नौवहन महानिदेशालय
Directorate General of Shipping
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Government of India
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About Us


The Naval Architecture Wing serves as the technical and regulatory backbone for ship design, construction, and maritime infrastructure development in alignment with national and international standards.

 

Statutory Roles


  • Monitoring surveys and inspections of Indian and foreign-flagged vessels.
  • Verifying ship structural integrity, stability, and compliance with Load Line and SOLAS regulations for Indian-flagged vessels.
  • Approving ship design modifications, structural conversions, and overseeing compliance with statutory construction standards.
  • Issuing exemptions and equivalency certifications based on technical assessments.
SOLAS Convention

SOLAS Convention

  • Taking enforcement action against ships found to be unseaworthy or in violation of safety regulations, including detention and restriction from sailing.
  • Regulation and inspection of crew accommodation and onboard arrangements to meet international welfare and habitability standards.
  • Evaluation and approval of vessel subdivision, intact and damage stability, structural fire protection, ventilation systems, and escape routes to ensure comprehensive safety.
  • Conduct of surveys and issuance of certificates for passenger vessels, verifying compliance with safety and design regulations.
  • Implementation and monitoring of the SPS Code and related guidelines for vessels engaged in specialized operations.
  • Monitoring and auditing of Recognized Organizations (ROs) to ensure adherence to delegated statutory functions.
  • Supervision of ISM Code compliance through company and ship audits, promoting a culture of safety and environmental protection.
  • Active participation in IMO activities, including Member State Audits, document management, and representation in key subcommittees such as:
    • Maritime Safety Committee (MSC)
    • Ship Design and Construction (SDC)
    • Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE)
    • Implementation of IMO Instruments (III)

Other Roles

  • Formulation, implementation, and oversight of ship design, construction, safety, and regulatory compliance in alignment with national and international maritime conventions and standards.
  • Support national maritime cluster development through strategic mapping, infrastructure planning, and global benchmarking to foster industrial growth and competitiveness.
  • Lead technical implementation of SBFAP, including digital platform rollout, policy execution, compliance monitoring, and administration of the Shipbreaking Credit Note scheme.
  • Provide technical advisory and inter-agency coordination support to MDF initiatives, focusing on project prioritization and evaluation, while abstaining from financial administration.
  • Advise and support maritime skill development through curriculum design, certification standards, and industry-aligned training initiatives in collaboration with educational and sectoral institutions.
  • Develop and manage a centralized digital portal for shipbuilding and repair to streamline standards dissemination, regulatory submissions, and real-time monitoring of maritime initiatives.
  • Institutionalize specialized units for strategic shipbuilding development and commercial operations facilitation to support national maritime visions and reduce capital costs across the sector.