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Instructions regarding operation of foreign flag vessels along the Indian
Coast without a valid licence issued under the Marine Shipping Act, 1958
Circular No. 70 dated 30th August 2000
I am directed to refer to the Board's Circular No.
53/ 99-Customs, dated the 24th August 1999 on above-mentioned subject. The said
Circular was issued to enforce the licensing requirements of the Section 406/
407 of the Marine Shipping Act, 1958 for foreign flag vessels, which call at
Indian Ports. It has been pointed out by the Directorate General of Shipping,
Ministry of Surface Transport that in case of foreign flag vessels proceeding to
a place beyond territorial waters of India, beyond 12 nautical miles from the
coast of India from any port or place in India, there is no need to obtain any
licence under Section 407 of the said Act. The said section deals only with
cases where the vessel is engaged in coasting trade, and therefore, the foreign
flag vessel proceeding to a place/ platform/ drilling rig etc. beyond the
territorial waters of India does not require any permission either under Section
406 or Section 407 of the said Act.
2. In view of above,
it has been decided that the Board's Circular No. 53/ 99-Customs, dated the 24th
August, 1999 would stand modified to the above extent, that is to say, there
will not be any licensing requirement/ specific permission under section 406 or
section 407 of the Marine Shipping Act, 1958 for a foreign flag vessel which
proceeds to a place/ platform/ drilling rig etc. beyond the territorial waters
of India.
3.
These instructions may be brought to the notice of all concerned by way
of issuance of suitable Public Notice/ Standing Orders.
4. Difficulties, if
any in implementation of these instructions, may be brought to the notice of the
Board. Kindly acknowledge receipt of this Circular.
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