In a decisive move to enhance maritime safety and environmental accountability, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), India, has issued Merchant Shipping Notice No. 05 of 2025, mandating strict compliance with Protection & Indemnity (P&I) insurance requirements for all vessels entering Indian ports. This policy is a significant development aimed at curbing the risks posed by invalid or non-verifiable insurance coverage among ships.

Background

P&I insurance is a vital component of maritime operations, providing shipowners with coverage against liabilities such as oil pollution, wreck removal, and crew-related claims. However, recent incidents have highlighted growing concerns where insurers have denied claims due to non-authentic documentation or lapsed policies arising from unpaid premiums.

Key Directives from MSN No. 05 of 2025

1. Mandatory Valid P&I Insurance:
   • a. All vessels calling at Indian ports must carry valid P&I insurance from International Group (IG) clubs or other credible insurers.
   • b. Certificates such as Blue Cards and Certificates of Insurance or Other Financial Security (CIOFS) must be legitimate and current.
2. Online Verifiability:
   • Insurance documentation must be verifiable through the issuing insurer’s website or digital portal.
   • Authorities will cross-check validity online before granting port clearance.
3. Submission Through MSW Portal:
   • Shipowners or agents must upload P&I documents to the Maritime Single Window (MSW) Portal at least 72 hours before the vessel’s ETA (Expected Time of Arrival).
4. Strict Port Control Measures:
   • Ships with expired, forged, or unverifiable insurance documents will be denied entry into Indian ports.
   • Such vessels may be ordered to vacate Indian territorial waters.

Objectives and Implications

This directive seeks to:

• Strengthen marine environmental protection by ensuring compensation availability in pollution events.
• Promote transparency and authenticity in maritime insurance practices.
• Reinforce India’s port state control framework, aligning it with global best practices.

For shipowners, operators, and agents, the directive necessitates proactive insurance management. Immediate steps include:

• Verifying insurance coverage validity.
• Coordinating with insurers to ensure online accessibility of certificates.
• Updating internal compliance protocols with respect to India’s MSW Portal submission timelines.

Final Thoughts

India’s latest P&I insurance directive marks a critical step forward in securing its maritime infrastructure. With the rise in maritime traffic and the environmental stakes involved, such regulatory tightening ensures preparedness, accountability, and global-standard enforcement.

For those in the shipping industry, this is a call to tighten compliance and build stronger maritime risk frameworks. Failing to adapt may mean missed port calls and lost business opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic maritime regions.