Section 254
Powers and duties of Central Government in relation to salvage operations.
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 shall take such measures as may be necessary to protect its coastline or related interests from pollution or threat of pollution arising out of a maritime casualty or acts relating to such casualty which may result in major harmful consequences.
(2) The Central Government may give such directions as it deems fit to the ship owner or the master or the salvor or a port authority or a public authority or any other person in relation to salvage operations.
(3) The Central Government may, for the purposes of efficient and effective salvage operations, saving life or property in danger and preventing damage to the environment, seek cooperation from the concerned ship owner or the master or the salvor or a port authority or a public authority or any other person, to give assistance to vessel in need, to admit to ports of vessel in distress or in need of assistance and to give facilities to salvors.
(4) The circumstances under which the salvage operation shall be exercised by the Central Government shall be such as may be prescribed.
(2) The Central Government may give such directions as it deems fit to the ship owner or the master or the salvor or a port authority or a public authority or any other person in relation to salvage operations.
(3) The Central Government may, for the purposes of efficient and effective salvage operations, saving life or property in danger and preventing damage to the environment, seek cooperation from the concerned ship owner or the master or the salvor or a port authority or a public authority or any other person, to give assistance to vessel in need, to admit to ports of vessel in distress or in need of assistance and to give facilities to salvors.
(4) The circumstances under which the salvage operation shall be exercised by the Central Government shall be such as may be prescribed.