Launch of Online Portal for Issuance of License for Chartering of Foreign-Flag Vessels under Sections 406 and 407 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1958

i; .i i iil"i, .li; ,t ,i. ,.:lii+ irl qlqfr {rfisr{ f &0vHRNh{Ht'{T ftF tNDtA ffird ,frs qftffiq,ft;ffiqrri dxrffi HIHETAY Sr PORTS, $I{IPPIilG Af{O YfATERYSAY$ *EEq qwrfrtrrTrrq, :ffi DIRECTORATI GHNf;RAL OF SHIF-pING, MUMBAT F No.: 161312025-SD - DGS Date: I 1.09.2025 SD Branch Circular No. 35 of ZLZ1 of e se V under Se s 406 and 407 0l'the I\Ierchant Sh ng Act. I The Merchant Shipping Act, I958. Section 406 and Section 407. which regulates the Iicensing of foreign ships chartered by Inclian entitics and foreign ships undertaking coastal trade, The Directorate ceneral of Shipping has digitized the entire process through an online platform. Section 406 mandates that no foreign ship chartered by an Indian citizen. company, or co- operative society shall be taken to sea lrom any Indian or lbreign port u,ithout a valid license from thc Director Gencral olshipping. Sirnilarly. under Sccrio n 407, no foreign ship shall engage in the coasting trade of lndia without a license granted by the D.G. Shipping. These licenses may be granted for EXIM trade, coasting trade, offshore operations etc which is for spccific pcriods or voyages. These licenses are subject to terms and conditions prescribed by the D.G. Shipping. In regard to this refer FAQs of Shipping Dcvelopment Branch uploaded on Direcroratc Ceneral of Shipping Website and enclosed in this order ar Annexure L In line with tlre covernnrent ol'lrrdia's objectivc uf prornoting "liase of Doing Business,,, the Directorate General of Shipping has developcd cledicater1 online portal to facilitate the issuance of licenses for chartcring of foreign-flag vcsscls. This digital initiative will cnhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency by streamlinirrg the application process. The portal is accessible to all stakeholders including charterers or their authorized applicants, lndiarr shipowners etc. An enquiry tirr availability of an Indian vessel fbr a particular chafier can be nlade by the charterer on the portal fbr compliance with the RoF-R provisions and the tndian owners will be able to respond to those enquiries. Please note that commercial engagement between the charterer and the Indian owner for suitability of the charter shall be undertaken outside the portal and decision of acceptance or otherwise shall be conveycd on the portal. Please refer to the user manual at Annexure- II for details. ln the case of Global Tendering selection ol'a forcign flag vessel (whcre the RoFR compliance is already cnsured), an application lbl lbrcign vcsscl chamercan be made directly. In the vicw of thc abovc thc prcscnt proccdurc to enquirc lbr an Indian vesscl and then obtain an INSA NOC accordingly(as per DGS. SD Circular 02 ctl'2002), is no longer required and the enquiry for the Indian vessel shall bc madc on the DGS c-sarrrudra portal. A fee of INR 5000/- shall be paid through Bharatkosh towards processing of'the above. siit qk"fr, SIar frkTT, err$ ftiffi ary* fr"*ry.fr, ffil-S "frq *s, ffiry,.rryrf (S) 5ry{- 4oo04z 9th Floor BETA Buiild.ng, l*Think Techno Carnpus, Kanjur V,ff6ge Road, Kanjurmarg (E), hr'lumba;-400fF;2 mlqrro No. : +g t -2?*?575 ?0401112t'3 &WlFo*", *s1-22-?575 202313$ {-hfilr*si:;i dg sh i p-dgs(g n i c. i n t{$Se r/ve hsi te : www. d gshipping. golr inC C For clarity and opcrational casc, lhc uscr manual incorporating thc structurcd timelines and necessary documentation is enclosecJ at Annexure_ II. It is hereby informed that the online chartering portal is accessible https://esamudra'deshiDning.gor'rill at and may be logged into using thc uscr lD and password reconfigured through a user-speciljc link sent fi.om des.support(asov.in ro your registered email address u'hich is presently registered on the legacy.-r;ou"* system. ln case ol.any difficulty in reconfiguring the credentials or non-receipt of the crnail, stakeholders are requested to contact dgs'support@gov'in for necessary assistance. ln case of any change in the existing ernail id or mobile number, please liase with the DcS e-govemance for effecting trre change. All applicarions fbr NoC fiom Indian owners and for the application fbr licenses under Sections 106 and 107 of the Merchant Shipping Act. r95g, shail be macre through thc onrinc portar from 22.09.2025. 'rhis is issued with approval ol Clornpercnt Aurt.oriry O\) cbu Oommen) ^' Dy. chiel' ship Surveyor-cLrm-sr. DDG(Tech.) Encl:- Annexure l- SD Branch FAes Annexure 2- User Manual for Clharrcrrlr & Shipora,ners To, l' All stakeholders/Ship-owners/charterers/Shippers/All Indian Shipping companies through the official website of the DGS, Gol. 2' All classifications societies [members of the IACS], recognized by the covt. of lndia. 