India mandates CCTV on ships to strengthen maritime safety
Iain Hoey
Share this content
India introduces new maritime safety rules
Zelim has reported that India’s Directorate General of Shipping has issued regulations requiring Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems to be installed on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more.
According to Zelim, the notice applies to both newbuild and existing Indian-flagged vessels, and extends as a recommendation to foreign-flagged ships calling at Indian ports.
It explained that compliance must be achieved by 12 February 2028 or at the vessel’s next classification renewal survey, whichever occurs later.
The company noted that India’s action follows several high-profile incidents involving crew disappearances, man-overboard cases, and collisions.
Zelim stated that the Indian government has pointed to delayed emergency response and reduced search and rescue (SAR) effectiveness in the absence of real-time situational awareness technologies.
CCTV coverage and technical specifications
According to Zelim, the Directorate General of Shipping has detailed specifications for camera placement and performance.
It reported that CCTV should cover the main deck, forecastle, mooring and stern areas, bridge, and superstructure.
The organisation advised that the specifications include requirements for night vision, resolution, positioning, and data storage.
It explained that these measures are intended to provide consistent and reliable oversight of shipboard activity.
The company said the directorate also recommended the use of AI-enabled software to strengthen monitoring capabilities.
Zelim’s position on international adoption
Zelim stated that India’s decision represents a model that other International Maritime Organization (IMO) member states should consider adopting.
It said that voluntary measures in maritime safety are no longer adequate.
The company explained that global adoption of consistent standards would improve safety for seafarers and ensure more reliable responses to shipboard incidents.
It added that aviation has integrated advanced situational awareness technologies for many years, while maritime has moved more slowly.
The group suggested that India’s decision could serve as a catalyst for broader regulatory change.
Quotes from Zelim leadership
Sam Mayall, Chief Executive Officer of Zelim, said: “This is a landmark decision from India’s maritime authorities and signals a step change in maritime safety thinking. By mandating smarter monitoring systems, India is setting a powerful example that other maritime nations should follow.”
Stewart Gregory, Chief Operating Officer of Zelim, said: “India has raised the bar for ship and crew safety, not just by mandating CCTV but in setting out a comprehensive specification for camera coverage, night vision, resolution, placement, and data storage. This is about more than surveillance; it’s about smart, intelligent, AI-based detection, tracking and alerting technology fully integrated into a ship’s safety protocols. India’s regulation goes significantly beyond current IMO requirements.”
Gregory added: “The maritime industry has lagged behind sectors like aviation when it comes to adopting advanced safety technologies. With proven situational awareness technology already available – capable of improving both incident prevention and response – a global situational awareness standard is long overdue. India’s directive should act as a catalyst for other nations to adopt similar measures.”
Zelim’s technology and support role
According to Zelim, its AI-powered monitoring systems can extend the benefits of India’s CCTV mandate by improving real-time prevention of incidents and supplying forensic evidence for investigations.
The company said that these technologies are designed to assist with accident prevention and support SAR operations.
It added that the systems also help deter criminal activities onboard vessels.
The business explained that it is already in direct contact with Indian authorities, including the Directorate General of Shipping and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
It stated that it has offered technical support to ship owners and operators seeking to meet the new specifications.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
India’s CCTV mandate highlights how national authorities can require safety technologies that directly affect operational practice.
For fire and safety professionals, this development shows the value of mandatory standards in improving situational awareness and incident response.
It also underlines the role of integrated monitoring systems in supporting emergency planning and regulatory compliance.
The adoption of similar standards internationally could influence safety protocols across other high-risk sectors.
India mandates CCTV on ships to strengthen maritime safety: Summary
India’s Directorate General of Shipping has introduced rules mandating CCTV on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more.
The regulation applies to Indian-flagged vessels and recommends coverage for foreign-flagged ships visiting Indian ports.
Ships must comply by 12 February 2028 or at the next classification renewal survey.
Zelim reported that the regulations specify placement, night vision, resolution, and data storage requirements.
India has cited incidents where lack of real-time monitoring hindered emergency response and search and rescue.
The directorate has recommended the use of AI-enabled software to enhance monitoring.
Zelim’s Chief Executive Officer Sam Mayall welcomed the decision as a landmark for maritime safety.
Chief Operating Officer Stewart Gregory said the regulation goes beyond current IMO requirements.
Zelim believes voluntary measures are insufficient and has urged global adoption of consistent standards.
The company is working with Indian authorities and offering technical support to ship operators.