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1. With a view to enhance onboard safety and security, Indian Maritime Administration has issued MS Notice. 02 of 2025, mandating implementation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Systems on Indian-Flagged Vessels and Foreign Flag Vessels trading in Indian Coasts under Specific Period License (SPL). Administration has further recommended that Foreign Flag Vessels visiting Indian Ports may also consider implementation of the same.

2. Vide above Notice, Administration requires ship Owners/ managers in coordination with the vessel Master to conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify and create a design plan for CCTV system basis vessel specific vulnerabilities and optimal camera placement, including an assessment of potential areas crucial to safety and security, including the need to be intrinsically safe for tankers in Hazardous zones.

3. The MS Notice 02 of 2025 provides recommendation as per below table for the placement of cameras on the vessel. It is not mandated that the cameras be installed exactly as specified, but adherence to these guidelines is encouraged to ensure comprehensive coverage of critical areas for enhanced safety and security. Further, Specific attention to be given to high-risk areas such as ship side railings, common areas, and isolated spaces.

4. Further, below table provides the recommended minimum number of cameras to be installed on the vessel:

5. The CCTV system is to be part of the vessels IT infrastructure and cyber risk management procedures. Installation of the CCTV’s are to be done in a professional manner, preferably by qualified shore technicians where the cables and installations does not jeopardize the fire integrity of the vessel (including being intrinsically safe where required) or disturb any critical processes or cause distractions when keeping a navigational watch or safe cargo watches.

6. The equipment is to be capable of being isolated in those areas where such recording is not allowed as per local regulations or military sensitivities. Signs to be prominently displayed in common areas to clearly inform crew members and visitors about the presence of CCTV surveillance to avoid any potential legal concerns of privacy and data security.

7. Administration has provided following recommendations towards Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Systems:

i. Recommended Specifications of the CCTV Cameras and associated equipment:

a. A minimum resolution of 1080p Full HD, a frame rate of at least 30 fps and a wide dynamic range (WDR) capability.

b. Where long range detection is identified during the pre-survey, the cameras should have zoom facilities, like in areas of open decks or stern areas.

c. On Open decks, the camera is to be of IP rating of IP66 or IP67 or IP68 quality.

d. To be preferably of a recognized marine standard and preferably type approved to ensure performance and vibration, humidity, temperature, corrosion resistance, internet protocol (IP) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements are met.

e. In machinery spaces, the cameras are to withstand higher temperatures and preferably have thermal detection.

f. Comply with RO Standards or IEC 62676 for Video Surveillance Systems.

ii. Recommended Control and Monitoring stations and the Transmission Capability of the CCTV Systems:

a. At least one monitoring and control station on the Bridge or Engine room or Cargo Control Room and in the Citadel/Safe Muster Point onboard.

b. The monitoring station to be able to control the view of the cameras and switch between cameras easily.

c. The data from the CCTV to be capable of having a storage capacity of a minimum of 14 days.

d. The monitoring of CCTV footage (online and offline) of the Indian Flag Merchant Vessels is restricted to the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Vessel, its ISM Managers or DPA or Owners thereof. It is not to be entrusted to external agencies or Coastal States/Port authorities, except if authorized by the DGS.

iii. Recommended Training and Maintenance procedures for the CCTV Systems:

e. The Master or safety officer and security officer onboard are to be familiar with the monitoring and transmission of the CCTV systems on the vessels.

f. Crew onboard to be trained to use the system when they join onboard and during Man overboard drills, SAR Drills and security drills.

g. The DPA / ISM Manager to be trained to use the system when transmitted ashore and practiced during the Ship-Shore drills.

8. The CCTVs are to be periodically inspected by the ship staff weekly and serviced annually onboard or by an authorised service centre. Records to be available for review during audits and inspections.

9. Vessels equipped with existing CCTV systems will be deemed compliant with the prescribed requirements. However, Administration has recommended that these systems be evaluated to ensure they meet the intended standards of functionality and coverage outlined in the Notice.

10. Any malfunctions in the equipment, including cameras, will not be considered a deficiency during flag state inspections or port state control inspections. For Indianflagged vessels calling at foreign ports, non-compliance with this requirement will not result in the issuance of a deficiency by the port state control authority.

11. Ship Owners/ managers and Masters of Indian-Flagged Vessels and Foreign Flag Vessels trading in Indian Coasts under Specific Period License (SPL) are advised to be guided by above and ensure compliance to the requirements including following:

a. To conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify and create a design plan for CCTV system basis vessel specific vulnerabilities and optimal camera placement, including an assessment of potential areas crucial to safety and security, including the need to be intrinsically safe for tankers in Hazardous zones.

b. CCTV system is installed onboard in accordance with Para 5 and within the timeframe specified in Para 4 above.

c. Number of cameras and their placement is in accordance with above para 3 & 4.

d. Specifications of the CCTV Cameras & associated equipment, specifications of Control and Monitoring stations and the Transmission Capability of the CCTV Whilst the utmost care has been taken in the compilation of the Technical Information, neither Indian Register of Shipping, its affiliates, and subsidiaries if any, nor any of its directors, officers, employees, or agents assume any responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused in any manner whatsoever by reliance on the information in this document. Systems and Training and Maintenance procedures for the CCTV Systems are as per above para 7.

e. The CCTVs are periodically inspected by the ship staff weekly and serviced annually onboard or by an authorised service centre and records for same are maintained.

Enclosure:

• GOI MS Notice 02 of 2025

Disclaimer:

This Technical Circular and the material contained in it is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to the reader and not as an advice to be relied upon by any person. While we have taken utmost care to be as factual as possible, readers/ users are advised to verify the exact text and content of the Regulation from the original source/ issuing Authority.                      

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