The Lok Sabha recently passed the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, amidst protests from opposition parties, without engaging in any parliamentary discussion. This legislation is poised to transform India’s maritime sector by replacing the outdated Merchant Shipping Act of 1958. The urgency to pass the bill was marked by ongoing disruptions related to separate demands concerning electoral roll discussions in Bihar.
The new bill significantly updates the definition of “vessels,” expanding it to encompass various types of watercraft, including mobile offshore drilling units and submersibles. It allows for partial ownership of vessels by Indian citizens, corporations, and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), subject to regulations that the central government will define. An important provision is the temporary registration of unregistered vessels intended for recycling in India, which is expected to invigorate recycling operations, particularly at hubs like Alang.
A key feature of the Merchant Shipping Bill is the empowerment of the Director-General to oversee maritime education and training. This measure aims to ensure that Indian seafarers receive quality education, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in the global maritime arena. Additionally, the bill mandates pollution prevention certificates for all vessels, aligning India’s regulations with international standards by incorporating treaties such as MARPOL and the Wreck Removal Convention. This aims to reinforce environmental protection within the industry.
The bill further addresses ownership criteria, thereby enhancing India’s shipping capabilities and fleet size, which could position Indian shipping companies to compete effectively on a global scale. Moreover, the legislation aligns with international maritime labor standards, establishes a certification system for Indian seafarers, and ensures access to social security, thus fostering improved welfare and working conditions for seafarers.
Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, highlighted that the global maritime industry has witnessed notable changes in recent years, creating challenges that necessitated reforms in the outdated 1958 act. The adjustments in ownership and the revamped regulatory framework aim to modernize the maritime sector, boost competitiveness, and align with international benchmarks to meet evolving demands.
In conclusion, the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, represents a substantial leap towards modernizing India’s maritime landscape. Its comprehensive provisions emphasize safety, security, sustainability, and the economic potential of the maritime industry, promising growth and better social welfare outcomes. This legislation is positioned to enhance India’s role in global maritime trade and bolster the industry’s overall effectiveness.
