All major ports and other port authorities in India must submit details of abandoned, detained, arrested, immobilised, disabled, laid-up, stranded, grounded, drifting, unmanned and other non-operational vessels within their jurisdictions as part of an effort to monitor potential safety and security risks in Indian waters.
Port authorities have been given a 15-day deadline to submit consolidated information in respect of such vessels within their respective jurisdictions or areas of control, including port limits, berths, anchorages and port approaches.
In a formal notice dated 9 November 2026, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) said it aims to maintain a consolidated record of vessels that could affect the safety of people on board, port personnel, navigation, port infrastructure, port operations, maritime security and the marine environment.
The reporting will cover abandoned or suspected abandoned vessels, those detained by Port State Control or any other statutory authority, and vessels arrested or otherwise restrained pursuant to a court order or legal process.
It will also include vessels immobilised, disabled, laid-up, stranded, grounded, drifting, unmanned or otherwise non-operational, and any other vessel presenting, or having the potential to present a concern to persons, safe navigation, port operations, infrastructure, security or the marine environment.
The reporting is required irrespective of whether seafarers or other persons remain on board and whether the vessel has been formally declared abandoned.
Ports have been asked to provide comprehensive data for each vessel, including vessel particulars, current location, status and the reason and date from which such status has continued.
They must also submit information about the shipowner, operator, manager and agent along with the number and broad particulars of persons on board and any concerns related to seafarer welfare.
The information must also cover the vessel’s operational condition, cargo and bunkers, any concern affecting navigation, port operations, infrastructure, security or the marine environment, the action taken and present status.
In cases of detention or arrest, the authority and reference of the relevant order may also be indicated. Information not available may be marked as “Not Known”.
Authorities have also been asked to report the action taken to address the relevant vessel-related or seafarer-related concerns, the present status and any assistance or coordination required from DGMA or other competent authorities.
Any new case involving a vessel that could pose an immediate or potential risk to life, port safety, navigation, port operations, infrastructure, security or the marine environment must be reported immediately.
Port authorities must also promptly report significant developments in ongoing cases and provide periodic updates until the matter is resolved or the vessel no longer falls within the scope of the notice.
Authorities have been asked to submit a NIL report if no such vessels or cases exist within their respective jurisdictions.
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