Section 71
Food and catering.
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) Every ship owner shall provide for food and drinking water having quality, nutritional value and quantity that adequately covers the requirements of the seafarers and takes into account the differing cultural and religious background.
(2) Seafarers onboard a vessel shall be provided with food and water free of charge during the period of engagement.
(3) The ship owner shall ensure that the seafarers who are engaged as cooks of the vessel are trained, qualified and found competent as specified by the Director-General.
(2) Seafarers onboard a vessel shall be provided with food and water free of charge during the period of engagement.
(3) The ship owner shall ensure that the seafarers who are engaged as cooks of the vessel are trained, qualified and found competent as specified by the Director-General.