The Directorate of Shipping (DGS) on July 24, 2024, issued guidelines for the deployment of chase and support vessels in Indian Waters/EEZ.
The following has been stated namely: -
• It states that the growing concerns for navigation safety, environmental protection, and human life, regulating boats, crafts, and vessels involved in offshore projects such as seismic surveys and installation/maintenance is crucial to ensure compliance with the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
• It states that all Indian and foreign project holders, including their subsidiaries, agents, or subcontractors, shall ensure compliance with the MS Act, 1958 by only using boats, crafts, and vessels that meet its requirements for survey projects, including installation, maintenance, exploration, production, transportation, and storage in Indian maritime zones.
• It states that if mechanized sailing vessels are used as chase boats, an NOC shall be obtained from the Federation of All India Sailing Vessels Industry Associations (FAISVIA).
• It states that violations of these guidelines reported by authorities shall lead to the immediate detention and provisional cancellation of the vessel's license for investigation, with foreign flag research vessels barred from operating in Indian waters until legal proceedings are concluded.
[Circular no. - 21 of 2024]
