Section 158
Duty of master of vessel to assist in case of collision.
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 collision between two vessels, it shall be the duty of the master or person in-charge of each vessel in and so far as he can do so without danger to his own vessel, seafarers and passengers, if any,—
(a) to render to the other vessel, her master, seafarers and passengers, if any, such assistance as may be practicable and necessary to save them from any danger caused by the collision and to stay by the other vessel until he has ascertained that she has no need of further assistance; and
(b) to give to the masters or persons in-charge of the other vessels, the name of his own vessel and of the port to which she belongs and also from which she comes and to which she is bound.
(2) The failure of the master of a vessel to comply with the provisions of this section shall not raise any presumption of liability under this Chapter.
(a) to render to the other vessel, her master, seafarers and passengers, if any, such assistance as may be practicable and necessary to save them from any danger caused by the collision and to stay by the other vessel until he has ascertained that she has no need of further assistance; and
(b) to give to the masters or persons in-charge of the other vessels, the name of his own vessel and of the port to which she belongs and also from which she comes and to which she is bound.
(2) The failure of the master of a vessel to comply with the provisions of this section shall not raise any presumption of liability under this Chapter.