**Executive Summary**
Merchant Shipping Notice No. 02 of 2025, issued by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) on February 12, 2025, mandates the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems on Indian-flagged vessels and foreign-flagged vessels visiting Indian Ports. This initiative aims to enhance maritime safety and security. Implementation timelines vary based on vessel type and tonnage, with deadlines as early as 36 months from the notice date or the next renewal survey.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Mandate:**
* Installation of CCTV systems is mandated for Indian Flag Merchant vessels and foreign flag vessels trading in Indian Coasts under Specific Period License (SPL).
* Foreign Flag Vessels visiting Indian Port are recommended to implement the same.
* **Implementation & Design:**
* Vessel owners/ISM managers, in coordination with the Master, must conduct a comprehensive assessment to design a CCTV system based on vessel-specific vulnerabilities.
* Minimum coverage areas include shipside railings, common areas, and isolated spaces. Special attention should be given to high-risk areas.
* **Camera Specifications & Placement:**
* Specific recommendations are provided for the number of cameras, functions, and location on the vessel (e.g., Port and Starboard Main Deck, Forecastle, Navigation Bridge).
* Minimum resolution of 1080p Full HD and a frame rate of at least 30 fps with a wide dynamic range (WDR) capability.
* **Installation Timeframe:**
* Existing vessels must install CCTV systems within 36 months of the notice date or by the next Renewal Survey, whichever is later.
* Newly registered vessels under the Indian Flag have 36 months from the date of registration or by the next Renewal Survey.
* New Constructed vessels to be flagged under Indian Flag must install CCTV before delivery of the vessel.
* **System Requirements:**
* CCTV system should be part of the vessel's IT infrastructure and cyber risk management procedures.
* CCTV equipment should be capable of being isolated in restricted areas as per local regulations.
* The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or system-based software to enhance the functionality of CCTV systems is highly recommended.
* **Control & Monitoring:**
* Monitoring stations are required on the Bridge, Engine room, or Cargo Control Room, and in the Citadel/Safe Muster Point onboard.
* Data storage capacity should be a minimum of 14 days.
* Access to CCTV footage is restricted to the DGS, the vessel, its ISM Managers, DPA, or Owners, unless otherwise authorized.
* **Training & Maintenance:**
* Masters, safety officers, and security officers must be familiar with CCTV system monitoring and transmission.
* Crew training is required during onboarding and drills.
* Regular weekly inspections and annual servicing of CCTV systems are required.
* **Compliance:**
* Vessels with existing CCTV systems are deemed compliant, but system evaluation is recommended.
* Malfunctions will not be considered a deficiency during inspections.
**Impact Analysis**
**Vessel Owners / ISM Managers**
* **Impact:** They are responsible for conducting assessments, designing CCTV systems, ensuring installation within the specified timeframes, training crew, and maintaining the systems.
* **Action Required:** Conduct vessel-specific vulnerability assessments, develop and implement a CCTV system design, train crew on system usage, and establish maintenance procedures.
**Masters of Indian-Flagged & Foreign-Flagged Vessels**
* **Impact:** Responsible for system monitoring, familiarising with the CCTV system, ensuring proper utilization by the crew, and maintaining the CCTV system.
* **Action Required:** Become familiar with the CCTV system, participate in relevant training, and ensure crew compliance.
**Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)**
* **Impact:** They are the primary authority overseeing the implementation and monitoring of CCTV systems on vessels.
* **Action Required:** Oversee the implementation of the CCTV system as part of safety inspections and review the CCTV footage when required.
Key Entities Referenced
Directorate General of Shipping (DGS): The primary regulatory body issuing and enforcing the Merchant Shipping Notice.
Merchant Shipping Notice No. 02 of 2025: The policy document mandating the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems on Indian-Flagged Vessels and Foreign Flag Vessels visiting Indian Ports.
Indian-Flagged Vessels: Vessels registered in India that are subject to the requirements of this notice.
Foreign Flag Vessels: Vessels registered outside India that visit Indian ports and may be subject to certain aspects of this notice, particularly when trading in Indian Coasts under Specific Period License (SPL).
Specific Period License (SPL): A license that allows foreign flag vessels to trade within Indian coastal waters; vessels operating under SPL are specifically subject to the notice's requirements.
