Notifying Merchant Shipping Carriage of Cargoes and Oil

Notifying Merchant Shipping Carriage of Cargoes and Oil Fuels rules 2026 under Merchant Shipping act 2025

The Gazette of India

CG-DL-E-09092026-276090

EXTRAORDINARY

PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (i)

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

No. ] NEW DELHI, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2026/BHADRA

MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING, AND WATERWAYS

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, the 2nd September, 2026

G.S.R. 774(E).— ln exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1), clauses (a), (b) and (c) of subsection (2) of section 130 and sub-section (1) of section 319 read with section 116 and clause (f) of sub-section (2) of section 123 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 (24 of 2025) and in supersession of the Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Cargo) Rules, 1995, except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, namely:-

CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY

Shorttitle and — (1) These rules may be called Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Cargoes and Oil Fuels) Rules, 2026.

(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

—Unless otherwise specified in the Act or any other rule made thereunder, these rules shall apply to ––
- carriage of cargoes(except liquids in bulk or gases in bulk) which owing to their particular hazards to ships or person on board, require special precautions to be taken;
  - all Indian ships, except the ships covered under Part XIII of the Act, carrying or about to carry cargoes specified in these rules anywhere;
- all ships other than Indian ships when such ships carrying or about to carry cargoes specified in these rules is within India, including coastal waters, ports or places in India;
  - all Indian ships of below 500 gross tonnage, in case the Administration by specific or general order or circular in writing specify in this behalf the extent or permit of such measures to ensure reasonable and equivalent safety of such ships taking into account the nature and conditions of sheltered voyage.

— (1) In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,–

“Act”means the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 (24 of 2025);
- “Administration”means the Director General of Maritime Administration;
- “cargo items” shall have the same meaning as assigned to the term “cargo” in the International Convention forSafe Containers, 1972, as amended, and includes any goods, wares, merchandise, liquid, gases, solids and articles of every kind whatsoever carried in containers pursuant to a contract of carriage, but does not include ship’s equipment, supplies, spare parts or stores related thereto, carried in containers;
  - “cargo transport unit” means a freight container, swap body, vehicle, railway wagon or any other similar unit in particular when used in intermodal transport;
- “cargo unit” means a vehicle, container, flat, pallet portable tank, packaged unit or any other entity etc., andloading equipment or part thereof which belongs to the ship but is not fixed to the ship;
“Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers” means the Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers including the manual on loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes for terminal representatives adopted by the International Maritime Organisation Resolution A.862(20) as amended from time to time, incorporated as supplement to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code;
- “competent authority” means the Administration or any person authorised by the Administration to perform any function under these rules;
- “container”means container as defined in the International Convention for Safe Containers,1972;
“CTU Code” means the Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units, 2014 which is endorsed by International Maritime Organisation, International Labour Organisation, and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, as amended from time to time;

“document”includes the use of Electronic Data Processing and Electronic Data Interchange transmission technique as an alternate and aid to paper documentation as specified in chapter 5.4 of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code;
- “grain” includes wheat, maize (corn), oats, rye, barley, rice, pulses, seeds, and processed forms thereof, whose behavior is similar to that of grain in its natural state;
“gross mass” means the combined mass of a container’s tare mass and the masses of all packages and cargo items, including pallets, dunnage and other packing material and securing materials packed into the container;
- “International Convention for Safe Containers, 1972” means the International Convention for Safe Containers, 1972, adopted by the International Maritime Organisation, as amended from time to time;
“International Grain Code” means the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk, adopted by the International Maritime Organisation by Resolution MSC.23 (59), as amended from time to time;
“IMSBC Code” meansthe International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code adopted by the International Maritime Organisation by Resolution MSC.268 (85), as amended from time to time;
- “International Maritime Organisation” means a United Nation’s specialised agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of pollution by ships;
“notice”means any notice, circular, order or guidelines issued by Administration under section 301 of the Act;
- “package” means one or more cargo items that are tied together, packed, wrapped, boxed or parcelled for transportation including but not limited to parcels, boxes, packets and cartons.
“PortState Authority” means the jurisdictional Mercantile Marine Department;

“recognisedorganisation” means any person or body of persons notified under section 9 of the Act;
- “Schedule”means a Schedule annexed to these rules;
  - “shipper” means a legal entity or person named on the bill of lading or sea waybill or equivalent multimodal transport document (e.g. “through” bill of lading) as shipper or who (or in whose name or on whose behalf) a contract of carriage has been concluded with a shipping company;
    - “shipping document” means a document used by the shipper to communicate the verified gross mass of the packedcontainer which may be part of the shipping instructions to the shipping company or a separate communication in the form of a declaration including a weight certificate produced by a weigh station;
  - “solid bulk cargo” means any cargo, other than liquid or gas, consisting of a combination of particles, granules or anylarger pieces of material generally uniform in composition, which is loaded directly into the cargo spaces of a ship without any intermediate form of containment;
    - “tare mass” means the mass of an empty container that does not contain any packages, cargo items, pallets, dunnage, or any other packing material or securing material;
  - “terminal representative” means a person appointed by the terminal or other facility where the ship is loading or unloading, who has responsibility for operations conducted by that terminal or facility with regard to the particular ship;

(za) “timber deck cargo” means a cargo of timber carried on an uncovered part of a freeboard or superstructure deck;

(zb) “verified gross mass” means the total gross mass of a packed container as obtained by one of the methods specified.

(2) The words and expressions used and not defined in these rules but defined in the Act, International Convention for Safe Containers, 1972, International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, International Convention for Prevention of Pollution from ships, 1973/1978, and applicable codes shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Act and in those applicable regulations, codes and conventions, as the case may be.

CHAPTER II GENERAL PROVISIONS

Carriageof timber — (1) Every ship carrying timber deck cargo and timber inside the hold shall comply with the provisions of the Timber Code and the recommendations of the International Maritime Organisation as adopted by Resolution MSC/Circ.525 and MSC/Circ. 548 as amended and such other recommendations of the International Maritime Organisation, issued from time to time.

