Major regulatory reform
Strengthening Indian Coastal Shipping Operations: The Government of India has abolished the long-standing requirements of Sign-On, Sign-Off, and Shore Leave Pass (SLP) for Indian-flagged vessels operating exclusively in Indian waters.
Earlier, seafarers were required to physically appear before immigration officials for SLP issuance and extension every 10 days, leading to delays and disruption of duties on board.
This reform removes repetitive approvals and creates faster turnaround for vessels engaged in coastal operations.
Static GK fact: India has 12 major ports and more than 200 minor ports supporting coastal trade.
Impact on seafarers and vessel operations
The change improves daily functioning of crews, dredgers, barges, and research vessels.
Reduced paperwork ensures uninterrupted crew rotation, better work comfort, and enhanced efficiency.
Port authorities will now maintain updated digital records of crew members, ensuring compliance without slowing operations.
Static GK fact: India is among the top 3 seafarer-supplying nations in the world.
Supporting policies to promote Indian shipping fleet
The abolition of SLP rules connects with a broader government strategy to expand Indian-flag tonnage and reduce dependency on foreign vessels.
Multiple initiatives are strengthening the sector:
- Right of First Refusal (ROFR): Priority for Indian built, Indian owned, and Indian flagged vessels to participate in government cargo movement.
- Subsidy support scheme: Financial support for promoting flagging of Indian merchant vessels, especially in strategic trade routes.
- Ship Building Financial Assistance Policy: Incentives to boost orders for Indian shipyards and promote domestic construction of vessels.
- Focus on Green shipping, digital maritime systems, and fleet modernization projects under national maritime plans.
Static GK Tip: Sagarmala Programme aims to improve port-led development and coastal shipping expansion in India.
Boost to coastal cargo and economy
India currently moves a small portion of its total freight via coastal shipping.
With operational barriers removed, coastal cargo movement can expand at lower logistics cost, reducing road congestion and fuel emissions.
The reforms are expected to encourage local jobs, better port utilization, and more Indian-owned vessels entering commercial service.
Static GK fact: Coastal shipping in India presently handles around 6% of domestic freight movement, offering huge scope for growth.
Long-term outlook
The coordinated reforms reinforce India’s maritime vision for:
- Smooth crew operations without delays
- Skill enhancement and retention of Indian seafarers
- Enhanced competitiveness of domestic shipyards
- Growth of Indian-flagged merchant fleet
- Stronger participation in global shipping value chains
India’s coastal waters remain a significant economic asset, and these initiatives collectively aim to make Indian vessels more productive, profitable, and strategically stronger in the maritime sector.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Strengthening Indian Coastal Shipping Operations:
| Topic | Detail |
| Key reform | Abolition of SLP and Sign-On/Off rules for Indian vessels in domestic waters |
| Crew documentation | Port authorities to maintain updated records instead of immigration offices |
| SLP extension burden | Earlier required every 10 days causing operational disruption |
| Seafarers benefit | Faster crew rotation and reduced physical compliance |
| ROFR support | Priority to Indian-flagged vessels for government cargo movement |
| Shipbuilding assistance | Financial incentives to Indian shipyards for new vessel orders |
| Subsidy scheme | Support to expand Indian-flagged merchant fleet |
| Coastal shipping scope | Presently around 6% of total cargo movement in India |
| National maritime focus | More shipping jobs, reduced logistics cost, stronger fleet |
| Strategic outcome | Growth of domestic vessels operating in Indian waters |