3, INSA/ICSSA/I.'OSMA/MASSA. 4. Indian Ports Association. 5. Indian Private ports and Tenninals Association. Copy also forwarded for kind information to the: The Secretary to the Govt. of India, Minisly ports. Transport Bhawan, I, Sansad Marg, New Delh9 if - l 100Sh 0ip 1p .in g a and waterways, Gor,Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai Shipping Development (SD) Branch FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) by Ship charterers and agents related to Chartering Permission under Section 406/407 of Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 Q1. Who requires a license under Section 406 of the MS Act, 1958? Ans: Any Indian entity, whether a citizen, company, or co-operative society, that foreign-flagged vessel must obtain a license from the Director General of Shipping under Section 406 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. This license is necessary for performing any import, export, coastal, or offshore operations within or outside India. Q2. Who requires a license under Section 407 of the MS Act, 1958? Ans: Any non-Indian entity, other than Indian citizens, companies, or co-operative societies, that charters a vessel engaged in the coasting trade of India must obtain a license from the Director General of Shipping under Section 407 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. Q3. Does a foreign charterer need a license for chartering a vessel engaged in export or import with India? Ans: No, a foreign charterer does not require a license under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, for chartering a vessel for export or import operations with India. However, a license is required if the vessel is engaged in coastal trade with India. Q4. What is the online procedure to apply for chartering permission for import/export and coastal operations? Ans: Procedure for Applying for Chartering of Foreign Flag Vessels 1. Visit the Website Go directly to esamudra.dgshipping.gov.in. 2. User Registration / Login o If New User: Register as Charterer through www.dgshipping.gov.in → I.T. AND E-GOVERNANCE → e-Governance. o If Already Registered on legacy portal: Go to esamudra.dgshipping.gov.in, using your registered user ID and reset the password using the link shared vide email. 3. Login and Application Initiation General guidelines to keep in mind while filling the Online application: 1. Fill the form carefully, make sure each cell is filled correctly. Don’t left the cells such as Quantity of Cargo, Laycan, Port of Loading, Discharge etc. 2. Fill the quantity of cargo with unit (Such as MT, KBBL). 3. Make sure all the filled data should be matched with NOC/ TENDER Document.LOGIN AND APPLICATION PROCESS Q5. What is the procedure to pay the fees through Bharatkosh?Ans: Please refer to DGS letter no. SD-(Misc)-6/2009 dated 21.11.2017 reg Payment of fee to DGS through Bharat Kosh only. Follow the procedure given below to pay the fees through Bharatkosh: 1. Go to https://bharatkosh.gov.in/ 2. Then, click on the Non-registered users 3. Under the Depositor’s Category, select “Ministry/Department” 4. Under the Purpose, select OTHER RECEIPTS PAYABLE TO PAO SHIPPING MUMBAI 5. Under the Payment Type, select PAYMENT TO DG SHIPPING MUMBAI 6. Under the Ministry, select SHIPPING. 7. Enter the amount. 8. Under the Remark, fill the following: a) Name of Vessel. b) Name of Charterer, c) Online application no. and date d) Laycan e) Fee for ____ ship license, chartering permission or SPL (mention as appropriate) 9. Proceed further to pay. 10. Q6. Is there a fees for application of NoC from Indian owners? Ans: A fee of INR 5000/- is applicable for processing of NOC From Indian owners Q7. How to calculate the fees applicable for various types of chartering permission to foreign flag vessel? Ans: Please refer to SD Circular no. 02 of 2010 dated 04.02.2010 and Amendment to SD Circular No. 02 of 2010 reg the fees for various types of chartering permission cum license in respect of Foreign flag vessel. The same is illustrated below: Type of Chartering Fees applicable Permission Import/ Export on Rs, 40,000/- for the first 30 days and for every contiguous block of single Voyage basis 30 days there off incl. fraction in terms of days. E.g. The fees for Import charter permission on voyage basis for 40 days or 60 days would be the same i.e. Rs 80,000/- Import/ Export on Rs, 40,000/- for the first 30 days and for every contiguous block of time charter basis 30 days there off with fraction in terms of days being charged at the rate of Rs. 1500/- per day. E.g.: The fees for Import charter permission on time charter basis for 40 days would be Rs 55,000/- [Rs 40,000/- (for 30 days) + Rs 