Explanation.–– For the purposes of this sub-rule, the expression “Timber Code” means the Code of Safe Practice for ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes adopted by the International Maritime Organisation Resolution A.1048 (27), as amended from time to time;

All ships provided with and making use of timber load line shall comply with the requirements of the applicable regulations of the International Load Line Convention, as amended, and shall load timber cargo under-deck and on-deck, as per the stability booklet conditions duly approved by the competent authority or recognised organisation.
A ship loaded with timber deck cargo shall comply with the requirements of this rule and report the same to the respective Port State Authority or concerned Port State Control officer if outside India.

Carriage of Cargo Transport Units (containers). —(1) The master of a ship shall ensure that new or existing containers loaded, stowed and carried for sea transportation have a safety approval plate conforming to the specifications set out in the appendix of the International Convention for Safe Containers, 1972, as amended.

The master of the ship shall ensure that every such container shipped on board has been provided with documents specified in sub-rule (5) of rule 7 and is secured as per the cargo securing manual duly approved by the competent authority or recognised organisation.
- Every master or owner shall ensure that the dangerous goods carried in the containers are verified and complies with the provisions of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code.
The master or owner shall ensure that containers received on board are well maintained and relevant endorsement is highlighted on the safety approval plate.
The master of a ship when loading cargo transport units on his ship, shall ensure that shipper provides documents showing compliance with the CTU Code, 2014 with special reference to its packing.
For ensuring compliance of containers with provisions of the International Convention for Safe Containers, 1972, the Administration may authorise other agencies, including recognised organisations for inspection and testing as per theInternational Convention for Safe Containers, 1972 and subsequent approval, including issuance of safety approval plate, upon verification of compliance with the applicable requirements.

Solidbulk cargoes other than grain. — The carriage of solid bulk cargoes other than grain shall comply with the requirements of Chapter VI of the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 and relevant provisions of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code.

Cargo information. —(1) The owner and master of all ships loading any cargo, shall ensure that cargo information is made available to the ship by the shipper before the commencement of cargo operations.

Explanation.–– For the purpose of this sub-rule, the expression “cargo information” means the information required in sub-chapter 1.9 of the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing, adopted by International Maritime Organisation Resolution A.714(17), as may be amended.

The shipper shall provide the master or his representative with appropriateinformation on the cargo sufficiently in advance of loading to enable the precautions which may be necessary for proper stowage and safe carriage of the cargo to be put into effect and such information shall–

be provided in such format recommended by the International Maritime Organisation through MSC/Circ. 663;
- beconfirmed in writing and by appropriate documents prior to loading the cargo on the ship;
includethe following, namely:––
- inthe case of general cargo and of cargo carried in cargo units, a general description of the cargo, the gross mass of the cargo or of the cargo units, and any relevant special properties of the cargo;
in the case of solid bulk cargo, information as required by section 4 of the International MaritimeSolid Bulk Cargoes Code;
- in case of a bulk cargo not listed in IMSBC Code, the provisions of section 1.3 of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code.

Prior to loading cargo units on board ships, the shipper shall ensure that the gross mass of such units is in accordance with gross mass declared on the shipping documents and ascertained in accordance with Annexure – I.
In the case of cargo carried in a container, except for containers carried on a chassis or a trailer when such containers are drivenon or off a ro-ro ship engaged in short international voyages as defined in Regulation III/3 of the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, the gross mass of the container shall be verified as per procedure detailed in Annexure – I.

The shipper of a container shall ensure that the mass of the container is verified in accordance with procedure as specified in Annexure – I, in conformity with Resolution (MSC.1/ Circ. 1475) and the verified gross mass shall be stated in the shipping document which shall be––
- signedby a person duly authorised by the shipper; and

(b) submitted to the master or his representative and to the terminal representative sufficiently in advance, as required by the master or his representative, to be used in the preparation of the ship stowage plan.

Where the shipping document with regard to a packed container does not provide the verified gross mass and the master or his representative and the terminal representative have not obtained the verified gross mass of the packed container, it shall not be loaded on to the ship.

Oxygen analysis and gas detection equipment. —Every ship transporting a solid bulk cargo which is liable to emit a toxic or flammable gas or cause oxygen depletion in the cargo space, shall carry an appropriate instrument for measuring the concentration of gas or oxygen in the air, along with detailed instruction for use from the original equipment manufacturer and comply with the following conditions, namely:––

crew members on such ship shall be trained in the use of such instrument within two weeks of their joining or prior to enteringenclosed or confined spaces or prior to commencement of cargo operations which affect atmospheric conditions, whichever is earlier, and the same shall be recorded;

(b) each such instrument shall be maintained and periodically calibrated as required by the manufacturer.

Use of pesticides in ships. — (1) Every master of a ship shall take appropriate precautions in the use of pesticides on board his ship, in particular, for the purposes of fumigation in accordance with the concerned recommendations of the International Maritime Organisation Resolutions MSC.1/Circ.1358, MSC.1/Circ.1264, MSC.1/Circ.1361, toensure that life of his crew and persons involved in fumigation is not endangered.

(2) In-transit fumigation shall only be carried out based upon recommendations of the International Maritime Organisation Resolution MSC.1/ Circ. 1264, and in compliance with the notices issued by the Administration, if any.

