Section 31 of The Coastal Shipping Act, 2025
Notice in respect of foreign vessel.
If any vessel, other than an Indian vessel, is detained under this Act, or if any proceeding is taken under this Act against the licensee or agent of such vessel, notice shall forthwith be served on the consular office of the country in which such vessel is registered, or nearest to the port where the vessel is for the time being, in such form and manner as may be prescribed, and such notice shall specify the grounds on which the vessel has been detained or the proceedings have been taken.
Summary
- If any vessel that is not registered in India, meaning a foreign vessel, is detained under this Act, a notice must be sent immediately.
- This notice requirement also applies if any legal proceeding under this Act is started against the licensee or agent of a foreign vessel.
- The notice must be delivered immediately to the consular office of the country where the vessel is registered, or to the consular office nearest to the port where the vessel is currently located.
- The notice must be in the legally set form and manner and must clearly explain the reasons why the vessel was detained or why the proceedings were started.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Who must be notified when a foreign ship is held or when legal action is taken?
The consular office of the country where the ship is registered must be notified. If that is not possible, the notice must go to the consular office nearest to the port where the ship is currently located.
2. When does the notice need to be sent?
The notice must be served immediately after the ship is detained or after the legal proceedings are started.
3. What details must be included in the notice?
The notice must clearly state the specific reasons or grounds why the ship was detained or why the legal proceedings were initiated.
Test yourself
1.Under Section 31 of The Coastal Shipping Act, 2025, if a foreign-flagged vessel is detained in India, which authority must be notified immediately?
2.Under Section 31 of The Coastal Shipping Act, 2025, which of the following events triggers the mandatory immediate notice requirement for a vessel that is not an Indian vessel?
3.Under Section 31 of The Coastal Shipping Act, 2025, what must be included in the notice served to the foreign consular office?
4.Under Section 31 of The Coastal Shipping Act, 2025, if a foreign-registered vessel is detained under Section 7 of the Act for failing to produce a license, how does Section 31 apply?