Casualty Branch — Maritime Safety
Maritime Casualty Investigation & Emergency Response
The Directorate General of Maritime Affairs (DGMA) leads India's maritime casualty investigation and emergency response framework. Under the Merchant Shipping Act 2025, DGMA serves as the national nodal authority for coordinating response across all agencies and jurisdictions, overseeing legal reform, the establishment of a national Salvage Hub, empanelment of professional salvors, LRIT-enabled domain awareness, and the institutionalisation of a dedicated Casualty Investigation Division.
Distress & SAR
Salvage & ETV Operations
Casualty Investigation
LRIT Domain Awareness
DGMA Role in Maritime Casualty Investigation & Emergency Response
India's maritime domain is critical to its economic growth, national security, and environmental sustainability. The Merchant Shipping Act 2025, which replaces the 1958 legislation, establishes a landmark reform by modernising India's maritime legal framework with a comprehensive, internationally aligned statute. The Act enhances maritime safety, environmental protection, and emergency preparedness while facilitating ease of doing business and strengthening India's standing as a global maritime hub.
The Directorate General of Maritime Affairs is designated by the Merchant Shipping Act 2025 as the national nodal authority for coordinating maritime casualty response efforts across all agencies and jurisdictions. Following significant maritime incidents off the Kerala coast in mid-2025, MoPSW and the Directorate drew up an integrated set of measures addressing gaps in national salvage and casualty preparedness. These span institutional capacity enhancement, the development of standard operating procedures, the strengthening of salvage infrastructure, and the preparation of Coastal State authorities for a more effective and legally coherent response to emergencies at sea.
Notable Incidents of 2025
Notable Incidents Handled by DGS in 2025
3 IncidentsIncident 01 — 24 May 2025
MSC ELSA III
Severe List — 30 Degrees
- The container vessel MSC ELSA 3, operated by MSC Ship Management Ltd., developed a severe starboard list at approximately 1300 hrs IST while en route from Vizhinjam to Cochin. By 1515 hrs the list had increased to 30 degrees before stabilising.
- The Indian Coast Guard deployed a Dornier aircraft for aerial surveillance and air-dropped a life raft for crew evacuation. Surface units were mobilised for SAR and vessel support.
- The Indian Navy dispatched one vessel from Cochin and rerouted another from north of the incident site to provide immediate support to the distressed vessel.
Incident 02 — 09 June 2025
WAN HAI 503
Fire — Container Explosion
- The Singapore-flagged Wan Hai 503 reported a major fire following a container explosion, with the fire originating in the underdeck hold and causing significant damage onboard.
- DGS promptly alerted the Indian Coast Guard and IFC-IOR, initiating coordinated emergency measures with shipowners. ICG deployed three vessels and two Dornier aircraft for immediate on-site operations.
- DGS arranged ETV Water Lily and Offshore Warrior as firefighting vessels. All 18 crew members were rescued by the Indian Navy. Coordination was subsequently transferred to MPA Singapore as the vessel moved outside Indian waters.
Inter-Agency Coordination
Incident 03 — 06 July 2025
MT FULDA
Explosion — Pollution Risk
- The oil tanker MT FULDA suffered an explosion off Kandla at around 1305 hrs IST, posing a high risk of structural failure and environmental pollution. DGS immediately assumed the lead coordination role.
- DGS chaired immediate coordination meetings with the Indian Coast Guard, MMD Kandla, Deendayal Port Authority, shipowners, insurers, and private salvors. Daily strategy meetings were led by DGS to assess vessel stability and pollution risk.
- DGS oversaw stabilisation through de-ballasting, followed by de-fueling with recovery of over 140 MT of HFO and approximately 200 cubic metres of diesel, significantly mitigating environmental risk.
Coordination Partners
Unified Emergency Response Mechanism
Standard Operating Procedures & Response Framework
4 SOPsSOP for Maritime Casualty ResponseDGS Lead Coordination
Under Consolidation
- The Directorate is developing a consolidated SOP for maritime casualty response in coordination with the National Maritime Security Coordinator, the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, NDMA, State Maritime Boards, and concerned State Departments.
- The SOP incorporates a structured Risk Assessment Matrix and Response Matrix for determining incident severity and corresponding response actions, with clear delineation of roles, escalation protocols, and operational responsibilities across central and state stakeholders.
- Earlier inter-agency work under the NMSC has finalised SOPs for derelict vessels and cyclone and tsunami response, providing a foundation for the comprehensive consolidated document.