Stowageand — When stowing and securing any cargo on board ship, the master shall comply with the provisions specified in the relevant Code for acceptability, stowage, and securing of cargoes in the following manner, namely:––

cargo,cargo units and cargo transport units carried on or under deck shall be so loaded, stowed and secured, as to prevent as far as practicable, throughout the voyage, damage or hazard to the ship and the persons on board and loss of cargo overboard;
- cargo, cargo units and cargo transport units shall be so packed and secured within the unit as to prevent, throughout the voyage, damage or hazard to the ship and the persons on board;
- appropriate precautions shall be taken during loading and transport of heavy cargoes or cargoes with abnormal physical dimensions to prevent structural damage to the ship and to maintain adequate stability throughout the voyage;
appropriate precautions shall be taken during loading and transport of cargo units and cargo transport units on board ro-ro ships, especially with regard to the securing arrangements on board such ships and on the cargo units and cargo transport units and with regard to the strength of the securing points and lashings;
- freight containers shall not be loaded to more than the maximum gross weight indicated on the safety approval plate fixed thereon under the International Convention for Safe Containers, 1972, as amended;
all cargoes, other than solid and liquid bulk cargoes, cargo units and cargo transport units, shall be loaded, stowed and secured on board ship throughout the voyage in accordance with the Cargo Securing Manual duly approved by the competent authority or recognised organisation;
- in ships with ro-ro spaces as defined in the Regulation II-2/3.41 of the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, all securing of cargoes, cargounits and cargo transport units shall be in accordance with

the Cargo Securing Manual duly approved by the competent authority or recognised organisation, and shall be completed before the ship leaves the berth.

Material safety data sheets. —The ships carrying oil or oil fuel, shall be provided with material safety data sheets, based on recommendations of the International Maritime Organisation Resolution MSC.286(86), prior to loading such oil as cargo in bulk or bunkering of oil fuel.

Explanation.–– For the purposes of this rule, the expression “oil fuel” means any oil used as fuel in connection with the propulsion or auxiliary machinery of the ship in which oil is carried.

Prohibition of blending of bulk liquid cargoes and production processes during sea voyages. — (1) The physical blending of bulk liquid cargoes during sea voyages is prohibited:

Provided that such prohibition does not preclude the master from undertaking cargo transfers for the safety of the ship or protection of the marine environment.

Explanation.–– For the purposes of this sub-rule, the expression “physical blending” means the process whereby the ship’s cargo pumps and pipelines are used to internally circulate two or more different cargoes with the intent to achieve a cargo with a new product designation.

The prohibition specified in sub-rule (1) shall not apply to the blending of products for use in the search and exploitation of seabed mineral resources on board ships used to facilitate such operations.

Anyproduction process on board a ship during sea voyages is

Explanation.–– For the purposes of this sub-rule, the expression “production process” means any deliberate operation whereby a chemical reaction between a ship’s cargo and any other substance or cargo takes place.

The prohibition specified in sub-rule (3) shall not apply to the production processes of the cargoes for use in the search and exploitation of seabed mineral resources on board ships used to facilitate such operations.

CHAPTER III

SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR SOLID BULK CARGOES

Acceptability for shipment. — (1) Prior to loading a solid bulk cargo, the master shall be in possession of comprehensive information on the stability and the distribution of cargo as per the standard loading conditions which shall––
- conformto the requirements prescribed by the applicable notice issued by the Administration from time to time;

conform to the Regulation II-1/5-1 of the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 and guidelinesfor the preparation of intact stability information (MSC/Circ.456) and the revised guidelines to the master for avoiding dangerous situations in adverse weather and sea conditions (MSC.1/Circ.1228); and
- befrom a loading instrument as approved by the competent authority or recognised
Concentratesor other cargoes which may liquefy shall only be accepted by the master of the ship for loading when the actual moisture content of the cargo is less than its transportable moisture limit:

Provided that cargoes having moisture content in excess of the transportable moisture limit may be carried on a specially constructed or fitted cargo ships for confining cargo shift, as approved by the Administration for Indian ships and in case of foreign flag ships, as approved by the respective flag state administration.

Theinformation relating to solid bulk cargo referred to in sub-clause (ii) of clause (c) of sub-rule (2) of rule 7 shall include signed certificate on the moisture content and transportable moisture limit of the cargo, issued by entity or laboratory approved by the Administration in accordance with Annexure – II.
- The master shall take special precautions for safe loading and carriage of bulk cargoes which possess chemical properties that may create a potential hazard and are not covered by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods
  1. Carriage requirement. — (1) Every ship loading solid bulk cargoes other than grain shall comply with the requirements of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code and loading and unloading procedures stipulated in the Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk carriers.

The master shall ensure that bulk cargoes shall be loaded and trimmed properly to reasonable level, as necessary,to the boundaries of the cargo space as to minimise the risk of shifting and maintain adequate stability throughout the intended voyage.
Wherebulk cargoes are carried in tween-decks of general cargo ships,–

the hatchways of such spaces shall be closed for cases where the loading information indicates an unacceptable level of stress on the bottom structure if the hatchways are left open;

(b) the cargo shall be trimmed at reasonable level and either extend from side to side or secured by additional longitudinal divisions of sufficient strength;

(c) the safe load-carrying capacity of the tween-decks shall be observed to ensure that the deck-structure is not over stressed or overloaded; and

(d) the master shall be guided by the relevant sections of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code in respect of cargoes carried on tween-deck ships or general cargo ships.

Loading, unloading and stowage. —(1) The shipper, ship owner, ship master and the ports involved in the safe loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes other than grain listed in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code shall strictly comply with the relevant responsibilities, duties and authority specified in the Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers and detailed procedures in the manual on loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes for terminal representatives.

If the cargoes that are not listed in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code or detailed information is not available, the shipper, ship owner, ship master or the concerned port shall approach the Administration withoutany delay.
- To enable the master to prevent excessive stresses in the ship structure, all ships engaged in shipment of such cargoes shall be provided with a booklet, duly approved by the competent authority or recognised organisation,written in a language with which the ship’s master and officers responsible for cargo operations are familiar with and in case the language is not in English, a booklet in English language shall be provided to the ship with the following information, namely:–
  - stabilitydata, as required by Regulation II-1/5-1 of the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974;

(b) ballasting and de-ballasting rates and capacities;

maximumallowable load per unit surface area of the tank top plating;

(d) maximum allowable load per hold;

general loading and unloading instructions with regard to the strength of the ships structure including any limitations on the most adverse operating conditions during loading, unloading, ballasting operation and the voyage;

(f) any special restrictions such as limitations on the most adverse operating conditions imposed by the Administration, issued by a relevant notice, if any;

where strength calculations are required maximum permissible forces and movement on the ship’s hull during loading, unloading and the voyage.
- Beforea solid bulk cargo is loaded or unloaded, the master and the terminal representative shall ––
  - agree ona plan, drawn up in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers, to ensure that the permissible forces and moments on the ship are not exceeded during loading or unloading;
- include the sequence, quantity and rate of loading or unloading, taking into consideration the speed of loading or unloading, the number of pours and de-ballasting or ballasting capability of the ship.