1500 × 10 (days)] Single Voyage Rs 60,000/- for the first 30 days and for every contiguous block of Coastal Permission 30 days incl. fraction in terms of days. (SVCP) E.g. The fees for SVCP for 40 days or 60 days would be the same i.e. Rs 1,20,000/- Coastal on time Rs, 60,000/- for the first 30 days and for every contiguous block of charter basis 30 days there off. Any fraction of days beyond these blocks is charged at the rate of Rs. 1,500 per day, plus an additional Rs. 20,000 for the fractional period. E.g. The fees for Coastal time charter for 40 days would be Rs 95,000/- (60,000 (for first 30 days) + 20,000 + 1500 × 10) Worldwide time Rs, 70,000/- for the first 30 days and for every contiguous block of charter 30 days there off. Any fraction of days beyond these blocks ischarged at the rate of Rs. 1,500 per day, plus an additional Rs. 30,000 for the fractional period. E.g. The fees for Coastal time charter for 40 days would be Rs 1,15,000/- (70,000 (for first 30 days) + 30,000 + 1500 × 10) Offshore Operation The processing fee for a Specified Period License (SPL) per ship per month is Rs. 40,000/- for a foreign-flag vessel operating in offshore operations. E.g.: The fees for Offshore Operation permission on time charter basis for 40 days would be Rs 80,000/- [Rs 40,000/- (for 30 days) + Rs 40,000/- (For 10 but it is considered for 30 days)] Late fees Rs 50,000/- Amendment fees Rs 10,000/- Q8. When is late fees applicable? Ans: Please refer to Para 2.1 of SD Circular 02 of 2002 dated 08.11.2002. The late fee of Rs 50,000 is applicable when the applicant fails to submit the application in the appropriate format with the necessary fees at least three working days prior to the commencement of the laycan. Example: Suppose the laycan is on 16.07.2024 (Tuesday). To avoid late fees, you need to submit the application and fees at least three working days before the laycan. Here’s how it works:  15.07.2024 – Monday – Working Day  14.07.2024 – Sunday – Non-Working Day  13.07.2024 – Saturday – Non-Working Day  12.07.2024 – Friday – Working Day  11.07.2024 – Thursday – Working Day So, if you submit the fees on or after 11.07.2024, the late fee will be applicable. However, if you submit the fees on or before 10.07.2024, the late fee will not be applicable. Q9. What are the documents required for obtaining chartering permission for Import, Export or Coastal operation? Ans: Please refer to SD Circular 04 of 2015 dated 08.12.2015. Please submit a single PDF containing the following documents as per Checklist, in the specified order, either by uploading it to the E-Samudra system. 1. Online submitted Application 2. FEES (Online RTGS / Bharatkosh receipt) 3. NOC/ Tender document, whichever is applicable. (Copy of proof of tendering wherever Global Tender is followed ) 4. Charter Party Agreement or Fixture Note 5. Certificate Of Registry 6. P & I Club Certificate 7. International Ship Security Certificate 8. Safe Manning Document 9. International Tonnage Certificate 10. Classification/Class Certificate 11. International load line Certificate 12. International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate 13. Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate 14. Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate 15. Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate 16. International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate 17. International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate18. Safety Management Code Certificate 19. Document of Compliance 20. LRIT Certificate 21. Certificate Of Fitness to Carry Chemicals (NIS Certificate), if applicable 22. Right ship certificate or CAP Rating, if applicable as per the age norms 23. IMO Crew List duly signed by the Master with valid Passport and Seaman ID. 24. Any other documents if applicable. Q10 What are the norms for engaging Indian crew and trainees cadets on board for chartering of the foreign flag vessel engaged in shipping and related activities in the Indian Coastal water? Ans: Please refer to SD Circular 01 of 2013 dated 18.01.2013 and Amendment to SD Circular 01 of 2013 dated 05.02.2013 in this regard. The chartering permissions for foreign flag vessels engaged in coastal or offshore operations are subject to the following requirements for Indian crew and trainee cadets: No. of days No. of Indian crew and trainee cadets For the first 30 days in a No Indian crew and trainee cadets is required. calendar year For the period of license  A minimum of 1/3rd of the crew (officers & ratings) exceeding 30 days but upto engaged on board as per the Safe Manning norm or and including 90 days in a actual deployment, should be Indian. calendar year.  15% of the Indian crew so engaged shall be trainee cadets/ Officers distributed equally (to the extent possible) between the navigational and engg. side. For the period of license  A minimum of One Half of the crew (officers & ratings) exceeding 90 days in a engaged on board as per the Safe Manning norm or calendar year. actual deployment, should be Indian.  