About 93 Indian flag ships are above 25 years of age
The Government has decided to impose certain restrictions on entry of over 25 years old ships into Indian ports or territorial waters. This was stated by the Union Minister of Shipping, Shri G.K. Vasan in a supplementary reply to a question in Lok Sabha.
The Minister said that most of the ships involved in accidents like collision of MSC Chitra and M.V. Khalijia are very old. Therefore, the Government has decided to issue a notification under Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 that if the ships are more than 25 years old they will be allowed only if they satisfy the following conditions:
i) They should be classed with Classification Societies which are full member of International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).
ii) Have adequate insurance coverage to 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 the arrival of the ship about the 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 there are all classed with Indian Register of Shipping which is a full member of the International Association of Classification Societies.
Source: Press Information Bureau, Government of India