Explanation.–– For the purposes of this sub-rule, the expression “pour” means quantity of cargo poured through one hatch opening as one step in the loading plan i.e. from the time the spout is positioned over hatch opening until it is moved to another hatch opening.

The plan referred to in clause (a) of sub-rule (4) and any subsequent amendments thereto shall be reported to the nearest authority of the port State.
- The master and terminal representative shall ensure that loading and unloading operations are conducted in accordance with the agreed plan.

In case during loading or unloading any of the limits specified in the cargo plan are exceeded or likely to exceed andif the loading or unloading continues, the master shall suspend operation and notify accordingly to the authority of the port State and the master and the terminal representative shall ensure that corrective action is taken.
- In case any damage occurs, which may impair the structural capability or the watertight integrity or the ships essentialengineering systems, then the damage shall be reported to the recognised organisation or the Authority of the port State.
The master shall ensure that ship’s personnel continuously monitor cargo operations and where possible, the ships draft shall be checked regularly during loading or unloading to confirm with ship’s deadweight, and cargo figures

Each draft, deadweight including cargo loaded observation shall be recorded in a cargo log-book or other equivalent ship’s log-book and if significant deviations from the agreed plan are detected, cargo or ballast operationsor both shall be adjusted to ensure that the deviations are corrected.
- The Administration in consultation with ship owners, ports, shippers and other entities may issue notice detailing proceduresand guidelines, from time to time, for the purposes of implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code including the Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers and the manual on loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes for terminal

CHAPTER IV CARRIAGE OF GRAIN

Special requirements for carriage of grain. — (1) In addition to any other applicable requirements under these rules, a cargo ship carrying grain shall comply with the requirement of the International Grain Code and hold a document of authorisation as required by the International Grain Code.

Fora ship loading grain, the master of the ship shall satisfy to the Port State Authority or its authorised official that the ship complies with the requirements of these rules and the provisions of International Grain Code in its proposed loading condition.
- A ship without a document required under this rule, shall not load grain until the master demonstrates to the satisfaction of Administration or the Port State Authority of the port of loading, that the ship in its proposed loading condition shall comply with the provisions of the International Grain Code during the entire voyage.

CHAPTER V MISCELLANEOUS

Implementation and enforcement. —(1) The surveyor appointed under section 8 or authorised under section 9 of the Act, shall survey the ship to check fittings and requirements for carriage of cargoes as required under these

The surveyor appointed under section 8 of the Act, upon receipt of complaint or otherwise, may board the ship to verify compliance with the requirements under these rules.
Any violation or non-compliance with these rules, by the owner, company, master, shipper, or any other relevant service provider, shall be liable to penalty under the Act.

—The fee for survey and certification to be conducted by surveyors appointed under section 8 of the Act shall be as specified in the Schedule.

Annexure – I

[See rule 7(3), (4) and (5)]

Method for Verifying Gross Mass

In the case of cargo carried in a container, the gross mass shall be verified by the shipper as per the following methods, namely:––
- Method–– weighing the packed container using calibrated and certified equipment; or

Method 2.–– weighing all packages and cargo items, including the mass of pallets, dunnage and other securing material to be packed in the container and adding the tare mass of the container to the sum of the single masses, using a certified method approved by the Administration in which packing of the containerwas completed.

Shippersfrom India shall adopt either of the methods for verifying the gross mass of the

Explanation.–– For the purposes of clause (a) of paragraph 1, the expression “calibrated and certified equipment” means a scale, weighbridge or weighing appliances, lifting equipment or any other device, capable of determining the actual gross mass of a packed container or of packages and cargo items, pallets, dunnage and other packing and securing material, that meets the accuracy standards and requirements of the State in which the equipment is being used.

Afterverifying the gross mass by either of the specified methods, the shipper shall inform the verified gross mass of the container (except for containers carried on a chassis or a trailer when such containers are driven on of a ro-ro ship engaged in short international voyage) to the master of the ship or his representative, to enable preparation of the stowage plan, sufficiently in advance of the loading.
The master or hisrepresentative and the terminal shall specify the time frame before which the information referred to in paragraph 3 is required to be provided by the shipper and such time frame shall be available in the public domain for easy access by all concerned including the shippers.
The shipping companyshall provide information regarding the verified gross mass of the packaged container to the terminal representative in advance of ship loading in accordance with paragraph 6.3.1 of the International Maritime Organisation Circular No. MSC.I/Circ. 1475, dated 9^th June, 2014.
1. The shipper shall ensure that the shipping document containing the information about the gross mass of the container––

issigned by a person duly authorised by the shipper;
- bears the name and designation of the person signing the shipping document which is clearly legible along with the contact details (phone number and email id.); and
issubmitted in electronic format using digital

The shipper of the container shall also ensure that the requirements of CTU Code 2014, are adhered to while packing or stuffing the container.
Shippers adopting method 1 referred to in clause (a) of paragraph 1 for verifying the gross mass of the container shall ensure the following, namely:––
- theverification of gross mass of the container shall be carried out at a location away from the port or terminal to avoid congestion at the port or terminal area;
  - thecontainer shall preferably be weighed at the container stuffing point or container freight station or inland container deport, or en-route to the port or terminal;
- the weighbridge or weighing appliances used for ascertaining the gross mass of the container shall comply with the requirements specified in paragraph 10;
  - theverified gross mass of the container obtained at the weighbridge or weighing appliances shall be provided by the weighbridge or weighing appliances operator in a tamper proof document to the shipper;
  - theshipper shall––
    - uploadthe relevant information specified in Form-1 on a dedicated secure website;

providethe tamper proof document of the weighbridge or weighing appliances operator to the master or his representative upon request;
- forwardthe above information to the master or his representative through electronic means, immediately on the verification of the gross mass of the container.