15% of the Indian crew so engaged shall be trainee cadets/ Officers distributed equally (to the extent possible) between the navigational and engg. side. Q11. Which Protection and Indemnity (P&I) certificates are considered valid for obtaining chartering permission? Ans: Valid P&I certificates for chartering permission can be obtained from the following:  Principal Clubs and Affiliated Associations which are the part of the International Group of Protection & Indemnity Clubs (IGP&I). The list of IGP&I Club can be accessed through the following link: https://www.igpandi.org/group-clubs  Non IG Insurance Companies / Protection & Indemnity Clubs approved by DG Shipping under Rule 2(e) of the Merchant Shipping [Regulation of Entry of Ships into Ports, Anchorages and Offshore facilities] Rules 2012. The list of approved Non-IG Insurance companies can be assessed through https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/Content/InsuranceBranch.aspx Q12. Can a single NOC for a single voyage be used for chartering two vessels? Ans: No, an NOC for a single voyage can only be used for chartering one vessel and cannot be used for chartering more than one vessel. Q13. I have been issued a chartering permission/license to charter a foreign flag vessel, but the vessel was delayed and couldn’t perform the voyage, so the license couldn’t be utilized. What should I donow? Ans: You should immediately write to sd-dgs@nic.in , requesting the cancellation of the issued license and providing a clear reason and justification for its non-utilization. Q14. A foreign flag vessel received a chartering permission/license for coastal operation for 30 days within the calendar year from a previous charterer. However, due to delays, the vessel couldn’t perform the voyage, and the license was not utilized. The Charterer also fails to report it to DG Shipping. Now, I want to charter the same vessel for coastal operation, but it does not have the required one-third Indian crew and 15% trainee cadets as per SD Circular 01 of 2013. Will I get the license? Ans: If the license was not utilized, it must be reported to the Directorate General of Shipping at sd- dgs@nic.in within a few days of the laycan. If the non-utilization was not reported, it will be assumed that the license was used for the specified period. Consequently, the vessel must comply with the Indian crew and trainee cadets requirements exceeding 30 days as outlined in SD Circular 01 of 2013. Therefore, you will need to meet these Indian crew and cadet requirements to obtain a new license. Amendment to License already granted Q15. What are the provisions related to the amendment to the license already granted? Ans: Please refer to Para 5 of SD Circular 02 of 2002 dated 08.11.2002. Amendment to licence is governed by the following provisions: a) Not more than twice will amendments be allowed in respect of the same licence. b) If an amendment seeks variations in more than three parameters, it will be treated as a fresh case. c) Any variation on laycan exceeding one week on either side will be treated as a fresh case. d) A fresh case would mean that the applicant has to follow the procedure from the beginning once again. Note: The Amendment fees is Rs. 10,000/- as per SD Circular no. 02 of 2010 dated 04.02.2010. The payment should be made through Bharatkosh Portal. Q16. I have been issued chartering permission to charter a foreign flag vessel, and I want to amend the port of discharge, the quantity of cargo, laycan date, and the period of charter. Will this be allowed? Ans: Please refer to Para 5 of SD Circular 02 of 2002 dated 08.11.2002. Since the number of parameters seeking variation exceeds three, amendments cannot be allowed. You will need to apply for chartering permission again as a fresh case, following the procedure from the beginning. Q17. I've been issued charter permission with the port of discharge listed as Gangavaram. However, I mistakenly filled the NOC with Gangavaram as the port of discharge instead of Gopalpur. How can I correct this? Ans: Please note that while applying for the NOC, you must ensure that all details, including the port of discharge, are filled in accurately at the time of application. Once the NOC is issued, no changes or amendments will be allowed under any circumstances. Therefore, users are requested to exercise utmost care and diligence while submitting the NOC application. Q18. I have been issued chartering permission for a foreign flag