India wants security cameras on all of its flagged ships after a review sparked by the disappearance of seafarers and maritime casualties.
A draft order from the Directorate General of Shipping said all Indian-flagged vessels above 3,000 gt must have cameras installed within two years.
The regulation would apply to more than 300 vessels among the 1,916 on the Indian registry based on gross tonnage, according to Clarksons Research.
The circular did not say how many ships are already fitted with cameras.
“Recent incidents aboard vessels, including personnel disappearances, potential suicides, collisions, casualties and other maritime security concerns, have prompted a thorough reassessment of existing safety protocols,” it said.
The directorate general is looking to more “robust security measures” and has identified security cameras as a “necessary and effective measure to enhance onboard safety and security and provide valuable documentation in the event of incidents”.
It said shipowners and technical managers should carry out a risk assessment to ensure cameras cover all high-risk areas, including railings, common areas and isolated spaces. The bridge and engine room should also be on camera.
The cameras should be able to record around the clock and store 90 days of footage, according to the draft order.
But it said deficiencies in the installation of cameras would not lead to detentions by the flag state, and owners would be given time to sort out the problems.
The draft order invites observations from the industry, but it is not clear when it will be enacted. The directorate general has been approached for comment.
The use of CCTV cameras on board ships has expanded and been used to monitor security threats, from stowaways to pirates, for safer operations and for evidence to speed up insurance claims in the event of something going wrong.
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