(a) The shippers adopting method 2 referred to in clause (b) of paragraph 1 for verification of gross mass of container shall have their method approved by the Administration after complying with the following requirements, namely:––

(i) the method of the shipper shall be part of a Quality Management System complying with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 standards, or such updated standards applicable from time to time;

the shipper shall maintain a list of calibrated weighing scales duly certified by Department of Legal Metrology;
- the owner of the container shall ensure that the tare weight of the container is correctly marked on the container and the shipper shall have mechanism to re-verify the weight of the empty container, if required, to ensure that the weight of the empty container conforms to the tare weight marked on the container:

Provided that for such re-verification whenever required, a combination of electronic scale and pulley or chain-block, or other relevant methods may be accepted:

Provided further that if any noticeable deviation is observed between the actual weight of the empty container and the tare weight marked on the container, such empty container shall not be accepted for stuffing the container without ensuring that the tare weight marked on the container reflects the actual weight of the container;

the shipper shall upload the information regarding the verified gross mass of the container and other relevant information as specified in Form -1 of this Annexure on a dedicated secure website or its own website or through tie-up with other dedicated secure website;

the shipper shall submit the details of the method proposed to be used for verifying the gross mass of the container along with details of all other relevant documents as specified in Form-2 to the jurisdictional Mercantile Marine Department along with applicable fee for processing the issue for approval.
- Thejurisdictional Mercantile Marine Department shall––
  - have the premises of the shipper inspected to verify that the certified process, associated instruments etc., confirm the ability of the shipper to comply with the requirements of method 2;
- on successful completion of the inspection, forward the report specified in Form-2 to the Administration for consideration of the grant of approval to the certified process of the shipper.
  - The list of companies or shippers approved by the Administration for method 2 shallbe displayed on the website of the Administration.
    1. (a)The dedicated secure website––
      - shallhave its server, associated backup systems , located within India;

(ii) desiring to adopt method 1 or method 2 shall have the ability to display the information on real time basis to all concerned along with details of shippers, weighbridge or weighing appliances, terminals, carriers, etc. participating in their system and electronically transmit the information to the master or his representative;

shall comply with the requirements of information security management systems as may be applicable from time to time;

shall have a firewall system designed to prevent unauthorised access to, or fromthe network conforming to the requirements of the latest industry standards;

(v) shall be in possession of a valid Quality Management System certificate confirming compliance with ISO 9001:2015 standards, or such updated standards as applicable from time to time;

shall retain information for a period of three years initially on the website and a further period of two years in external stowage devices;
- shall only provide such information in the public domain as specified by the Administration from timeto time;

shall provide without any cost, the information regarding gross mass of containers and other relevant informationto all Government Authorities like Mercantile Marine Department, Administration, Customs and Central Excise department, Port Authorities, Security Agencies, etc.

shall provide periodical or annual reports to the Administration including other information available in the database of the website whenever required by the Administration without any cost.
- The list of dedicated secure websites accepted by the Administration for providing the service shall be displayedon the website of the Administration.
  - The terminals or ports or weighbridge operators, etc. may develop dedicated website, either singularly or collectively, so as to provide required information about the verified gross mass of the container to all concerned in compliance with the requirements of this paragraph.

11.(a) The weighbridge or weighing appliances using method 1 and method 2 shall––

(i) be electronic type;

becalibrated and certified by the Department of Legal Metrology;
- becertified as a valid Quality Management System confirming compliance with ISO 9001:2015 standards, or such updated standards applicable from time to time;
- haveadequate capacity to weigh the loaded container along with the trailer or truck or lorry, if required;
havetamper proof mechanism that prevents tampering with the calibration;
- haveprovision to provide information about verified gross mass in a tamper proof
Theweighbridge or weighing appliances operators desiring to participate in method 1 or method 2 shall––

(i) submit the information as specified in Form-3.

verifythe calibration with standard weights at frequent intervals and the details of such verification shall be recorded and made available during inspection by authorised personnel.
1. The verified gross mass of container shall not exceed the maximumgross weight indicated on the container safety approval plate (CSC Plate).

Thedecision of the master of a ship whether to accept or reject a container shall be
Thededicated secure website and weighbridges or weighing appliances may be––

auditedor inspected by authorised personnel;
- debarredfor non-
  1. The container owners not marking the correct tare weight on the container and the names of the shippers defaulting in the declaration of the verified gross mass of containers may be displayed on the website of the office of

Theinstances of mis-declaration of verified gross mass of container shall be reported to the

Form – 1

[See paragraph 8(e)(i) of Annexure 1] INFORMATION ABOUT VERIFIED GROSS MASS OF CONTAINER

Sr. No.	Details of Information	Particulars
(1)	(2)	(3)
1*	Name of the shipper
2*	Shipper Registration/License No. (IEC No/CIN No) **
3*	Name and designation of official of the shipper authorised to sign document
4*	24 x 7 contact details of authorised official of shipper
5*	Container No.
6*	Container Size (TEU/FEU/other)
7*	Maximum permissible weight of container as per the CSC plate
8*	Weighbridge registration no. and Address of Weighbridge
9*	Verified gross mass of container (method-1/method-2)
10*	Date and time of weighing
11*	Weighing slip no.
12	Type (Normal/Reefer/Hazardous/others)
13	If Hazardous, UN No, IMDG class

Signature of authorised person of shipper: Name: Date:

Remarks:

* Indicates mandatory fields

** Shippers not having IEC No. or CIN No. may provide information as follows: Company – PAN No.

Individuals:

Indian National – AADHAR No

Foreign National – PASSPORT No and Country of issue of passport.

