Understanding DGS Merchant Shipping Notice No. 02 of 2025
On February 12, 2025, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), India, issued Merchant Shipping Notice No. 02 of 2025, mandating the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems on Indian-flagged merchant vessels and foreign flag vessels trading under Specific Period License (SPL) in Indian waters.
This circular reflects DGS's commitment to seafarer welfare, maritime safety enhancement, and improved Search and Rescue (SAR) operations efficiency. The comprehensive CCTV mandate aims to provide continuous monitoring capabilities and serve as crucial evidence during incident investigations.
Key Objective: The implementation of CCTV systems is recognized as a highly effective measure to enhance onboard safety and security, providing continuous monitoring and serving as a record in the event of any incident.
Access the Official Circular
For your records and to ensure full understanding of the mandate, you can access the original document. Download the official DGS Merchant Shipping Notice No. 02 of 2025 directly here.
DGS Merchant Shipping Notice No. 02 of 2025
Vessel Coverage and Applicability
The DGS circular specifically applies to different categories of vessels with distinct compliance requirements:
Indian Flag Merchant Vessels
Mandatory compliance for all Indian-flagged merchant vessels operating commercially, with specific installation timelines based on vessel tonnage.
Foreign Vessels under SPL
Mandatory requirement for foreign flag vessels trading in Indian coastal waters under Specific Period License (SPL).
Foreign Vessels Visiting Indian Ports
Recommended implementation - Foreign flag vessels visiting Indian ports are encouraged to adopt similar CCTV best practices.
Camera Installation Requirements by Vessel Size
The circular specifies minimum camera requirements based on vessel gross tonnage, with clear installation timelines for different vessel categories:
Installation Timeline: For existing vessels - 36 months from the notice date OR by next Renewal Survey, whichever occurs later. For newly registered Indian flag vessels - 36 months from registration date OR by next Renewal Survey, whichever occurs later.
Strategic Camera Placement Guidelines
The circular provides specific recommendations for optimal camera placement to ensure comprehensive coverage of critical vessel areas:
Port and Starboard Main Deck
Requirement: 1 camera on each side
Features: Zoom capability and IP66/IP67/IP68 ingress protection rating for marine
environment durability.
Forecastle, Mooring & Stern Areas
Requirement: 1 camera in each area
Features: Long-range detection with zoom facilities and weatherproof IP rating for
deck operations monitoring.
Navigation Bridge
Requirement: 1 camera per area
Optional: AI-based technology for incident analysis and navigation safety
enhancement.
Citadel & Accommodation Areas
Citadel: 1 camera inside and 1 outside
Accommodation/Lifeboat Decks: 1 camera per area (based on vessel size) with CCTV
monitoring station coverage.
Vessel owners and ISM managers must conduct comprehensive assessments to identify vessel-specific vulnerabilities and create design plans for optimal camera placement, with special attention to high-risk areas such as shipside railings, common areas, and isolated spaces.
Technical Specifications and Standards
The DGS circular establishes minimum technical requirements to ensure CCTV systems meet maritime operational demands:
Camera Quality Standards
• Minimum 1080p Full HD resolution
• At least 30 fps frame rate
• Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) capability
• Zoom facilities for long-range detection areas
Environmental Protection
• IP66/IP67/IP68 rating for open deck cameras
• Marine standard compliance preferred
• Temperature, humidity, and corrosion resistance
• EMC requirements compliance
Compliance Standards
• RO Standards compliance
• IEC 62676 for Video Surveillance Systems
• Type approval preferred for performance assurance
• Intrinsically safe for tanker hazardous zones
Control and Monitoring Infrastructure
The circular mandates specific control and monitoring capabilities to ensure effective CCTV system operation:
Staunch Technologies: DGS Circular 2025/02 Compliance Solutions
Staunch Technologies offers comprehensive CCTV surveillance systems specifically designed to meet DGS Circular 2025/02 requirements. Our maritime-grade solutions ensure full compliance while maximizing operational efficiency and safety.
Marine-Grade CCTV Systems
High-definition surveillance cameras with IP68 rating, designed specifically for harsh marine environments. Features include 1080p resolution, 30fps recording, WDR capability, and zoom functionality for comprehensive vessel coverage.
14-Day Storage Solutions
Robust data storage systems meeting DGS minimum 14-day retention requirements. Includes redundant storage, automated backup processes, and secure access controls with tamper-proof logging capabilities.
