- India has mandated the installation of CCTV on all Indian-flagged vessels of 500 gross tons or more by 2028, with recommendations for foreign ships calling at its ports.
- The directive follows several high-profile incidents where limited monitoring hindered emergency response and search-and-rescue operations.
- Zelim praised India’s decision as a “landmark” and urged other nations to adopt AI-powered monitoring systems as part of global safety standards.
- The company is working with Indian authorities and showcasing its advanced situational awareness technologies at INMEX SMM India in Mumbai.
Zelim has urged international regulators and flag states to adopt measures similar to India’s new rules, which mandate the use of CCTV on ships, highlighting the potential to strengthen maritime safety and security. The company stressed that combining such requirements with AI-powered monitoring could enhance incident response and support crew welfare, as reported by AJOT.
India Sets New Benchmark for Shipboard Safety with Mandatory CCTV
India’s Directorate General of Shipping has introduced a Merchant Shipping Notice that mandates the installation of CCTV on all newbuild and existing Indian-flagged vessels of 500 gross tons or more. The directive, issued in February 2025, also recommends the use of CCTV systems for foreign-flagged ships with a tonnage above the same threshold that call at Indian ports. Vessels must comply by February 12, 2028, or at their next classification renewal survey, whichever comes first.
The move comes after a series of high-profile maritime incidents, including crew disappearances, collisions, and man-overboard cases, where the absence of real-time monitoring was found to hinder emergency response and search-and-rescue operations. Authorities noted that in several instances, limited visibility over shipboard activity delayed critical decisions and increased the risk of fatalities.
Calling the decision a “landmark” in maritime safety, Zelim Chief Executive Officer Sam Mayall praised India’s approach, emphasizing that more intelligent monitoring systems mark a step change in safeguarding seafarers. The Directorate General of Shipping further recommends integrating AI-enabled software to strengthen monitoring, with CCTV positioned strategically across key ship areas, including the main deck, forecastle, mooring and stern zones, bridge, and superstructure.
Zelim’s own AI-powered solutions extend these measures by enabling crews to identify risks in real time while also generating valuable data for post-incident investigations. The company believes India’s ruling sets a strong example that other maritime nations should consider following.
India’s Safety Standards Spark Global Call for Action
Zelim’s Chief Operating Officer, Stewart Gregory, commended India’s approach, noting that the new regulation goes far beyond simply requiring CCTV. He highlighted that the directive sets out a comprehensive specification covering camera placement, resolution, night vision, and data storage, as well as integration into shipboard safety protocols. Gregory emphasized that this marks a move toward intelligent, AI-based detection, tracking, and alerting systems that enhance safety well beyond current IMO requirements.
The company emphasized that voluntary best practices are no longer sufficient and called for the adoption of consistent global standards to enhance both seafarer welfare and shipboard security. Gregory pointed out that the maritime sector has lagged behind aviation in adopting advanced safety technologies, despite the availability of proven situational awareness tools that are capable of reducing incidents and improving emergency response. He urged that India’s directive should act as a catalyst for other nations to set similar standards.
Zelim confirmed it is working closely with Indian authorities, including the Directorate General of Shipping and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, while also offering technical support to ship owners and operators preparing to meet the new requirements. At the same time, the company is showcasing its latest safety and security solutions at INMEX SMM India, in partnership with Varya, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai.
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Source: AJOT
