On reforms in merchant shipping

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

 Key Features of the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024

Ease of Registration

• The new Bill reduces Indian ownership requirements from 100% to 51%, enabling more flexibility and attracting foreign investment.
• Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) can own and register Indian vessels.
• Provisions allow bareboat charter-cum-demise registrations, aiding capital-deficient entrepreneurs to acquire vessels.
• Temporary registration provisions address challenges in the ship recycling industry, bolstering hubs like Alang.

Enlarging the Scope of Vessels

• The Bill expands the definition of vessels to include mechanised and non-mechanised crafts, such as barges, submersibles, and drones.
• Comprehensive regulation of offshore vessels enhances safety and operational standards.
• Strengthened oversight addresses coastal security risks exposed by incidents like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Measures to Combat Marine Pollution

• Initiatives include reducing sulphur content in marine fuel to 5% and banning single-use plastics on ships.
• The Bill incorporates international conventions such as MARPOL and the Wreck Removal Convention, aligning with global standards.
• The introduction of the ‘Swachh Sagar’ online portal facilitates proper waste disposal, promoting sustainable shipping practices.

Welfare Provisions for Seafarers

• Indian seafarers have grown from 1,16,000 in 2015-16 to 2,85,000, with 85% employed on foreign-flagged vessels.
• The Bill extends welfare measures to seafarers on foreign-flagged ships, ensuring better working conditions and safety standards.
• Provisions align with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) for seafarer welfare.

Strengthening Maritime Training

• Maritime training, previously regulated through notifications, now gains a legal framework under the Bill.
• This ensures the elimination of unauthorised institutes and safeguards rural youth from fraudulent practices.

Focus on Coastal Shipping

• The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, separates technical regulation from commercial aspects of coastal waters.
• Initiatives align with the Sagarmala Program, promoting dedicated berths, hinterland connectivity, and integrated inland and coastal shipping.

Conclusion

• The proposed reforms aim to attract investment, enhance safety, support seafarers, and reduce marine pollution.
• These measures promise to unlock the full potential of India’s maritime sector while fostering bipartisan support for sustainable development.