drills aboard covered ships at least once every three months, while port facilities must maintain approved security plans, appoint qualified security officers and undergo annual security verification.
Port facilities that fail to conduct prescribed annual or renewal security audits within the stipulated period will incur a fee of Rs 2 lakh. Failure to submit a port facility security assessment or security plan will attract a penalty of Rs 5 lakh.
The regulations also provide for coordination among maritime authorities, Customs, intelligence agencies, police, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Coast Guard through port security advisory committees, where such committees are constituted.
The new rules come into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette and apply to covered Indian vessels, foreign ships visiting Indian ports or offshore facilities, port facilities and companies operating or managing them.
UNI KK IM
Tags: #Centre notifies new maritime security rules; ships face detention# Rs 8 lakh fee for expired certificates
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