Section 13
Body for security of vessels and port facilities.
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) The Central Government may, by notification, constitute a body for the security of vessels and port facilities, with such name and to be headed by an officer with such designation, as may be specified therein.
(2) The administration of the body shall vest in the officer who shall head the body constituted under sub-section (1).
(3) The body constituted under sub-section (1) shall be responsible for carrying out the regulatory and oversight function in respect of such matters relating to security of vessels and port facilities as may be prescribed:
Provided that while framing rules under this sub-section, the Central Government shall take into consideration the provisions of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code under the Safety Convention.
(4) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (3), the body constituted under sub-section (1) shall perform the following functions, namely:—
(a) provide regulatory framework for security of vessels and port facilities;
(b) ensure timely collection and exchange of security related information with regard to vessels and port facilities;
(c) coordinate with other agencies;
(d) any other functions as may be prescribed.
(2) The administration of the body shall vest in the officer who shall head the body constituted under sub-section (1).
(3) The body constituted under sub-section (1) shall be responsible for carrying out the regulatory and oversight function in respect of such matters relating to security of vessels and port facilities as may be prescribed:
Provided that while framing rules under this sub-section, the Central Government shall take into consideration the provisions of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code under the Safety Convention.
(4) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (3), the body constituted under sub-section (1) shall perform the following functions, namely:—
(a) provide regulatory framework for security of vessels and port facilities;
(b) ensure timely collection and exchange of security related information with regard to vessels and port facilities;
(c) coordinate with other agencies;
(d) any other functions as may be prescribed.