About Us
The Coastal Shipping Branch oversees regulatory, administrative, and policy matters related to Coastal trade, Sailing Vessels (Part XV) and Fishing Vessels (Part XV-A) of Merchant Shipping Act. The Branch is dedicated to establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework, implementing targeted incentives, and ensuring alignment with national maritime standards. In doing so, the Coastal Shipping Branch plays a pivotal role in fostering a secure, efficient, and resilient maritime sector that underpins India's economic growth and enhances its prominence in Indian shipping.
The Coastal Wing of the Directorate General of Shipping is headed by the Deputy Director General of Shipping (Tech.).
From sailboats to cargo ships-India's coastal waters power commerce, culture, and community.
Our Mission
To support safe, regulated, and collaborative coastal shipping practices across India's maritime zones.
Key responsibilities include:
- Dealing with all matters related to of the Coastal Shipping Bill
- Coordinate with Mercantile Marine Departments (MMDs) on sailing vessels and fishing boats under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
- Facilitates bilateral and multilateral agreements with neighbouring countries (e.g., Bangladesh, Myanmar, BIMSTEC) to promote coastal shipping and the sailing vessel industry.
- Manages the repatriation of distressed crew from sailing vessels.
- Oversees issuance of Sailing Vessel Identity Cards through a centralized system, in collaboration with regional and port officers in Mumbai, Jamnagar, and Tuticorin, as per the Merchant Shipping (Sailing Vessel) Rules, 1997 and DGS Circulars No. 11 & 30 of 2020.
- Handles matters under the Merchant Shipping (Conditions for Carriage of Livestock) Rules, 2020 and other rules governing fishing vessels.
- Processes cases related to the closure of sailing vessel registries.
