Section 103
Entries and certificates of desertion abroad.
The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
About this Act
An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to merchant shipping to ensure compliance with India's obligation under the maritime treaties and international instruments to which India is a party and also to ensure the development of Indian shipping and efficient maintenance of Indian mercantile marine in a manner best suited to serve the national interest and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
(1) In every case of desertion from an Indian vessel whilst such vessel is at any place out of India, the master shall produce the entry of desertion in the official logbook to the Indian ambassador at the place, who shall thereupon make and certify a copy of the entry which shall be admissible in evidence in any legal proceeding relating to such desertion.
(2) The master shall forthwith transmit such copy of entry certified under sub-section (1) to the shipping master at the port at which the seafarer was shipped, and the shipping master shall, if required, cause the same to be produced in any legal proceeding.
(2) The master shall forthwith transmit such copy of entry certified under sub-section (1) to the shipping master at the port at which the seafarer was shipped, and the shipping master shall, if required, cause the same to be produced in any legal proceeding.