MARITIME ADMINISTRATIONCentral

Section 11 of The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025

(1)The Central Government may establish and maintain at each of the ports of Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Kandla and such other ports or places in India, as it may consider necessary, an office of the Mercantile Marine Department for the administration of this Act and the rules made thereunder.
(2)The Central Government may, by notification, appoint a person to be the principal officer who shall be incharge of the office of the Mercantile Marine Departments at the ports of Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Kandla and any other port or places notified by the Central Government.
(3)The Central Government may, by notification, specify the office of the Mercantile Marine Department at any other port or place which shall be in the charge of such officer as the Central Government may appoint in this behalf.

Summary

The Central Government can establish and maintain an office of the Mercantile Marine Department in India, and appoint a person to be the principal officer who will be in charge of the office.
It can also specify the office of Mercanile Marine in charge.

Practical examples

1Captain Mehta needs to submit administrative paperwork for his cargo ship while docked in Chennai. He visits the local office of the Mercantile Marine Department to ensure his vessel complies with the latest shipping regulations.

2The Central Government determines that a growing port in Gujarat requires local oversight. They issue a notification to establish a new Mercantile Marine Department office there to manage merchant shipping activities in that region.

FAQ

1. Where are the primary offices of the Mercantile Marine Department located under The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025?

According to Section 11 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, offices are established and maintained at the ports of Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, and Kandla.

2. Who is in charge of a Mercantile Marine Department office under The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025?

Under Section 11 of The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, the Central Government appoints a person known as the principal officer to be in charge of these offices.

3. Can the government set up shipping offices in places other than the five main ports listed in the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025?

Yes, Section 11 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, allows the Central Government to establish offices at any other ports or places in India it considers necessary.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 11 of The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, which of these ports is specifically named as a location for a Mercantile Marine Department office?

Q2.Who has the authority to appoint the principal officer of a Mercantile Marine Department under Section 11 of The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025?

Q3.What is the primary purpose of the offices established under Section 11 of The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025?

Q4.Under Section 11 of The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, if an office is established in a "place" rather than a named port, who is in charge?

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