Professional Installation & Integration
Expert installation services ensuring fire integrity maintenance, intrinsically safe installations for tankers, and seamless integration with vessel IT infrastructure without compromising critical operations.
AI-Enhanced Monitoring
Advanced AI-based software for real-time monitoring, anomaly detection, and automated alerts. Reduces manual surveillance requirements while improving incident response capabilities as recommended in the circular.
Training and Maintenance Requirements
DGS Circular 2025/02 emphasizes proper training and maintenance protocols to ensure effective CCTV system operation:
Crew Training Requirements
• Master/Safety Officer/Security Officer familiarity with monitoring and transmission
• Crew training during joining and emergency drills
• Man overboard, SAR, and security drill integration
Shore-Based Training
• DPA/ISM Manager system training
• Ship-shore drill practice
• Remote transmission capabilities
• Emergency response procedures
Maintenance Protocols
• Weekly ship staff inspections
• Annual servicing (onboard or authorized center)
• Maintenance records for audit review
• Compliance documentation
Compliance Timeline and Implementation Strategy
Understanding the critical importance of meeting DGS deadlines, Staunch Technologies has developed an accelerated implementation process designed to ensure timely compliance without operational disruption.
Phase 1: Assessment & Design (Days 1-5)
Comprehensive vessel survey, vulnerability assessment, and customized CCTV system design based on DGS requirements and vessel-specific operational needs.
Phase 2: Professional Installation (Days 6-14)
Expert installation by qualified marine technicians, ensuring fire integrity, intrinsically safe installations, and integration with existing vessel systems.
Phase 3: Testing & Training (Days 15-21)
System commissioning, comprehensive testing, crew training, documentation handover, and compliance certification preparation for DGS inspections.
Compliance Assurance: Vessels with existing CCTV systems as of February 12, 2025, are deemed compliant, but evaluation against DGS standards is recommended for optimal functionality.
Key Compliance Benefits and Risk Mitigation
Implementing DGS Circular 2025/02 compliant CCTV systems provides significant operational advantages beyond regulatory compliance:
Important Note: According to the circular, any malfunctions in CCTV equipment will not be considered a deficiency during flag state inspections or port state control inspections, providing operational flexibility during maintenance periods.
Cyber Security and Data Protection
The circular emphasizes that CCTV systems must be integrated into the vessel's IT infrastructure with proper cyber risk management procedures:
IT Infrastructure Integration
CCTV systems must be part of the vessel's overall IT infrastructure with comprehensive cyber risk management procedures to protect against maritime cyber threats.
Data Access Control
Strict access control limiting CCTV footage monitoring to authorized personnel: DGS, vessel owners, ISM managers, or DPA - excluding external agencies without specific authorization.
Privacy Compliance
Equipment isolation capabilities for areas where recording is restricted by local regulations or military sensitivities, with prominent signage informing crew and visitors about surveillance presence.
Why Choose Staunch Technologies for DGS Compliance
With extensive experience in maritime technology solutions, Staunch Technologies provides comprehensive support for DGS Circular 2025/02 compliance:
Investment Considerations and ROI
While DGS Circular 2025/02 compliance requires upfront investment, the long-term benefits significantly outweigh the costs through enhanced operational efficiency, safety improvements, and regulatory readiness.
The circular's flexibility regarding equipment malfunctions during inspections provides operational confidence, while the comprehensive surveillance capabilities offer substantial improvements in incident prevention, investigation, and crew safety management.
Staunch Technologies offers flexible financing and implementation options to make DGS compliance achievable for all vessel types and fleet sizes, ensuring sustainable maritime operations while meeting regulatory mandates.
Next Steps for Compliance
With the DGS Circular 2025/02 implementation timeline already in effect, vessel owners and operators should prioritize immediate action to ensure timely compliance:
Immediate Actions (Week 1-2)
• Review vessel specifications against DGS requirements
• Conduct preliminary vulnerability assessment
• Contact certified CCTV system providers
• Plan installation scheduling
System Implementation (Month 1-2)
• Finalize system design and technical specifications
• Schedule professional installation
• Coordinate with vessel operations for minimal disruption
• Prepare crew for training programs
Compliance Verification (Month 2-3)
• Complete system testing and commissioning
• Conduct crew training and certification
• Prepare compliance documentation
• Schedule DGS inspection readiness review