The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MPSW) on February 14, 2025, issued guidelines under Section 435B(c) of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, to facilitate Indian participation in fishing operations in the Southern Ocean, in line with India's commitments under the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).
The following has been stated-
- Eligibility for Charter: Only specialised fishing vessels that have operated in the Southern Ocean for at least one fishing season in the last five years can be bareboat chartered by Indian entities—no restriction on the nationality of the vessel owner.
- Regulatory Compliance: Vessels must adhere to the Merchant Shipping Act, of 1958, including safety, security, and environmental protection norms. Must comply with CCAMLR regulations and other applicable international laws. The vessel must not be listed under Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing vessels for that fishing year.
- Crew Composition: At least 25% of the crew must be Indian nationals. This initiative aims to enhance India's participation in Southern Ocean fisheries, contributing to marine research, economic growth, and the blue economy.
[Notification No. S.O. 826(E)]