भारत सरकार/ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
पत्तन,पोत पररवहन और जलमार्ग मंत्रालय
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
नौवहन महाननदेशालय, म ंबई
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SHIPPING,
MUMBAI
File No.:25-63/12/2024-NT - DGS Date -12.02.2025
Merchant Shipping Notice No. 02 of 2025
Sub.: Installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Systems on Indian-Flagged
Vessels and Foreign Flag Vessels visiting Indian Ports - reg.
To: All Owners, International Safety Management (ISM) Managers, Masters of Indian-
Flagged Merchant Vessels, and Master of Foreign-Flagged Merchant Vessels visiting Indian
Ports.
PURPOSE:
1. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), reaffirming its unwavering commitment
to the welfare of seafarers and the enhancement of maritime safety and security undertook a
comprehensive evaluation of innovative strategies to address critical challenges in the maritime
domain. Key areas of focus included reduction of casualties and the improvement of response
efficiency during Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. Additionally, measures were also
strategized to address broader maritime security challenges, ensuring that these risks are
mitigated.
2. Accordingly, the implementation of Closed – Circuit Television (CCTV) systems on
Merchant Vessels was recognised as a highly effective measure to enhance onboard safety and
security. These systems provide continuous monitoring and serve as a record in the event of
any incident.
IMPLEMENTATION AND EXECUTION:
3. In view of the above, the following is being mandated for Indian Flag Merchant vessels
and foreign flag vessel trading in Indian Coasts under Specific Period License (SPL). It is
further recommended that Foreign Flag Vessels visiting Indian Port be duly cognizant of the
mentioned criteria and may consider implemention of the same.
4. Vessel owners/ISM managers in coordination with the Master shall conduct a
comprehensive assessment to identify and create a design plan for CCTV system basis vessel-
specific vulnerabilities and optimal camera placement, including an assessment of potential
areas crucial to safety and security, including the need to be intrinsically safe for tankers in
Hazardous zones. The minimum coverage zones should be as recommended in the Notice while
specific attention shall be given to high-risk areas such as shipside railings, common areas, and
isolated spaces.
Page 1 of 55. The following table is a recommendation for the placement of the cameras on the vessel.
It is not mandated that the cameras be installed exactly as specified, but adherence to these
guidelines is encouraged to ensure comprehensive coverage of critical areas for enhanced
safety and security.
Location Recommended Recommended functions
Minimum Number
of Cameras
Port and Starboard 1 on each side Zoom and Ingress
Main Deck Protection (IP) rating of
IP66 or IP67 or IP68.
Forecastle, Mooring and 1 in each area Zoom and Ingress
stern areas Protection (IP) rating of
IP66 or IP67 or IP68.
Navigation Bridge 1 in each area Technology to analyse
incidents (Optional)
Citadel 1 inside and one CCTV Monitoring Station
outside the area
Accommodation 1 in each area Zoom and (IP) Ingress
Exterior / Lifeboat decks (depending on size of Protection rating of IP66 or
vessel) IP67 or IP68.
6. The recommended minimum number of cameras to be installed on the vessel is as stated
below:
Type of Gross Recommended Timeframe for installation
vessels Tonnage Number of of CCTV Systems
Cameras
• Existing >500 GT 4 • For Existing Indian flag
Indian flag <3000 GT vessels, foreign flag vessels
vessels, trading in Indian Coasts
>3000 GT 6
foreign flag under SPL:
<5000 GT
vessels
36 months from the date
>5000 GT 8
trading in
of the Notice,
<10000 GT
Indian
OR
Coasts under >10000 GT 12
By next Renewal Survey,
SPL and for
whichever occurs later
vessels newly
• For vessels newly registered
registered
under the Indian Flag
under the
36 months from date of
Indian Flag
registration,
OR
By next Renewal Survey,
whichever occurs later.
Page 2 of 5Type of Gross Recommended Timeframe for installation
vessels Tonnage Number of of CCTV Systems
Cameras
New <500 GT 4 Prior to the delivery of the
Constructed vessel.
>500 GT 4
vessels to be
<3000 GT
flagged
>3000 GT 6
under Indian
<5000 GT
Flag
>5000 GT 8
<10000 GT
>10000 GT 12
7. Foreign-flagged vessels calling Indian Ports are encouraged to adopt similar best
practices with respect to CCTV systems as outlined in this Notice. Accordingly, owners and
ISM Managers are advised to proactively implement this initiative on their vessels, in line with
Sections 8.1 and 9 of the ISM Code. It is reiterated that the requirement for CCTV systems as
specified is mandatory as per the given time frame for foreign-flagged vessels operating along
the Indian coast under SPL.