Form – 2

[See paragraph 9(a)(v) and (b)(ii) of Annexure – 1]

SCRUTINY SHEET FOR ASSESSMENT AND APPROVAL OF SHIPPER FOR ADOPTING METHOD – 2

Sr. No.	Requirements	Compliance	Remarks
(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
I	BASIC REQUIREMENTS
1	Name of the Shipper
2	Names of the Owners/Directors/Proprietor/Partner/Trustees etc., of the organisation		(Documentary evidence to be attached)
3	Date of Registration of the Organisation [Company/Society/Partnership etc.,]		1. Copy of certificate of incorporation of the organisation to be attached. 2. Copy of Memorandum and Articles of Association/other equivalent documents to be attached [as applicable]
4	Name of the Director/Official authorised to sign documents
5	Fees: Demand Draft/online payment for Rs. /- in favour of the Jurisdictional MMD.		For Assessment and Issue of Certificate
6	Registered Address or Location of the organisation Telephone/Fax/E-Mail
7	Address for Communication 24×7 Telephone/Fax/E-Mail
8	Layout of the premises (Stuffing location) with relevant documents		Copy of the layout plan to be attached
9	Ownership details of the premises	Lease deed valid upto: Whether Lease deed has enabling provision for renewal of lease for a further period.	If owned: copy of the ownership documents to be attached If leased: copy of the leased deed duly registered with the appropriate authority to be attached
10	The organisation premises to have the necessary permissions from the concerned local authorities (Municipal/Panchayat/Industrial etc., as applicable)		Shop and Establishment registration, Municipality licence, etc., as applicable to be attached
11	Quality Management System Certificate complying with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 standards	Valid till	Copy of certificate to be attached
12	Details of calibrated electronic weighing equipment		Certificates from Legal Metrology Department to be submitted

13	Lifting Hooks for slinging the empty container	Safe working load to be specified
14	Chain block	Safe working load to be specified
15	Premises to have adequate space for weighing the individual items including pallets, etc.
16	Ability to issue tamper proof document containing information specified in Form -1	Copy of the tamper proof document to be submitted
17	Ability to display information on independent website/tie-up with independent website	Agreement of tie-up with independent website to be submitted
18	Ability to digitally transmit container VGM data to website, terminal and Master of the ship

Recommendations/Comments of MMD Surveyor: List of enclosures:

Surveyor of MMD

Comments of the Principal Officer:

Form – 3

[See paragraph 11(b) of Annexure – 1] INFORMATION ABOUT WEIGHBRIDGE

Sr.No.	Details of Information	Particulars
(1)	(2)	(3)
1	Name of the weighbridge Operator
2	Address of weighbridge
3	Weighbridge Registration/License No. issued by Department of Legal Metrology
4	Details of the weighbridge – Type: Mechanical / Electronic Make
	Model
	Serial No.
5	Weighbridge calibration certificate issued from Department of Legal Metrology and Certificate No. and date of issue with validity	Certificate No. Date of issue Validity
6	Weighbridge QMS certificate confirming compliance with ISO 9001:2015 or such updated standards that is applicable from time to time.	Certificate No. Date of issue Validity
7	Does the weighbridge have adequate capacity to weigh the loaded container along with the trailer/truck/lorry, if required?
8	Does the weighbridge have provision to provide information about verified gross mass in a tamper proof document?

Signature of authorised person of weighbridge operator

Name: Date:

Annexure – II

[See rule 13(3)]

Approval of marine laboratories as per IMSBC Code

All marine laboratories which are engaged in the testing of cargoes carried on board ships as per the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code, and desiring to be approved by the Administration, for the said purpose, shall follow the requirements stipulated in Form – 4.

The marine laboratories shall approach the Administration and jurisdictional Mercantile Marine Department, for an inspection and approval from the Administration.

Form – 4

[See paragraph 1 of Annexure – II]

SCRUTINY SHEET FOR ASSESSMENT AND APPROVAL OF LABORATORIES AS PER IMSBC CODE

Sr. No	Requirements	Compliance	Remarks
(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
A	BASIC REQUIREMENT
1.	Name of the Organisation [Marine Laboratory]
2.	Names of the Owners / Directors / Proprietor / Trustees etc., of the organisation owning the marine laboratory.		Documentary evidence to be attached
3.	Date of Registration of the Organisation [Company / Society etc.]		1. Copy of Certificate of Incorporation to be attached. 2. Copy of Memorandum and Articles of Association / other equivalent documents to be attached (as applicable).
4.	Fees: Online payment details / Demand Draft for Rs. /- in favour of the Jurisdictional MMD
5.	Address for communication Telephone / Fax / E-Mail
6	Address of location of the Laboratory Telephone / Fax / E-Mail
7	Layout of the premises with relevant documents		Copy of the layout plan to be attached.
8	Ownership details of the premises of the marine laboratory	Lease deed valid up to : Whether lease deed has enabling provision for renewal of lease for a further period	If owned: copy of ownership documents to be attached. If leased: copy of the lease deed duly registered with the appropriate authority to be attached.
9	The marine laboratory premises to have the necessary permissions from the concerned local authorities (Municipal / Panchayat / Industrial etc. as applicable)		Shop and Establishment registration, Municipality licence, etc. as applicable to be attached.

