Support grows for India’s new maritime CCTV rules
(Posted on 14/09/25)
Zelim is calling on international regulators and flag states to follow India’s lead on enhancing maritime safety and security, following the country’s introduction of new rules requiring the use of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) on domestic and international ships calling at Indian ports.
Founded in 2017 by former seafarers, Zelim provides smart technology for maritime search, rescue and security operations.
Zelim believes the integration of AI-powered monitoring technologies alongside these measures is critical to improving incident response, support search and rescue (SAR) operations, deter criminal activities, and provide evidence for investigations into incidents such as man-overboard situations.
The Edinburgh-based safety technology pioneer says the move represents a critical step forward in tackling growing challenges around ship and crew safety, and believes other IMO member states should consider adopting similar mandatory requirements.
India’s Directorate General of Shipping issued a Merchant Shipping Notice in February 2025 requiring CCTV installation on all newbuild and existing Indian flagged vessels of 500gt or more. It also recommends the installation of CCTV on all 500gt+ foreign-flagged ships calling at Indian ports. Mandated vessels must comply by 12 February 2028, or at their next classification renewal survey, whichever occurs later.
The ruling follows a series of high-profile incidents – including crew disappearances, man-overboard incidents, and collisions – where the absence of real-time situational awareness technologies has resulted in accidents or thwarted search and rescue efforts.
The Indian government cites several cases where limited visibility over shipboard activity delayed emergency response and SAR coordination and increased the likelihood of fatalities. It says the installation of CCTV is "recognised as a highly effective measure to enhance onboard safety and security”.
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.”
The Directorate General of Shipping recommends the adoption of AI-enabled software to enhance monitoring capabilities, specifying strategic CCTV placement around the ship’s main deck, forecastle, mooring and stern areas, bridge and superstructure.
Zelim’s own AI-powered camera technology extends these capabilities even further - helping crews and operators prevent accidents in real-time, while also providing critical forensic data during investigations.
Stewart Gregory, Zelim’s Chief Operating Officer, 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.”
Latest News
ISS strengthens presence in South America
(Posted on 14/01/26)Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS), a global leader in port agency and marine services, has announced... Read more
NORDEN sells two vessels and adds new leases with purchase options
(Posted on 14/01/26)NORDEN have confirm that they have sold two vessels from their owned fleet, one Capesize vessel and... Read more
Pacific Basin announces acquisition of four Handysize newbuildings
(Posted on 06/01/26)Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, one of the world’s leading dry bulk shipping companies, has entered... Read more
AtoB@C Shipping takes delivery of Fleximar
(Posted on 23/12/25)AtoB@C Shipping, a subsidiary of ESL Shipping, has announced the successful delivery of Fleximar, the... Read more
Western Bulk re-enters ship ownership with selected partners
(Posted on 18/12/25)Western Bulk, together with reputable Norwegian partners A/S J. Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi, Premium Maritime... Read more
Pacific Basin announces formation of a Sustainable Energy Solutions team
(Posted on 18/12/25)Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, one of the world’s leading dry bulk shipping companies, has announced... Read more
Columbia expects significant growth as more owners shift operations to the UAE
(Posted on 09/12/25)Columbia Group anticipates a period of strong expansion as an increasing number of international shipowners... Read more
Norse Ship Management emerges as digital leader among new-generation ship managers
(Posted on 09/12/25)Norse?Ship Management has expanded its use of Smart Ship Hub’s high frequency sensor data and... Read more
Maritime health experts welcome STCW amendments, but urge against checkbox compliance
(Posted on 09/12/25)As the maritime industry gears up to welcome the IMO’s STCW bullying and harassment training amendments... Read more
NORDEN acquires Southern African cargo activities of Taylor Maritime
(Posted on 02/12/25)NORDEN has acquired the cargo activities of Taylor Maritime in Southern Africa (previously operated... Read more
