News
14 Oct, 2026
India’s salvage and spill response precontracting requirements deferred until 1 April 2027
Erin Walton
Assistant Corporate Director
Members will be aware that the Indian Merchant Shipping (Regulation of Entry of Ships into Coastal Waters) Rules, 2026.
This created new precontracting requirements on non-Indian vessels that are:
- Entering, remaining in or sailing out of an Indian port; or
- Seeking port facilities; or
- Transiting or operating within Indian coastal waters
Vessels that fit the criteria must precontract with an approved salvor and pollution response contractor. This requirement came into force on 16 September 2026.
Whilst the process of selecting a panel of approved contractors is ongoing, it is not yet complete. The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has therefore issued Circular No. 69 of 2026 of 14 October 2027, which has allowed a six-month period, up to 1 April 2027 for compliance with these requirements
For further information please contact the Club.