8. The CCTV system shall be part of the vessels IT infrastructure and cyber risk
management procedures. Installation of the CCTV’s should be done in a professional manner,
preferably by qualified shore technicians where the cables and installations does not jeopardize
the fire integrity of the vessel (including being intrinsically safe where required) or disturb any
critical processes or cause distractions when keeping a navigational watch or safe cargo
watches.
9. The equipment should be capable of being isolated in those areas where such recording
is not allowed as per local regulations or military sensitivities. Signages should be prominently
displayed in common areas to clearly inform crew members and visitors about the presence of
CCTV surveillance to avoid any potential legal concerns of privacy and data security. These
signs serve to communicate the purpose of the cameras which is to maintain a secure and
controlled environment.
10. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or system-based software to enhance the
functionality of CCTV systems is highly recommended as it can significantly improve onboard
safety and security. These technologies can enable real-time monitoring, advanced anomaly
detection, and automated alerts, ensuring quicker responses to potential incidents while
reducing the reliance on manual surveillance.
Page 3 of 5RECOMMENDED SPECIFICATIONS AND OPERATION OF CCTV SYSTEMS:
11. The Recommended Specifications of the CCTV Cameras and associated equipment are
as specified:
a) A minimum resolution of 1080p Full HD, a frame rate of at least 30 fps and a wide
dynamic range (WDR) capability.
b) Where long range detection is identified during the pre-survey, the cameras should have
zoom facilities, like in areas of open decks or stern areas.
c) On Open decks, the camera should be of IP rating of IP66 or IP67 or IP68 quality.
d) To be preferably of a recognized marine standard and preferably type approved to
ensure performance and vibration, humidity, temperature, corrosion resistance, internet
protocol (IP) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements are met.
e) In machinery spaces, the cameras should be able to withstand higher temperatures and
preferably have thermal detection.
f) Comply with RO Standards or IEC 62676 for Video Surveillance Systems.
RECOMMENDED CONTROL AND MONITORING OF CCTV SYSTEMS:
12. The Recommended Control and Monitoring stations and the Transmission Capability
of the CCTV Systems are as follows
a) There should be at least one monitoring and control station on the Bridge or Engine room
or Cargo Control Room and in the Citadel/Safe Muster Point onboard.
b) The monitoring station should be able to control the view of the cameras and switch
between cameras easily.
c) The data from the CCTV should be capable of having a storage capacity of a minimum
of 14 days.
d) The monitoring of CCTV footage (online and offline) of the Indian Flag Merchant
Vessels is restricted to the Directorate General of Shipping, Vessel, its ISM Managers
or DPA or Owners thereof. It should not be entrusted to external agencies or coastal
states/port authorities, except if authorized by this Directorate.
e) The Vessel, its ISM Managers or DPA or Owners thereof may use this data for internal
purposes related to training and operations assessments to ensure compliance with safety
and security protocols.
RECOMMENDED TRAINING AND MAINTENANCE OF CCTV SYSTEMS:
13. The Recommended Training and Maintenance procedures for the CCTV Systems are
as follows:
a) The Master or safety officer and security officer onboard should be familiar with the
monitoring and transmission of the CCTV systems on the vessels.
b) Crew onboard should be trained to use the system when they join onboard and during
Man overboard drills, SAR Drills and security drills.
c) The DPA / ISM Manager should be trained to use the system when transmitted ashore
and practised during the Ship-Shore drills.
14. The CCTVs should be periodically inspected by the ship staff weekly and serviced
annually onboard or by an authorised service centre. Records to be available for review during
audits and inspections.
Page 4 of 515. Vessels equipped with existing CCTV systems as of the date of issuance of the Notice
will be deemed compliant with the prescribed requirements. However, it is recommended that
these systems be evaluated to ensure they meet the intended standards of functionality and
coverage outlined in the Notice.
16. Any malfunctions in the equipment, including cameras, will not be considered a
deficiency during flag state inspections or port state control inspections. For Indian-flagged
vessels calling at foreign ports, non-compliance with the Notice will not result in the issuance
of a deficiency by the port state control authority.
This is issued with the approval of the competent authority.
(Capt. Anish Joseph)
Deputy Nautical Adviser - cum -
Sr. Dy. Director General [Tech]
anish-dgs@gov.in
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