Coordinating Agencies
SOP for Preliminary InquiryCIC Code Alignment
Under Development
- An SOP for the conduct of Preliminary Inquiry has been established as part of the Directorate's unified emergency response mechanism, providing structured guidance for the initial phase of any marine incident investigation.
- An SOP for joining marine accident investigation as a Substantially Interested State (SIS) is being developed in line with the IMO Casualty Investigation Code (CIC Code), ensuring India meets its international obligations as a flag, coastal, or port state.
International Reference
SOP for Cyclone ResponseSevere Weather Contingency
Operational
- The Directorate's SOP for Cyclone Response sets out coordinated procedures for managing vessels in distress during severe weather events, integrating with national disaster management protocols and port emergency plans.
- The SOP defines communication flow, ETV activation triggers, port closure and shelter procedures, and liaison protocols with the India Meteorological Department and National Disaster Management Authority.
Contingency Anti-Piracy PlanMaritime Security
Operational
- The Directorate maintains an operational Contingency Anti-Piracy Plan as part of its unified emergency response mechanism, aligned with international best practices and coordinated with the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, IFC-IOR, and the Maritime Security Branch.
- The Plan articulates response procedures for piracy and armed robbery incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels and Indian seafarers, including coordination with the Shared Awareness and Deconfliction (SHADE) mechanism.
LRIT & DG Comm Centre
Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT)
The Silent SentinelLRIT extends India's maritime vision beyond the coastline, enabling secure and intelligent oversight of global vessel movements. The National Data Centre (NDC), designated a Protected System by the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC), is the operational backbone of India's maritime domain awareness. It is audited periodically by the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) and is set up in adherence to NCIIPC and ISO 27001 guidelines. India provides free-of-cost LRIT services to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, significantly strengthening regional maritime cooperation and shared situational awareness.
01
Vessel Identification
Broadcasts vessel name, IMO number, and call sign, allowing authorities to verify ship identity during casualty response and security operations.
02
Position Reporting
Sends periodic updates on location, speed, and heading via satellite, providing continuous vessel tracking in remote waters beyond VHF and AIS range.
03
Regulatory Compliance
Ensures alignment with IMO LRIT mandates and shares data with flag and coastal states. Demonstrates adherence to global standards under SOLAS Chapter XI-1.
04
Operational Efficiency
Enables continuous monitoring of ships globally, enhancing domain awareness in remote waters and optimising route planning and supply chain coordination.
05
SAR Coordination
Provides vessel positions to assist rapid emergency response for Search and Rescue operations, integrated with DG Comm Centre, ICG, Indian Navy, and VTMS centres.
06
Safety and Security
Detects navigational risks and irregular vessel activity. Assists in responding to safety hazards and supports Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) operations.
07
Environmental Monitoring
Tracks vessel movement in environmentally sensitive zones to support marine conservation efforts and compliance with MARPOL Special Area provisions.
08
Maritime Domain Awareness
Advanced GIS features support accurate incident analysis, integrated with the Indian Navy-led National Marine Domain Awareness (NMDA) project for a whole-of-India network architecture.
DG Comm Centre — Guardian of the Sea
5 Key FunctionsPrimary Maritime Communication Hub24/7 Situational Awareness
Operational
- The DG Comm Centre is the primary contact for maritime emergencies, centralising communication and orchestrating responses to all marine incidents with 24/7 situational awareness and constant oversight of vessel activity.
- Provides immediate reception of Distress Calls and Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) activations, enabling rapid escalation to the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, and other response agencies.
- Fully integrated with the LRIT system, enabling real-time information flow during maritime incidents and supporting coordinated response involving major ports, VTMS centres, and shipowner associations.
ISPS and SSAS Compliance SupportSecurity Drill Coordination
Operational
- Guides ships and ports in conducting ISPS drills and SSAS tests, and coordinates financial compliance verification with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
- Circulates maritime security alerts to industry associations including INSA, MASSA, FOSMA, ICCSA, and IFC-IOR, ensuring timely awareness across the maritime community.
Timely Information Sharing & MRCC CoordinationSAR and Pollution Response
Operational
- Ensures prompt collection and exchange of safety, security, and pollution-related data across all relevant stakeholders, supporting informed and timely decision-making during emergencies.
- Works closely with Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) for search and rescue operations and pollution mitigation, facilitating seamless inter-agency coordination.
