Section 56
Classification of seafarers.
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) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the provisions of this Act shall apply to any person employed or engaged as a seafarer.
(2) The Central Government shall make rules for the classification of seafarers into different categories, the minimum manning scale of seafarers of such categories, and the different scales for different classes of vessels.
(3) Seafarers shall be deemed to be key workers, for the purposes of facilitation of safe and unhindered movement for embarking or disembarking a vessel, shore leave, and when necessary, for shore-based medical treatment.
(2) The Central Government shall make rules for the classification of seafarers into different categories, the minimum manning scale of seafarers of such categories, and the different scales for different classes of vessels.
(3) Seafarers shall be deemed to be key workers, for the purposes of facilitation of safe and unhindered movement for embarking or disembarking a vessel, shore leave, and when necessary, for shore-based medical treatment.