9 months ago
India Simplifies Rules for Domestic Seafarers
In India, sailors operating between domestic ports no longer need to do immigration paperwork or get special passes to go ashore.
This makes their jobs easier and reduces delays.
Union Home Ministry abolished coastal sign-on, sign-off system and shore leave pass (SLP) procedures for Indian-flag vessels operating within Indian ports
Move aims to reduce paperwork burden and empower seafarers
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to regulate shore access of crew
Bureau of Immigration to conduct periodic inspections
Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal welcomes the decision
- Who
- Union Home Ministry, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Bureau of Immigration, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal
- What
- Abolished immigration procedures for Indian-flag vessels operating within Indian ports
- Where
- India
- When
- November 20, 2025
- Why
- To reduce burden on seafarers and empower them
Proponents of the Change
Opponents of the Change
Ease of Operations
Proponents of the Change
The abolished procedures reduced paperwork and simplified operations for seafarers.
Opponents of the Change
Opponents argue that the change may lead to increased security risks and less accountability.
Key facts
- Vessels Affected
- Indian-flag ships, dredgers, barges, research vessels operating within Indian port limits
- Previously Required
- Coastal sign-on, sign-off system and shore leave pass (SLP) procedures
- New Regulation
- Port authorities to regulate shore access of crew
- Inspection Body
- Bureau of Immigration
- Minister Responsible
- Amit Shah (Union Home Ministry), Sarbananda Sonowal (Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways)
Quotes
An official of the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)
A representative of the Indian government agency responsible for shipping matters.
“The discontinuation is a landmark decision. There are not enough immigration checkposts at each port in India. The regulation that applies to a passenger will now apply to the seafarers sailing within Indian shores.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Capt Sanjay Prashar
A captain in the maritime industry.
“The discontinuation has been a long pending demand of the industry. This will save thousands of waiting hours.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Ramanand Nanoskar, Assistant Manager Operations at Johnasia Shipping India Pvt Ltd
An assistant manager of operations at a Mumbai-based shipping company.
“Under the current system, it was tough for a seafarer to disembark during an emergency in a port where there were no immigration or Customs officials.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
India scraps archaic immigration rule for seafarers, easing crew movement at ports
Centre Scraps 20-Year-Old Rules for Indian Sailors
Centre cancels immigration system for Indian flag vessels moving between country's ports
MHA abolishes sign-on, sign-off and SLP rules for Indian seafarers on domestic vessels
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