The Directorate-General of Shipping has mandated that all the 1,530-odd Indian-flagged merchant vessels exceeding 500 gross tonnage should install Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems. This follows recent incidents aboard vessels, including disappearance of personnel, potential suicides, collisions, casualties, and other maritime security concerns.

In cases of man-over-board incidents and cases of missing seafarers, the Search and Rescue (SAR) efforts could not be conducted due to lack of sufficient information, including the exact time and location of the incidents.

In recent incidents, SAR agencies and vessels assisting them had to conduct prolonged search operations due to lack of information, says a circular issued by the DG Shipping, which deals with implementation of shipping policy and legislation.

To safeguard the well-being of seafarers and uphold the highest standards of maritime safety and security, the Directorate has evaluated various solutions to address these pressing concerns.

After extensive deliberation, installing CCTV systems with 24/7 recording and at least 90-days storage of the footage on merchant vessels was found necessary. A centralised monitoring station should be established on the bridge or in a dedicated security office, with a user-friendly interface for real-time monitoring and playback, the circular says.