vessel. However, the vessel got delayed and couldn’t meet the laycan. Consequently, we have substituted it with another foreign flag vessel. Can an amendment be issued for this substitution? Ans: Please refer to Para 5 of SD Circular 02 of 2002 dated 08.11.2002 and if complied with, then apply for alicense with new vessel details. Contract of Affreightment (COA) Q19. What is the maximum period of license in respect of Contract of Affreightment (COA) Ans: Please refer to SD Circular 01 of 2004 dated 14.01.2004. The period of licence on COA proposals shall normally be limited to one year. However, in exceptional cases where the charterer can furnish good and sufficient reasons, it may be extended for a further period of 2 years. The maximum permissible period shall be 3 years. Q20. What shall be the fees in respect of Contract of Affreightment? Ans: Please refer to SD Circular 01 of 2004 dated 14.01.2004. The processing fee for “in principle approval” shall be payable for estimate voyages as applicable in case of voyage permission. During the execution of the COA, the charterer shall submit the final proposal to the Directorate as and when the vessel(s) is/are identified supported with the requisite documents. At this stage the charterer shall pay 50% of voyage permission fee. E.g., the fees for "in principle approval" for 10 shipments would be Rs 4,00,000/- (Rs 40,000 × 10). When the vessel is finalized during the contract period, the fee for each shipment shall be Rs 20,000/- (50% of Rs 40,000/-). SPL for vessel engaged in Offshore operation Q21. What are documents required for obtaining SPL for the vessel engaged in Offshore Operation? Ans: The documents required for obtaining an SPL for a vessel engaged in offshore operations include NOC, Charter Party Agreement/ Contract / Fixture note, P &I Clubs and all Statutory Certificates according to Circular No. 02 of 2010, dated 08.11.2002. Q22. What is the processing fee for a Specified Period License (SPL) per ship per month for a foreign-flag vessel operating in offshore operations? Ans: According to D.G. Shipping, Shipping Development Circular No. 02 of 2010, dated 04.02.2010, the processing fee for a Specified Period License (SPL) per ship per month is Rs. 40,000/- for a foreign-flag vessel operating in offshore operations. Q23. What documents are required for a High-Speed Craft (HSC) passenger vessel engaged in offshore activities? Ans: The required documents for a High Speed Craft (HSC) passenger vessel operating in offshore activities includes the following:  All Statutory Certificates  An approved copy of Route operational manual, Craft operating manual, Maintenance manual and servicing schedule,  The permit to operate and compliance with provisions of Section 1.9 of HSC Code.  Approved Structural Fire protection plan for passenger craft and the evacuation time required as per the HSC Code, certified for night navigation.  Compliance to all general conditions of DGS Order 20 of 2022. Q24. Which DGS order applies to Crew boats? Ans: The Crew boats intended for operation in offshore, is subject to the requirements of DGS Order 20 of 2022 dated 20.10.2022.Age Norms and other Qualitative Parameters w.r.t. vessels Q.25 How is the age of a foreign flag vessel calculated for the application of Qualitative Age Norms provisioned under DGS Order 06 of 2023? Ans. Please refer to DGS Order 06 of 2023 dated 24.02.2023 along with Corrigendum 1 to the DGS Order 06 of 2023 dated 01.07.2023 and Corrigendum 2 to the DGS Order 06 of 2023 dated 23.02.2024. The age of the foreign flag vessel is calculated from the Date of Delivery, as mentioned in the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate or any other statutory certificate issued under an IMO Convention/Code, up to the date of commencement of service or carriage of cargo. Example: If the date of delivery of the vessel is 29/07/2004 and the laycan date is 19/06/2024, the age of the vessel would be 19 years and 11 months. Q.26 What are the types of vessels to which the DGS Order 06 of 2023 on age norms and other Qualitative Parameters w.r.t. vessels are not applicable? Ans. Please refer to Corrigendum 1 to the DGS Order 06 of 2023 dated 01.07.2023. DGS Order 06 of 2023 on age norms and other Qualitative Parameters w.r.t. vessels are not applicable to Passenger Vessels, FSRU, FPSO, Highly Specialized vessels {inter alia, Heavy Lift Installation Barge, crane barge, Pipe lying vessel, cable laying vessel, Research Yessel and Floating Docks) and Drilling/Production units certified under MODU/SPS Code. Q.27 There is a foreign flag Bulk Carrier that is 19 years old. Can I get chartering permission for this vessel? Ans. Please refer to Corrigendum 1 to the DGS Order 06 of 2023 dated 01.07.2023. Chartering