B	PERSONNEL (Qualification, Training and Practical experience)
1.	Competent Person( Head of Marine laboratory) 1. Qualifications and Experience: An Officer of Merchant Navy with following experience: 2nd Mate FG CoC with at least 2 years rank experience OR MEO Class I CoC with at least 24 months experience in carrying out cargo survey. 2. Have conducted more than 25 tests with each apparatus (Flow Table & Penetration test) at NABL accredited laboratory. 3. Should have preferably 1 year experience of handling samples in NABL accredited laboratory pertaining to FMP & Moisture. 4. Completed training on Internal Quality Auditor for ISO 9001:2008 / 9001:2015.	1. Name 2. CoC grade 3. CoC No. 4. Age 5. Experience	1. Copy of CoC to be submitted. 2. Copy of experience certificate to be submitted. 2.1 If working for cargo surveying organisation – letter from organisation to be submitted. 2.2 If self-employed – copy of oldest cargo survey report signed by owner to be submitted.
2	Technical Head/Chemist 1. At least a graduate in Chemistry / Physics. 2. Trained in IMSBC Code 3. Trained in Laboratory Management (as per ISO 17025:2005). 4. Trained in estimation of Measurement of Uncertainty. 5. Have conducted more than 25 tests with each apparatus (Flow table / Penetration test / Modified Proctor / Fagerberg test as applicable) at NABL accredited laboratory. 6. To have minimum 6 months experience of handling samples in NABL accredited laboratory pertaining to testing of FMP & Moisture.		Copies of certificates to be attached.
C	Infrastructure
1	The walls of the premises are to be properly coated / painted.
2	The premises to have modern flooring of ceramic tiles / granite / mosaic or similar material.
3	The premises to have adequate lighting.
4	The premises to be adequately ventilated.
5	The laboratory to be accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories (NABL).		Certificate of Accreditation by NABL is to be attached.
6	The laboratory to be in possession of quality certification under ISO 9001:2008 or ISO 9001:2015.		Certificate is to be attached.

7	The laboratory shall have the following updated/amended publications and standards as required (i.e. IMSBC Code (latest Edition), ASTM C230/C230M, ISO 3082 (Iron ore sampling and sample preparation), IS 1405 – 2010 methods of sampling Iron ore, understanding laboratory management system 17025:2005, determining of specific gravity IS 11896, etc. are some of the publications required to be maintained).	Complete list of publications & standards to be attached.
8	The laboratory to have necessary firefighting equipment (in view of the hot air ovens being used).
D	FLOW TABLE TEST
1	Scope: The Flow Table is generally suitable for mineral concentrates or other fine material with a maximum grain size of 1 mm. It may also be applicable to materials having a maximum grain size of up to 7 mm. It may not give satisfactory results for materials coarser than this or for some materials with high clay content. If the flow table test is not suitable for a material in question, the procedures should be those approved by the authority of the port state.
2	Apparatus	Photographs to be attached
3	Standard Flow table & Frame
4	The frame of the flow table is to be made of apparent good quality cast iron consisting of three ribs extending the full height of the frame & 120 deg. apart.
5	The top of the frame as well as the bottom should be suitably ground to give complete contact with shaft the collar and the steel plate respectively.
6	The table-top to be made of finely machined brass or bronze.
7	The dimensions of the table-top should be 254 mm (+/− 2.5 mm) × 8 mm.
8	The table-top should be supported by six ribs at the bottom.
9	The shaft should be attached to the table- top by means of a screw thread.
10	The play between the shaft and the boring in the frame should be within 0.26 mm.
11	The shaft should make contact with the cam only after the cam has rotated by 120 deg after falling of the shaft.
12	The Drop height should be as per ASTM Standard C230 – (12.7 mm).
13	The Drop counter should operate at 25 drops/minute.
14	There should be proper markings on the Flow table as described in IMSBC Code.
15	The Flow table rotating cam should be fitted tightly.
16	Flow table Mounting

17	The Flow table frame should be tightly bolted to a cast iron or steel plate at least 25 mm thick and 250 mm square.
18	The top surface of this plate should be machined to a smooth plane surface.
19	The plate should be apparently anchored to the top of a concrete pedestal & partly embedded in the concrete pedestal as required by the IMSBC Code.
20	The pedestal should be cast inverted on the base plate.
21	A positive contact between the base plate and pedestal should be obtained at all times.
22	The flow table is levelled in perpendicular axis (No additional plates or nuts to be used).
23	The pedestal height, top square and the bottom square should be as per the ASTM Standard C 230.
24	The pedestal height should be between 625 – 750 mm.	Actual height mm
25	The pedestal square at the top should be between 250 – 275 mm.	Actual height mm
26	The square at the bottom should be between 375 – 400 mm.	Actual height mm
27	The construction of the pedestal should be of a monolithic structure, i.e., the pedestal should be made up of a cast consisting of concrete.
28	A suitable and stable gasket cork pad should be inserted under each corner of the pedestal.
29	The flow table should be checked frequently for levelness of the table top, stability of the pedestal and tightness of the bolts and nuts in the table base and the pedestal plate.
30	The vertical shaft of the table should be kept clean and should be lightly lubricated with light oil.
31	There should be no oil present between the contact faces of the table top and the supporting frame.
32	The table should be raised and permitted to drop a dozen or more times just prior to use if it has not been operated for some time.
33	The rotating cam should be properly lubricated.
34	The Gear box should be properly lubricated.
35	Mould
36	The mould for casting the flow specimen should be made of cast bronze or brass.
37	The measurements of the mould should be as per the standard, i.e. the diameter of the top should be 69.8 mm ± 0.5 mm.	Actual diameter mm

