Major Regulatory Relief
Coastal Shipping Reform Boosts Maritime Efficiency: The Government of India has introduced a transformative reform for Indian coastal shipping. It has scrapped the long-followed rules of sign-on, sign-off, and Shore Leave Pass (SLP) for vessels operating only in Indian waters.
The notification was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, shifting administrative responsibilities away from immigration checkpoints and placing them with port authorities.
This is expected to reduce procedural delays and support faster maritime operations along India’s vast coastline.
Static GK fact: India has a 7,516 km long coastline, among the largest in Asia.
What Rules Have Been Removed
Earlier, seafarers were required to:
- Sign-on while joining the ship
• Sign-off after leaving duty
• Obtain SLP for going ashore, renewed every 10 days
These procedures were mandated even when the vessel never crossed international boundaries.
Crew were often required to physically visit immigration offices, creating a heavy compliance burden.
New Simplified Operational System
Under the new system, no immigration approval is required for:
- Indian-flagged vessels in coastal movement
• Dredgers and barges within Indian ports
• Research vessels operating inside port limits
Crew data maintenance and verification are now the responsibility of port authorities.
The Bureau of Immigration will conduct surprise inspections to ensure compliance and security oversight.
Static GK Tip: The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) regulates maritime affairs in India.
Why The Decision Is Important
The reform aims to strengthen the ease of doing business in India’s maritime sector.
It will:
- Reduce administrative delays
• Lower operational costs
• Encourage greater use of Indian-flag vessels
• Improve crew welfare and work satisfaction
Better mobility for Indian seafarers directly supports the country’s strategic maritime modernization program.
Static GK fact: The Sagarmala Programme (2015) focuses on port-led development to reduce logistics cost.
Statements and Institutional Support
The decision received appreciation from Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who highlighted the government’s focus on empowering Indian maritime workforce and removing outdated bureaucracy.
He emphasized that a modern coastal shipping ecosystem is essential for India’s goal to emerge as a global maritime power.
Challenges to Monitor
Smooth implementation is crucial:
- Clear boundary rules for vessels that occasionally sail internationally
• Training for port authorities to manage accurate crew documentation
• Regular and unbiased monitoring by BOI
These safeguards will help ensure security while embracing regulatory efficiency.
Static GK fact: India is the second-largest supplier of seafarers in the world after the Philippines.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Coastal Shipping Reform Boosts Maritime Efficiency:
| Topic | Detail |
| Policy focus | Removal of sign-on, sign-off, and SLP rules |
| Applicable vessels | Coastal run vessels, dredgers, barges, and research ships |
| Oversight shift | From immigration authorities to port authorities |
| Monitoring agency | Bureau of Immigration with surprise checks |
| Coastline length | 7,516 km |
| Major maritime initiative | Sagarmala Programme launched in 2015 |
| Crew welfare benefit | Reduced paperwork and fewer delays |
| National objective | Promote maritime efficiency and Indian-flag ships |
| Key Ministry involved | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Key supporter | Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal |
