The Indian Directorate of Shipping published Merchant Shipping Notice No. 02 of 2025 detailing requirements for Installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Systems on Indian-Flagged vessels and foreign-flagged vessels visiting Indian Ports. This regulation is mandatory
This regulation is mandatory for Indian-Flagged merchant vessels and foreign-flagged vessels operating in Indian Coasts under a Specified Period License (SPL). An SPL is issued by the Indian Director-General of Shipping for the purpose of documenting that a foreign-flagged ship has been chartered by a citizen of India.
To be aware of foreign-flagged vessels
It is the intent of the Indian Directorate of Shipping that foreign-flagged vessels visiting Indian ports be aware of this notice to facilitate their consideration of voluntarily implementing the requirements detailed therein.
Vessel owners and/or ISM managers
Implementation of this notice requires vessel owners and/or ISM managers to coordinate with the vessel’s Master to create a comprehensive CCTV system that addresses vessel-specific vulnerabilities. Due consideration is to be given to the following elements when designing the CCTV system:
Safety critical areas
Assessment of safety critical areas.
Assessment of areas which may create security vulnerabilities.
Optimal placement of cameras to monitor these identified areas.
That the minimum coverage zones detailed in the notice are addressed.
Requirements of the notice
Current Indian-Flagged vessels or those with an active SPL are to comply with the requirements of the notice by 12 February 2028 or the next renewal survey, whichever occurs later. Newly registered vessels are to become compliant within 36 months of their registration date or the next renewal survey, whichever occurs later.
 About the Directorate General of Shipping
The Directorate General of Shipping is an attached office of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Govt. of India and deals with all executive matters, relating to merchant shipping. It deals with all matters concerning the Maritime Administration, Maritime Education and Training, development of Shipping Industry and other related subjects.
