The Merchant Shipping Act 2025 and India's other new maritime laws
1The lesson in plain words
In 2025 India passed five new maritime Acts. The Merchant Shipping Act 2025 has been in force since 15 March 2026.
The Merchant Shipping Act 2025
Parliament passed the Merchant Shipping Act 2025 (Act 24 of 2025) in August 2025. It received presidential assent on 18 August 2025. A government notification brought it into force on 15 March 2026. It replaces the Merchant Shipping Act 1958, which had been amended many times. It covers registration of Indian ships, seafarers, maritime education and training, safety, pollution, wrecks and salvage, in one modern text.
What was repealed
Section 324 repeals the 1958 Act, except Part XIV on coastal trade. That part is dealt with by the separate Coastal Shipping Act 2025. Under section 324(2), rules, orders and notifications made under the 1958 Act stay in force until revoked, as if made under the 2025 Act. This covers familiar rules, including the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Rules 2014. New rules are being issued in stages; check the latest notification.
A new name
Section 7 of the Act renamed the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) as the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA). The change took effect in June 2026. It is the same maritime administration under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. It issues certificates, runs examinations, inspects ships and protects seafarers. Older documents and many web pages still say DG Shipping or DGS.
The other 2025 Acts
The Coastal Shipping Act 2025 (Act 20 of 2025), in force since 15 March 2026, governs trading along the Indian coast. It includes the licences foreign ships need to do so. The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 2025 replaces the 1925 Act on carriers' liability. The Bills of Lading Act 2025 replaces the Bills of Lading Act of 1856. The Indian Ports Act 2025 replaces the Indian Ports Act of 1908.
Where to look
Primary texts are on India Code and in the Gazette of India. Rules, circulars and notices are on the DGMA website and portal. Check the Gazette notification to confirm when a law or rule starts to apply.
2Key data
- Merchant Shipping Act 2025
- Act 24 of 2025; assent 18 Aug 2025
- In force
- 15 March 2026
- Repealed
- Merchant Shipping Act 1958 (Part XIV via Coastal Shipping Act)
- Old rules
- Continue until revoked, as if made under the 2025 Act (s. 324(2))
- DGMA
- New name of DG Shipping since June 2026 (s. 7)
- Coastal Shipping Act 2025
- Act 20 of 2025; in force 15 March 2026
3Key points
- 1
The Merchant Shipping Act 2025 has replaced the 1958 Act since 15 March 2026.
- 2
Rules made under the 1958 Act stay in force until revoked (s. 324(2)). Check for expiry, withdrawal and replacement.
- 3
DG Shipping is now the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA).
- 4
Four companion Acts: Coastal Shipping, Carriage of Goods by Sea, Bills of Lading, Indian Ports.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: The 2025 Act is still waiting to come into force.
Right: It has been in force since 15 March 2026, by government notification.
Wrong: With the 1958 Act gone, all its rules lapsed.
Right: Section 324(2) keeps rules and orders made under it in force until revoked, as if made under the 2025 Act.
Wrong: DGMA is a new authority that replaced DG Shipping's functions.
Right: It is the same administration under a new name.
5Practice case & exam keys
A cadet shows you a 2019 circular that quotes the Merchant Shipping Act 1958 and asks: "Is this still valid, now that the 1958 Act is repealed?"
Show the answer
Possibly. Check that the circular applies to your ship and situation, has not expired or been withdrawn. Section 324(2) keeps it in force until revoked, so check the Gazette and current DGMA notices for a revocation. An old Act reference alone does not invalidate it. Do not follow it just because you cannot find a replacement. Old section numbers may differ. Ask DGMA if unsure.
Exam keys
- Merchant Shipping Act 2025: Act 24 of 2025, assent 18 August 2025, in force 15 March 2026.
- Repeals the 1958 Act; old rules continue until revoked (s. 324(2)); check expiry and withdrawal.
- DG Shipping renamed DGMA (section 7), June 2026.
- Coastal Shipping, Carriage of Goods by Sea, Bills of Lading and Indian Ports Acts 2025.
Finish this unit
When you've read it, answer three questions. Get all three right to finish the unit; opening the page alone doesn't count.
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