Section 278
Detention of unseaworthy vessels.
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) If any vessel under this Part arrives in or proceeds from a port or place in India in an unseaworthy condition or which is likely to pose a threat to the security on Indian coasts or offshore installations, the vessel may be detained until the owner, master or tindal or skipper takes all reasonable measures to ensure the seaworthiness of the vessel.
(2) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall affect the liability of the person in charge of the vessel in respect of such unseaworthiness or threat to the security on Indian coasts or offshore installations under any other provisions of this Act.
(2) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall affect the liability of the person in charge of the vessel in respect of such unseaworthiness or threat to the security on Indian coasts or offshore installations under any other provisions of this Act.