Section 32
Rules as to name of vessel.
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) An Indian vessel shall not be described by any name other than that by which she is for the time being registered.
(2) The Registrar may refuse the registration of any Indian vessel by the name by which it is proposed if that name is already borne by another vessel or if the name be so similar as is calculated or likely to deceive.
(3) A change shall not be made in the name of an Indian vessel except in such manner as may be prescribed.
(4) If any person acts or suffers any person under his control to act in contravention of this section or omits to do or suffers any person under his control to omit to do anything required under this section, the vessel may be detained until the provisions of this section are complied with:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to a foreign vessel which has become, and is sought to be registered as, an Indian vessel.
(2) The Registrar may refuse the registration of any Indian vessel by the name by which it is proposed if that name is already borne by another vessel or if the name be so similar as is calculated or likely to deceive.
(3) A change shall not be made in the name of an Indian vessel except in such manner as may be prescribed.
(4) If any person acts or suffers any person under his control to act in contravention of this section or omits to do or suffers any person under his control to omit to do anything required under this section, the vessel may be detained until the provisions of this section are complied with:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to a foreign vessel which has become, and is sought to be registered as, an Indian vessel.