DGMA seeks details of abandoned and non-operational vessels

The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has asked all major ports, minor ports and state maritime boards in India to submit details of abandoned, detained, arrested, immobilised and other non-operational vessels within their jurisdictions, as part of an effort to monitor potential safety and security risks in Indian waters.

In a notice dated 9 November 2026, DGMA said it aims to maintain an updated record of vessels that could affect the safety of people on board, port personnel, navigation, port infrastructure, port operations, maritime security and the marine environment.

The reporting will cover abandoned or suspected abandoned vessels, those detained by Port State Control or other statutory authorities, and vessels arrested under court orders or other legal processes. It will also include vessels that are disabled, laid-up, stranded, grounded, drifting, unmanned or otherwise unable to operate safely.

DGMA said the reporting requirement will apply regardless of whether seafarers or other people remain on board or whether the vessel has been formally declared abandoned.

Port authorities have been asked to provide details of each vessel, including its name, location, current status, the reason for its status and how long it has remained in that condition. They must also submit information about the shipowner, operator, manager and agent, along with the number of people on board and any concerns related to seafarer welfare.

The information must also cover the vessel's operational condition, cargo and bunkers, and any risks to navigation, port operations, infrastructure, security or the marine environment.

Authorities have also been asked to report the action taken to address vessel-related or seafarer-related concerns, the present status of each case and any assistance or coordination required from DGMA or other competent authorities. In cases involving detention or arrest, details of the relevant authority and order reference may also be provided.

The consolidated vessel-wise information must be submitted to DGMA within 15 days from the date of issuance of the notice. Any new case involving a vessel that could pose an immediate or potential risk to life, port safety, navigation, operations, infrastructure, security or the marine environment must be reported immediately.

Port authorities must also promptly report significant developments in ongoing cases and provide periodic updates until the matter is resolved or the vessel no longer falls within the scope of the notice.

Authorities have been asked to submit a NIL report if no such vessels or cases exist within their respective jurisdictions.