38	The surfaces of the base and top should be parallel and at a right angle to the vertical axis of the cone.
39	The mould should have a minimum wall thickness of 5 mm.	Actual diameter mm
40	The outside of the top edge of the mould should be shaped so as to provide an integral collar for convenient lifting of the mould.
41	All the surfaces of the mould should be machined to a smooth finish.
42	Tamper
43	The tamper should be designed and constructed as per the recommendations in the IMSBC Code.
44	Scales and Weights
45	The scales should conform to the following requirements. On scales in use, the permissible variation at a load of 2000 gms should be +/- 2.0 gms.	Calibration certificates to be attached.
46	The weighing balances should be placed in an appropriate position.
47	The weighing balances should be placed on a flat surface.
48	The weights should be calibrated by a NABL accredited laboratory.	Calibration certificates to be attached.
49	Glass graduated measuring cylinder and burette.	Calibration certificates to be attached.
50	A hemispherical mixing bowl approx. 30 cm diameter, rubber gloves and drying dishes or pans. Alternatively, an automatic mixer of similar capacity can be used for the mixing operations. In this case, care should be exercised to ensure that the use of such a mechanical mixer does not reduce the particle size or consistency of the test material.
51	A drying oven with controlled temperature up to approx. 110 degrees Celsius. This oven should be without air circulation.	Calibration certificates to be attached.
52	Is the procedure for carrying out the test as specified in the IMSBC Code.
E	PENETRATION TEST
1	Scope: The penetration test is generally suitable for mineral concentrates, similar materials, and coals up to a top size of 25 mm. In this procedure, the sample, in a cylindrical vessel, is subjected to vertical vibration of 2 g rms +/- 10% (g = gravity acceleration) for 6 minutes. When the penetration depth of a bit put on the surface exceeds 50 mm, it is judged that the sample contains moisture content greater than the flow moisture point.
2	Apparatus	Photographs to be attached.
3	The test apparatus consists of: vibrating table

	cylindrical vessels indicators (penetration bits and a holder) tamper ancillary equipment
4	The Penetration machine should consist of a vibrator with a table on which a cylindrical vessel can be clamped. The vibrator should be capable of exciting a mass of 30 kg at a frequency of either 50 Hz or 60 Hz with acceleration of 3 g rms or more, and it can be controlled to adjust the acceleration level.		The acceleration to be checked with a calibrated accelerometer up to 3 gms.
5	The cylindrical vessels should be made of reasonably rigid, non-magnetic, impermeable and lightweight material such as acrylics or vinyl chloride.
6	Penetration bits are made of brass. The mass of the bit for concentrates should be adjusted to 177 g. When the sample contains coarse particles, it is recommended that two bits of the same pressure are put on the surface to avoid mis-judgement.
7	A holder should be made to guide the rod with minimum friction to the centre of a cylindrical vessel. When two bits are used, they should be positioned suitably.
8	A cylindrical vessel and penetration indicators should be selected in accordance with the nature and condition of the test sample, viz. size of particles and bulk density.
9	Is the procedure for carrying out the test as specified in the IMSBC Code.
F	Modified Proctor/Fagerberg Test Procedure for Iron Ore Fines
1.	Eligibility for approval The Laboratory should have approval of DGS for the flow table test for a period of at least 1 year before applying for approval for Modified Proctor / Fagerberg test. However, if the laboratory has approval for carrying out penetration test in addition to the flow table test, they may apply for approval on completion of 6 months from the date of approval by the Directorate for the flow table test.	1. Date of approval of Flow table test 2. Date of approval of Penetration test Copy of approval certificates to be attached.
2	Accreditation of the laboratory with NABL for conduct of Modified Proctor/Fagerberg test for Iron Ore Fines. NABL accreditation for modified Proctor & Fagerberg test valid till NABL certificate to be attached.

3	The Validation of the Method & Results The laboratory should have conducted a minimum of 50 tests by the modified Proctor & Fagerberg test and prepare comparison charts of the results of the same sample against Flow Table Test (FTT) and Penetration Table Test (PTT) for validation of the results.	Data and graph of deviation obtained between the different test methods to be verified.	Data and deviation graph to be attached.
	Additional equipment required [in addition to the requirements for the Flow Table Test & Penetration Table Test]
4	The Compaction Cylinder A cylindrical iron mould with a removable extension piece having an inner volume of 1000 cm³.	To be verified against Fig 1.3.2 of the IMSBC Code, for the required specifications of the proctor equipment.	Photo to be attached.
5	The Compaction Hammer This is a compaction tool guided by an open pipe at its lower end. The weight of the hammer is 150 gms which may be applied by a bit having a diameter of 50 mm. The drop height of the hammer is 15 cms.	To be verified against Fig 1.3.2 of the IMSBC Code, for the required specifications of the compaction hammer.	Photo to be attached.
6	Pycnometer (an instrument employed to measure material density of solids)		1. Photo to be attached. 2. Must be accompanied with a calibration certificate.
7	Suitable vibration equipment for Pycnometer The penetration table may be modified for this purpose if the design of the pycnometer allows for adequate vibrations. (To remove all void spaces in the sample)	Please see adequate standard for calculating density.	Photo to be attached.

Recommendations / Comments of MMD Surveyor: List of enclosures

Surveyor of the MMD

Comments of the Principal Officer

Schedule

[See rule 18]

Scheduled Fees regarding Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Cargoes and Oil Fuels) Rules, 2026

Sr. No.	Item	Service	Fee (INR)
(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
1	Survey or Inspection	Surveyor boarding ship for verification, as required under these Rules Any required subsequent visit for closure of observations, etc.	6,000 2,000 (per visit)
2	Approval	Cargo Securing Manual	50,000
3	Approval	Cargo securing fittings including grain fittings	30,000
4	Approval	Grain Stability Booklets For ships up to 5,000 GT For ships above 5,000 GT	80,000 80,000 Plus 1,000 for additional 100 GT subject to maximum of 1,60,000
5	Certification	Document of Authorisation (Grain)	30,000
6	Approval of Marine laboratories for cargo testing as per IMSBC Code	Visiting marine laboratories for inspection Any required subsequent visits for re-inspection, closure of observations, etc.	6,000 2,000 (per visit)
7	Approval of Shipper for VGM of containers	Visiting shipper’s premises for inspection Any required subsequent visits for re-inspection, closure of observations, etc.	6,000 2,000 (per visit)
8	Holidays and overtime fees	Holiday and overtime (before 0930 hrs or after 1800 hrs) fees	10,000

Notifying Merchant Shipping Carriage of Cargoes and Oil Fuels rules 2026 under Merchant Shipping act 2025