permission may be granted for foreign flag Bulk Carriers aged between 15 and 20 years, provided the vessel is classed with an IACS member and submits a Rightship Inspection report with a minimum Rightship safety score of 3. Q.28 There is a 17 year old foreign flag Oil Tanker. Can I get chartering permission for this vesse? Ans. Please refer to Corrigendum 1 to the DGS Order 06 of 2023 dated 01.07.2023. Chartering permission may be granted for foreign flag Oil aged between 15 and 20 years, provided the vessel is classed with an IACS member and submit CAP 1 rating Hull and CAP 2 for Machinery & cargo systems. Indian Controlled Tonnage (ICT) Q.29 Can a ship owned by Indian entities be flagged outside India? Ans. Section 22 of the MS Act, 1958 mandates the registration of any seagoing ship, wholly owned by an Indian entity under the MS Act. However, DGS Order 10 of 2014 allows the flagging of ships owned by Indian entities outside India under the Indian Control Tonnage (ICT), subject to the conditions stipulated in DGS Order 10 of 2014 dated 23.07.2014. This should be read in conjunction with SD Circular 03 of 2015 dated 28.08.2015 and SD Circular 05 of 2016 dated 01.04.2016. Note: The ICT permission is granted for a period of one year. Q.30 What is the fees applicable for license of vessel under Indian Controlled Tonnage?Please refer to SD Circular 03 of 2015 dated 28.08.2015 and SD Circular 05 of 2016 dated 01.04.2016. The vessels under the Indian Controlled Tonnage (ICT) applying for license shall pay Rs. 20,000/- as an initial one-time processing fee and Rs. 15,000/- as license fee per month. DGS Orders and Circulars related to Shipping Development Branch Sr. Subject Order/ Circular no. with pdf link No. a) DGS Order 06 of 2023 dated 24.02.2023. Age Norms and other Qualitative Parameters for Registration/operation of b) Corrigendum 1 to the DGS Order 06 of 1. Vessels under Indian flag and, the foreign 2023 dated 01.07.2023. flag vessels c) Corrigendum 2 to the DGS Order 06 of 2023 dated 23.02.2024. a) DGS Order 20 of 2022 dated 20.10.2022 b) Addendum to DGS Order 20 of 2022 dated Certification of offshore vessels, 20.01.2023 2. accommodation barges etc. while operating in Indian Exclusive Economic Zone c) Addendum 2 to DGS Order 20 of 2022 dated 21.06.2023 a) DGS Circular 02 of 2021 dated 14.01.2021 Guidelines for Exercises of Right of First b) DGS Circular 05 of 2021 dated 11.02.2021 3. Refusal (RoFR) for the grant of license to c) Addendum 1 to the DGS Circular 02 of foreign flag vessels 2021 dated 05.10.2023 a) SD Circular 02 of 2002 dated 08.11.2002 b) SD Circular 04 of 2006 dated 27.12.2006 c) SD Circular 02 of 2007 dated 20.02.2007 Guidelines and procedure for Grant of d) SD Circular 02 of 2014 dated 10.11.2014 4. Licence to Foreign-Flag Vessels. e) SD Circular 04 of 2015 dated 08.12.2015 f) DGS Circular 01 of 2017 dated 07.08.2017 g) SD Circular 01 of 2018 dated 16.01.2018 Guidelines for issuance of licenses to 5. passenger vessels in the Indian Coastal SD Circular 07 of 2016 dated 02.12.2016 Water Extension of cabotage relaxation under Section 407(3) of MS Act, 1958 to foreign 6. flag passenger/cruise ships to call at more Ministry of Shipping letter dated 14.11.2019 than one Indian Port for a further period of five years beyond 05.02.2024 a) General Order 01 of 2018 dated 21.05.2018 b) General Order 02 of 2018 dated 22.05.2018 c) General Order 03 of 2018 dated 7. Cabotage relaxation 22.06.2018 d) General Order 04 of 2018 dated 10.09.2018 e) MoS Notification dated 21.05.2018 f) MoS Notification dated 22.05.2018a) DGS Order 10 of 2014 dated 23.07.2014 b) SD Circular 03 of 2015 dated 28.08.2015 8. Indian Controlled Tonnage (ICT) c) SD Circular 05 of 2016 dated 01.04.2016. a) SD Circular 01 of 2004 dated 14.01.2004. b) Amendment to SD Circular 01 of 2004 9. Contract of Affreightment (COA) dated 27.07.2010. c) SD Circular 01 of 2015 dated 26.03.2015 Norms for engaging Indian crew and a) SD Circular 01 of 2013 dated 18.01.2013 trainees on board the foreign flag vessel 10. b) Amendment to SD Circular 01 of 2013 engaged in shipping and related activities in dated 05.02.2013 Indian Coastal Water. The fees for various services rendered by Directorate General of Shipping in respect of a) SD Circular no. 02 of 2010 dated 11. Technical Clearance, various licences and 04.02.2010 Charter Permissions in respect of Indian and b) Amendment to SD Circular No. 02 of 2010 Foreign flag vessels.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 CHARTERING PERMISSION USER MANUAL – For Charterer/Applicant16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Charterer Login 1. Open https://esamudra.dgshipping.gov.in/login 2. Enter “User Name, Password & Captcha” details appropriately. 3. Click “Login”.