Key Highlights of Bill

Establishment of National Shipping Board: To advise Central Government on matters relating to Indian shipping.
- It shall have power to regulate its own procedure for conduct of its business.
Maritime Administration: Central Government appoint a person to be Director-General of Maritime Administration.
Registration of Vessels: Ownership allowed by
- Citizen of India including Non-Resident Indian or an Overseas Citizen of India;
- Company/ body established by any Central Act or State Act having its registered office of business in India.
Transfer of Indian vessel or share: No person shall transfer/acquire any Indian vessel at any time during which India’s security or any part of territory is threatened by sanction, war or external aggression and proclamation of emergency.
Prevention and containment of pollution: Every vessel shall comply with provisions of international conventions, as applicable, namely MARPOL Convention; Anti-Fouling Systems Convention; etc. to prevent pollution.

Need for Bill

To define and simplify ownership criteria for merchant vessels in country and making it easier for Indian-flagged vessels to operate.
To streamline a variety of regulations that deal with marine casualties including imposition of stricter norms against polluting vessels.
To ensure development of Indian shipping and efficient maintenance of Indian mercantile marine in a manner best suited to serve national interest.