We have received information from India, James Mackintosh & Co. Pvt. Ltd., regarding the subject matter. For details, please find the attached file.

The Notice is published as a circular on 12 Feb 2025 by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS). There are two key points to note:

1. The Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) will become mandatory for foreign flag vessels trading on Indian Coast under Specified Period license.

 

2. A 36-month period, starting from February 12, 2025, has been granted to implement this requirement.

The Special Period License (SPL) is a regulatory framework under which foreign-flagged vessels can operate in Indian coastal waters for a limited period, subject to compliance with specific Indian maritime safety and security regulations and this license is issued by the DGS. This means that ships may operate without CCTV onboard up till 2028 if they trade on the Indian Coast. The Circular does go on to say that all foreign flag vessels visiting Indian ports be duly cognizant of this criterion and may consider installation of CCTV.

We highlight some important details as under:

The circular applies to:

1. Indian-Flagged Vessels: Mandatory installation within 36 months from the date of the Notice which is 12 Feb 2028 the notice being dated 12 Feb 2025 or next renewal survey whichever occurs first.

 

2. Foreign-Flagged Vessels operating under SPL: Mandatory installation within 36 months from the date of the Notice which is 12 Feb 2028 the notice being dated 12 Feb 2025 or next renewal survey whichever occurs first.

 

3. New constructions flagged under the Indian flag: Mandatory installation prior to delivery.

 

4. Foreign-Flagged Vessels visiting Indian Ports: CCTV has not been made mandatory but recommended as a best practice (, in the draft notice it was mandatory).

The Notice also provides for recommended number of cameras based on the Gross Tonnage of the vessel. The circular recommends areas where the cameras need to be placed and the number of cameras and recommended functions.

The circular also has detailed advice on the recommended specifications and operation, control and monitoring, as well as training and maintenance of the CCTV systems on board. Amongst other things it is mandated that the recording is available for 14 days. Other than the DGS who are mandated to have access, the Owners and Managers can have access to the recordings for training purposes. No other party is allowed access to the recordings. Finally, clause 16 states that malfunction of the CCTV will not be considered a deficiency during Flag State inspections in India.