Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issued four notifications under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. The notifications supersede the Merchant Shipping (Tonnage Measurement of Ships) Rules, 1987, Merchant Shipping (Seafarers’ Biometric Identity Documents) Rules, 2016, and Merchant Shipping (Management for Safe Operation of Ships) Rules, 2000, except in respect of things done or omitted before such supersession. The notifications prescribe rules relating to tonnage measurement of ships, use of liquefied gas or other low-flashpoint fuels, seafarers’ identity documents, and safety management for ships.

1. Merchant Shipping (Tonnage Measurement of Ships) Rules, 2026 provide for determination and remeasurement of gross and net tonnage, issuance and cancellation of tonnage certificates, and applicability to Indian ships and certain foreign ships in Indian waters in accordance with the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969.
2. Merchant Shipping (Use of Liquefied Gas or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels) Rules, 2026 prescribe requirements for ships using liquefied gas or other low-flashpoint fuels, including compliance with the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), design, construction, certification, and operational requirements applicable to specified vessels.
3. Merchant Shipping (Seafarers Identity Documents) Rules, 2026 prescribe the procedure for issuance, renewal, replacement, and duplicate issuance of seafarers’ identity documents through an electronic module. The rules apply to Indian citizen seafarers holding valid Continuous Discharge Certificates and specified permanent residents.
4. Merchant Shipping (Safety Management) Rules, 2026 prescribe safety management requirements for companies operating passenger ships, tankers, cargo ships, mobile offshore drilling units, and Indian coastal vessels. The rules provide for safety management systems, audits, compliance documents, and safety management certificates in accordance with the International Safety Management Code.