India introduces new requirements for ships in coastal waters

Expanded scope of the 2026 Rules India notified the Merchant Shipping (Regulation of Entry of Ships into Coastal Waters) Rules, 2026 on 16 September 2026. The Rules supersede the Merchant Shipping (Regulation of Entry of Ships into Ports, Anchorages and Offshore Facilities) Rules, 2012. The new regime applies to Indian ships and to foreign ships that operate in or navigate through Indian coastal waters, whether or not they enter an Indian port, anchorage or offshore facility. The absence of an Indian port call therefore does not necessarily place a foreign ship outside the scope of the Rules.

What is meant by “coastal waters”? The 2026 Rules refer to the definition in the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. Under section 3(12): • “Coastal waters” means any part of territorial waters of India, along with any part of the adjoining maritime zones of India within the meaning of the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and Other Maritime Zones Act, 1976 (80 of 1976), or any other law for time being in force; • It covers India’s territorial sea and adjoining maritime zones, including areas beyond the territorial sea where India has rights or jurisdiction under the relevant laws.

Key requirements Insurance and financial security Foreign ships within the scope of the Rules must maintain the applicable insurance or other financial security required under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 and the relevant rules. For ships calling at an Indian port, the port authority may verify the validity of the cover.

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