Proposed EnhancementsC-DAC SSAS Module and NMDA Node
Proposed
- A Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) module is being developed in collaboration with C-DAC to create a robust and reliable SSAS module integrated into the LRIT system, enhancing the security of maritime operations.
- Real-time LRIT data will be shared with national security agencies through the NMDA project node, making the NDC part of the Indian Navy-led whole-of-India national maritime network architecture.
Roadmap for DG Comm CentreFacility and Digital Upgrades
In Progress
- Onboarding of service provider for centre upkeep and facility management.
- Conduct monthly coordination meetings with the Indian Coast Guard and respective stakeholders.
- Launch of online module with automated incident reporting for digital case management.
- Development of bilingual maritime safety videos in coordination with the Crew Branch for training and public awareness.
Salvage Hub & Legal Framework
National Salvage Hub & Emergency Response Infrastructure
MS Act 2025Revised Provisions under MS Act 2025Legal Foundation for Salvage
Enacted
- Part X of the MS Act 2025 introduces, for the first time in Indian maritime law, specific provisions for Marine Incident and Emergency Response, designating DGS as the national nodal authority for all incident coordination.
- Part XII consolidates wreck and salvage law, formally ratifying the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks 2007 and the International Convention on Salvage 1989, aligning domestic law with global standards.
- The Act empowers the empanelment of professional salvors and Marine Pollution Response Operators (MPROs), provides for the creation of a National Salvage and Emergency Response Fund, and codifies a dispute resolution mechanism for salvage.
- Powers and duties of the Central Government in undertaking salvage operations, rights of salvors, and compulsory insurance and financial security obligations for shipowners are comprehensively defined for the first time.
Key Provisions
India's Operational ReadinessSalvage Hubs & Asset Pre-Positioning
Development Phase
- Dedicated Salvage Hubs are to be established with pre-deployed Emergency Towing Vessels (ETVs), oil spill response equipment, and firefighting systems at high-risk coastal zones, pooling high-capacity tugs, specialist equipment, and trained personnel for rapid deployment.
- Alpha Tugs are being positioned at key ports with trained crews, ensuring rapid response to groundings, collisions, and oil spills. Ports handling over 10 MMT annually operating three or more tugs have been directed to designate at least one sea-going tug as an emergency response unit.
- A national framework for Places of Refuge is being developed in line with IMO Resolutions A.949(23) and A.1184(33), through consultation with the Indian Ports Association and State Governments, identifying strategic locations on both coasts for distressed vessels.
ETV Fleet
Salvor Empanelment FrameworkMS Notice 01 of 2026
Applications from 01 March 2026
- A checklist for empanelment and retention of salvors has been published vide Merchant Shipping Notice 01 of 2026 dated 15 January 2026, prescribing criteria under Section 255 of the MS Act 2025. Applications for empanelment are prescribed to commence from 01 March 2026.
- Under the draft Merchant Shipping Rules, vessels entering Indian Coastal Waters will be required to maintain a standing contract with an empanelled salvor and an empanelled MPRO prior to entry. A mandatory levy on all vessels may also be introduced.
- Empanelment criteria include experience, success rate, qualifications, financial stability, financial ratings, reinsurance coverage, local correspondents, and outstanding claims history.
Empanelment Criteria
Emergency Towing Vessels — Role & OperationsMarine Emergency Response System (MERS)
Operational since 2011
- ETVs are designed for towing disabled or drifting vessels to prevent groundings and collisions, and to secure vessels so as to avoid oil spills and hazardous cargo leaks in Indian territorial waters.
- The fleet, currently comprising Water Lily and Ocean Bliss, is managed by DGS through the Marine Emergency Response System (MERS), covering leasing, equipment maintenance, and deployment. A proposal has been made to designate the Indian Coast Guard as the lead operational agency for ETVs, aligning with its statutory mandate.
- Ports handling over 10 MMT annually have been directed to maintain an Emergency Tug Deployment Plan (ETDP) and to submit technical specifications and crew certifications within 90 days under the relevant Merchant Shipping Notice.
Integrated Salvage PlanKey Maritime Salvage Initiatives
In Progress
- Development of an institutional mechanism for establishing Salvage Hubs with national guidelines for empanelment of salvors, along with interim gap measures to address existing operational deficiencies.
- Development of an institutional mechanism for identification and removal of wrecks, and national salvage rules consistent with the Nairobi WRC 2007 and the Salvage Convention 1989.
- A National Salvage and Emergency Response Fund is proposed to provide predictable financing for rapid asset deployment, with potential revenue from a maritime safety cess or port-related dues, modelled on international examples including the US Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.
