Context:
Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 and Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 are coming to modernize India’s Maritime Framework.
Why New Bill?
Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 and Coasting Vessels Act, 1838 are urgently required to be repealed. Both have become very old and are not at all able to meet modern requirements in the merchant marine world.
- The Act which limits the welfare provisions of seafarers to Indian-flagged ships has proven a problematic act in modernization of maritime administration.
Highlights of the Merchant Shipping Bill
- Registration: Under the existing law the vessels are allowed to register only for 100% Indian owned entities. The Bill aims for greater amendment to attract foreign investment.
- The new Bill addresses this by broadening the definition of ‘vessels’ to include a wide range”
- Ships cover broadened: The existing Act deals with mechanized ships of a particular size and does not apply to smaller mechanized vessels and all non-mechanized vessels.
- Enhancing coastal security: The new Bill will aid enhance coastal security as the authorities would be empowered to issue orders to all types of vessels.