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Landing Page - Dashboard Colorful statistical presentation After Logging in Landing page will appear showing Dashboard, by default. of overall applications’ status of an applicant. Navigation Tray showing “Dashboard” & “Chartering options”. It can be also unseen by clicking on the blue tab with white arrow. Row allowing filtration of various stages of applications of the applicant. Charterer can view category wise details with description by clicking on respective tabs.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Dashboard – Continues… Row showing summary of applications, below it’s tagline. Action tab enables Charterer to take any further action with respect to the specific application number, by clicking on it.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Indian Flag Vessel Enquiry by Charterer16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Indian Flag Vessel Enquiry 1. After clicking on Chartering Tab in Navigation Tray a pop-up will appear as shown in below picture. 2. Those who already have Global Tendering document for Foreign Flag vessel can directly apply for Foreign Flag Vessel Chartering by clicking on “Yes”. 3. In case of no Global Tendering document, charterer must click on “No” tab and proceed with enquiring for Indian Flag vessel, by filling the respective details.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Indian Flag Vessel Enquiry - Form Select the Charter Type from the list.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Indian Flag Vessel Enquiry - Form Select the Charter Sub Type from the list.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Indian Flag Vessel Enquiry - Form Select the Vessel Type from the list.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Indian Flag Vessel Enquiry - Form Select/Fill the respective fields under “APPLICANT DETAILS” category and click “NEXT” Note: Applicant need not necessarily be a Charterer.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Indian Flag Vessel Enquiry - Form Select/Fill the details under respective fields containing Cargo Details followed by LOADING PORTS & DISCHARGE PORTS Note: Additional Port fields can be availed by clicking on +ADD LOADING PORT tab. Max. 5 ports can be added.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Indian Flag Vessel Enquiry - Form Select LAYCAN start and end dates. Fill in Remarks, if any and click on PREVIEW. Note: Applicant may fill any additional information/details under Remarks column.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Indian Flag Vessel Enquiry - Preview Preview is generated to verify details before proceeding for PAYMENT after DECLARATION. Note: Ensure to make any changes in the form before proceeding for payment as editing is not allowed after clicking on PAYMENT.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Indian Flag Vessel Enquiry - Payment Pay the Total fee displayed and fill the Payment Details respectively. Standard non-refundable processing fee of INR 5000 will be charged. Note: Bharatkosh payment guidelines link provided for reference. Enter the necessary detail of payment for verification along with supporting receipt. SUBMIT the application when done.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Charterer Action Page Post Vessel Owner’s Proposal Charterer can view One/multiple proposals from Vessel owners and can be viewed in his/her dashboard. Charterer can also view the comments and contact details to proceed further with offline negotiation, by clicking on action tab.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Notifying DGS post confirming a Vessel On receiving proposals from One or Multiple Vessel Owners, Charterer may confirm deal/Reject, with suitable remarks, post offline negotiation with Ship owners respectively, and notify DGS. In case of successful deal closure, charterer/applicant must confirm the same in the portal against the vessel selected for chartering. And SUBMIT the details. This will ensure DGS is notified on the same.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 NOC Scenario If an NOC is issued to charterer, as per process, the charterer/applicant can APPLY FOR FOREIGN FLAG VESSEL by clicking on the respective tab. Note: • An Auto NOC will be issued to applicant, via portal if no Indian vessels are offered from Ship Owners within 24hrs and 48hrs (Saturdays and Sundays are excluded) from the time of Application received, w.r.t the charter type selected. • DGS may issue NOC to the charterer in case of any disputes or rejecting all vessels offered by Indian vessel owners. However, this will be done only after thorough investigation of the concerns raised by both parties. • APPLY FOR FOREIGN FLAG VESSEL tab will be enabled for applicant only after issuance of NOC.