Section 2
Application of Act.
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) Save as otherwise provided, the provisions of this Act shall apply to,—
(a) any vessel which is registered in India; or
(b) any vessel which is required by this Act to be so registered, wherever it may be.
(2) Save as otherwise provided, the provisions of this Act which apply to vessels other than those referred to in sub-section (1) shall so apply only while any such vessel is within India or its coastal waters.
(3) Subject to sub-section (2) and unless otherwise expressly provided, the provisions of this Act shall not apply to Indian controlled tonnage vessels.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, the expression “Indian controlled tonnage vessel” means an Indian vessel, other than a fishing vessel or sailing vessel, owned by any person specified under sub-section (1) of section 15 and registered at a port or place in a country other than India.
(a) any vessel which is registered in India; or
(b) any vessel which is required by this Act to be so registered, wherever it may be.
(2) Save as otherwise provided, the provisions of this Act which apply to vessels other than those referred to in sub-section (1) shall so apply only while any such vessel is within India or its coastal waters.
(3) Subject to sub-section (2) and unless otherwise expressly provided, the provisions of this Act shall not apply to Indian controlled tonnage vessels.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, the expression “Indian controlled tonnage vessel” means an Indian vessel, other than a fishing vessel or sailing vessel, owned by any person specified under sub-section (1) of section 15 and registered at a port or place in a country other than India.