Understanding DGS Merchant Shipping Notice No. 02 of 2025

This circular introduces mandatory CCTV requirements for Indian-flag vessels and SPL-licensed foreign vessels. It aims to improve onboard safety, support Search and Rescue (SAR), reduce incidents, and enable continuous surveillance aligned with IMO standards.

On February 12, 2025, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) issued Merchant Shipping Notice No. 02 of 2025, mandating Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems on Indian-flagged merchant vessels and foreign flag vessels trading under the Specific Period License (SPL) in Indian waters. This circular aims to enhance maritime safety and security by providing continuous onboard surveillance capabilities.

👉 To understand how modern vessels are evolving digitally, explore our guide on Advanced Vessel IT & Marine IT Solutions.

This landmark circular strengthens India’s maritime safety framework — emphasizing crew welfare, operational transparency, and enhanced Search and Rescue (SAR) efficiency. Continuous CCTV surveillance now forms a critical part of India’s Maritime Digital Ecosystem, ensuring safer and smarter vessel operations.

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.

Vessel Coverage and Applicability

The CCTV mandate applies to Indian merchant vessels, SPL foreign vessels operating in Indian waters, and foreign vessels visiting Indian ports (recommended). Coverage requirements vary based on vessel type and trading pattern.

The DGS circular specifically applies to different categories of vessels with distinct compliance requirements:

Camera Installation Requirements by Vessel Size

Camera requirements depend on vessel tonnage, ranging from 4 to 12 cameras. Both existing and newly registered vessels must comply within 36 months or during their next Renewal Survey.

The circular specifies minimum camera requirements based on vessel gross tonnage, with clear timelines:

Strategic Camera Placement Guidelines

Cameras must cover high-risk zones including main decks, forecastle, stern areas, accommodation, lifeboats, and citadel zones. Type-approved, weatherproof, and AI-supported cameras are recommended for comprehensive monitoring.

ISM managers are required to assess vessel-specific vulnerabilities and design tailored CCTV layouts for complete coverage.

👉 For a deeper look into how AI enhances onboard surveillance and real-time detection, check out Maritime CCTV Intelligence & AI Surveillance.

Technical Specifications and Standards

CCTV systems must meet marine standards such as IEC 62676, RO compliance, and IP66+ ratings. Systems must support HD recording, long-range zoom, environmental durability, and hazardous zone compatibility for tankers.

Control and Monitoring Infrastructure

Monitoring stations must be placed on the Bridge, ECR/CCR, and Citadel. Systems require 14-day tamper-proof storage, restricted access controls, and privacy-compliant recording in alignment with IMO regulations.

Training and Maintenance Requirements

Crew and shore teams must be trained in monitoring, emergency drills, SAR procedures, system management, and incident response. Regular maintenance ensures compliance readiness.

Compliance Timeline and Implementation Strategy

The compliance roadmap includes assessment, installation, testing, training, and certification. Existing systems must be evaluated even if deemed compliant to ensure alignment with DGS 2025 standards.

Compliance Benefits and Operational Impact

CCTV compliance improves safety, enhances SAR response, secures evidence, supports crew training, and reduces audit deficiencies—benefiting both operations and regulatory readiness.

Implementing DGS Circular 2025/02 compliant CCTV systems provides significant operational advantages beyond regulatory compliance:

Cyber Security and Data Protection Requirements

CCTV systems must integrate with vessel IT networks under maritime cyber risk frameworks (IMO 2021). Access controls, privacy measures, and cybersecure storage are mandatory.

👉 Learn how modern cyber threats target marine systems by reading Cybersecurity Against AI Crawlers.

CCTV systems must align with maritime cyber risk management protocols

Why Choose Staunch Technologies for DGS Compliance

Staunch offers full-spectrum DGS compliance: marine-grade CCTV, ISM alignment, 24/7 support, fleet scalability, and AI-enhanced surveillance for Indian and international maritime operators.

With extensive experience in maritime technology solutions, Staunch Technologies provides comprehensive support for DGS Circular 2025/02 compliance:

Investment Considerations and ROI

Compliance requires initial investment but delivers long-term benefits—reducing operational risks, improving investigations, enhancing safety scores, and supporting digital maritime transformation.

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.

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

Vessel operators should begin immediate assessment, engage certified providers, finalize system design, schedule installation, train crews, and prepare documentation for DGS inspections.

Frequently asked questions

These FAQs help vessel owners understand applicability, camera count, deadlines, AI camera use, malfunction protocols, and access rules under DGS Circular 2025/02.

• What is DGS Circular 2025/02?

  DGS Circular 2025/02 mandates CCTV installation on Indian-flag merchant vessels and SPL-licensed foreign vessels to enhance maritime safety and surveillance.

• Which vessels must comply?

  All Indian-flag vessels and foreign vessels under SPL must comply; foreign port-call vessels are encouraged to follow the same best practices.

• How many cameras are required?

  Based on vessel tonnage:

  • 500–3000 GT → 4 cameras
  • 3000–5000 GT → 6 cameras
  • 5000–10000 GT → 8 cameras
  • Above 10000 GT → 12 cameras

• What’s the installation deadline?

  36 months from notice or next renewal survey — whichever comes first.

• Are AI-based cameras allowed?

  Yes. AI-enabled CCTV systems are encouraged for anomaly detection, navigation safety, and predictive alerts.

• What if CCTV malfunctions during inspection?

  Such malfunctions will not be considered deficiencies, provided proper maintenance logs are maintained.

• Who can access CCTV footage?

  Authorized entities only — DGS, vessel owners, ISM managers, or DPA. Access for external agencies requires explicit approval.

• What is the minimum storage period for CCTV data?

  A 14-day minimum storage period is mandatory, though extended retention is recommended for incident review and crew training.

References

About the Author

Software Development Team – Staunch Technologies Pvt Ltd

The Software Development Team at Staunch Technologies specializes in building intelligent, secure, and scalable digital systems across AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Maritime IT, and Enterprise Automation. With over 20+ years of combined expertise across India, Singapore, and Dubai, the team delivers research-driven solutions—including predictive analytics, secure IT infrastructure, and next-gen software platforms that power modern businesses. Every article published by the team reflects real engineering insights, industry experience, and a commitment to technological excellence.