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Applying for Foreign Flag Vessel16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Filling Form Details Applicant may apply for foreign flag vessels if having Global Tendering document or NOC issued by DGS. Note: • Refer slide no. 6 for applying via Global Tendering and slide no. 17 for applying via NOC. • If it is via NOC, APPLY FOR FOREIGN FLAG VESSEL tab will be enabled. • When applying for foreign flag vessels via NOC all the relevant fields, those common in enquiry form will be disabled. However, rest all details, those not mentioned under enquiry, needs to be filled.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Filling Form Details Fill in Ship Particulars. Fill in Address Details and PROCEED.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Document Uploading All Mandatory Documents must be uploaded and Optional Documents/ Additional Documents to be uploaded if essential. Verify all uploaded documents at the bottom of Documents page and click on CONTINUE.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Preview and Payment Preview application, Tick Mark declaration and proceed for PAYMENT. Please ensure to make any further changes in application be proceeding for Payment. Fill in all payment details and SUBMIT.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 To be Noted 1. At any given point of time, post submission of permission request for foreign flag vessel, DGS may raise queries to the applicant seeking explanation or supporting documents, to which the applicants reply is must. 2. A certificate will be generated post approval of foreign flag vessel which can be downloaded from the portal as shown in next slide. 3. EXTENSION AND AMENDMENT tabs will be enabled for the applicant post receiving license certificate from DGS, in portal as shown in next slide.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Extension & Amendment Tabs with Certificate download option16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16926/2025 Thank You16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16927/2025 Indian Flag Ship Owners – User Manual16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16927/2025 Ship owner Login 1. Open https://esamudra.dgshipping.gov.in/login 2. Enter “User Name, Password & Captcha” details appropriately. 3. Click “Login”.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16927/2025 Landing Page - Dashboard After Logging in Landing page will appear showing Dashboard, by default. Colorful statistical presentation of overall applications’ status of Navigation Tray applications received for Indian flag showing “Dashboard” vessel enquiry. option. It can be also unseen by clicking on the blue tab with white arrow. Row allowing filtration of actionable with respect to the applications received from Charterers/Applicants. This helps ship owners in saving time respond instantly to the applications received.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16927/2025 Dashboard – Continues… Row showing summary of applications received , below it’s tagline. Action tab enables Ship Owners to take any further action with respective to the specific application number, by clicking on it.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16927/2025 Preview and Action Ship owners can preview the application and proceed towards further action of offering their Ship by clicking on Take Action tab. After clicking on Take Action ship owner to select/fill all necessary details and submit as a token of acceptance. This activity must be performed within 24hrs and 48hrs w.r.t type of chartering respectively from the time of receiving the application. This timeline excludes Saturday and Sunday considering it as week off.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16927/2025 Preview and Action Ship Owners may prefer filling their vessel details, if they are sure on the kind of vessel that is available, and save before submitting the proposal.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16927/2025 Shipowner Feedback Shipowners have the provision of sharing their feedback to DGS in case of any issues post proposal.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16927/2025 To be Noted 1. In case of no response from Indian flag ship owners within 24hrs and 48hrs w.r.t type of chartering (excluding Weekends i.e., Saturday & Sunday) from the time of application generated, NOC will be generated automatically for the Charterer. 2. Negotiations between Ship Owner and Charterer will be offline, once the ship owner offers the Vessel. 3. Ship Owner can submit a feedback to DGS in case of any disputes from Charterer.16/3/2025-SD - DGS I/16927/2025 Thank You