- Enhancement of India's compliance with global maritime safety and environmental protection requirements, with annual workshops, bi-annual drills, and coordination meetings to ensure institutionalised preparedness.
Casualty Investigation Division & State Advisory
Casualty Investigation Division & Coastal State Framework
MS Act 2025 and IMSAS 2024Independent Casualty Investigation DivisionNew Vertical within DGS
Under Ministry Examination
- The absence of an independent mechanism for casualty investigations was flagged during the 2024 IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS). DGS has proposed a dedicated Casualty Investigation and Emergency Response Division within the Casualty Branch, separate from surveyors performing statutory functions.
- The Division is envisaged to be staffed by seven Group 'A' officers including one Deputy Nautical Adviser and six investigators covering engine, nautical, and ship surveyor specialisations, tasked exclusively with conducting independent investigations and reporting safety findings including to the IMO's GISIS database.
- The proposal aligns with India's international obligations under UNCLOS Article 94, SOLAS Regulation I/21, the Load Line Convention, MARPOL, and the IMO Casualty Investigation Code. The proposal is currently under examination by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.
- Seven technical posts have also been proposed for LRIT operations under a dedicated vertical, with approval already received for three posts (one Deputy Nautical Adviser and two Nautical Surveyors), and contractual staff being hired as an interim measure.
International Obligations
Coastal State Legal Advisory FrameworkRole Clarity for State Authorities
Advisory Under Finalisation
- A Legal Advisory for Coastal State Administrations is being prepared by the Directorate to address evidence of delays caused when State agencies initiate parallel actions, issue premature notices, or lack clarity on who authorises salvage operations and how liabilities are assessed.
- The Advisory clarifies roles of State Maritime Boards, pollution response authorities, district administrations, port authorities, and emergency services, and outlines interaction protocols with DGS, shipowners, insurers, P&I Clubs, and central agencies.
- It prescribes standardised incident reporting formats, scenario-based escalation triggers, and dedicated communication channels, and provides model clauses and step-wise compensation flowcharts covering CLC, Bunker CLC, Fund Convention, and the Nairobi Wreck Removal Convention.
- Coastal State Workshops are being conducted to enhance State preparedness standards, incident reporting, claims processing, and multi-agency coordination, in support of India's vision under Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal 2047.
Stakeholder Coverage
Maritime Safety Video Series
Maritime Safety Video Series
DGS Safety Education InitiativeThe Directorate has produced a series of maritime safety educational videos to promote awareness, regulatory compliance, and a zero-incident culture among seafarers, port operators, and the broader maritime community. The series covers key safety themes including SOLAS compliance, emergency preparedness, environmental protection, and professional standards for seafarers. The full playlist is available on the DGS YouTube channel.
Full playlist: DGS Maritime Safety Video Series on YouTube
Indian Global Maritime Safety Platform
Indian Global Maritime Safety Platform (IGMSP)
Safety First — Zero Incident VisionThe Indian Global Maritime Safety Platform is envisaged as a unified digital platform to improve maritime safety, promote risk-free professional practices, and align with international standards and India's maritime vision. The platform will deliver real-time safety dashboards and analytics across devices, host a multilingual repository for circulars, advisories, and IMO guidelines, and support the "Zero Incident" vision through training, compliance, and real-time monitoring.
Data Analytics & Reporting20 to 25 Safety KPIs
- Real-time dashboards tracking 20 to 25 safety KPIs with a device-agnostic interface, complete user manuals, and structured training for operational consistency across the maritime sector.
- An AI-driven maritime incident database using tools such as Power BI and Tableau for data visualisation, predictive risk analytics, and cybersecurity controls for proactive safety management.
Repository & TrainingMultilingual Safety Library
- A secure, multilingual central library of safety circulars and a login-protected training video archive, with 30 to 40 animated safety videos to be hosted over three years, integrated into a structured learning system for continuous readiness.
- A central knowledge hub with safety reports, infographics, and lessons learned, providing risk assessments, annual summaries, and resources for global collaboration and informed decision-making.
Incident Response & IntegrationDGCOMM and Third-Party Integration
- Real-time emergency coordination modules integrated with DG Comm Centre, crisis tools, and trusted third-party partners to ensure timely and effective maritime emergency handling across all stakeholder agencies.
- Incident reporting workflow digitisation aligned with the DG Comm Centre roadmap, enabling automated case management and faster escalation during maritime emergencies.
