DGMA Invites Applications from Salvors and Pollution Response Operators
India’s Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) in Mumbai has issued two notices, dated 10 November, inviting companies to apply for its approved lists of salvors and Marine Pollution Response Operators (MPROs). The lists are being set up under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 and the new Merchant Shipping (Wreck and Salvage) Rules, 2026, which were notified on 23 October and replace the old 1974 rules.
Under the new rules, registered owners of ships entering Indian coastal waters must appoint a notified salvor and keep a valid contract with a retained salvor and a retained MPRO. A committee at DGMA will check each application against fixed criteria.
From the CrewMirror Blog
Salvage firms must be Indian-registered companies (subsidiaries, joint ventures and consortia are allowed) with positive net worth, professional indemnity insurance and at least four successful salvage operations in the last five years. They must set up a base on both the east and west coasts within 12 months, with at least four locations within three years, and keep salvage masters, naval architects, chemists and firefighting experts ready. A tie-up for emergency tugs that can be mobilised within 24 hours and a 24×7 contact point are also mandatory.
MPROs must hold oil and chemical spill-response equipment in line with India’s national oil spill and HNS contingency plans, and employ IMO-trained staff. Applications must reach DGMA by email by 30 November 2026, followed by a hard copy. Firms already listed under Merchant Shipping Notice No. 01 of 2026 need not reapply but must send any extra documents.
CrewMirror Takeaway
A ready network of approved salvors and spill responders on both coasts should mean faster help for crews whose ships are disabled, grounded or on fire in Indian waters. Masters trading to India can expect their companies to confirm salvor and MPRO contracts as part of entry requirements.
For more details, please follow this link on the official DGMA website.
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