Pratik Bijlani –
On 13th October, The Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI) held its Monthly Lecture Meeting at the Anglo-Eastern Maritime Training Centre (AEMTC) in Mumbai. The session’s highlight was an in-depth presentation titled “The Merchant Shipping Act 2025: Key Reforms and Provisions” by Capt Ashwani Jhingan, Member of CMMI, Extra Master, LLB (K.C. Law), Master’s in Financial Management (Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies), Advocate at the Mumbai High Court, and Permanent Member of the Supreme Court Bar Association. The event drew strong participation both in person and online, and was attended by several eminent figures from the maritime fraternity.
The session began with a welcome address by Capt Mohan Naik, Deputy Chairman of CMMI, who underscored the importance of the newly revised Merchant Shipping Act. He remarked that the 1958 version was long overdue for reform and acknowledged the proactive role played by CMMI and other maritime bodies in providing expert feedback during its revision. Capt Naik also fondly recalled his long association with Capt Jhingan, dating back to 1986, when the latter was part of the Extra Masters course faculty.
Capt VR Krishnan, the newly appointed CEO and Designated Member of CMMI, introduced the guest speaker. He highlighted Capt Jhingan’s distinguished career as a Master Mariner, Extra Master, lawyer, and financial management graduate, emphasizing his leadership roles with Tata Group’s Forbes company and OOCL India, and his recognition by Mr. Ratan Tata for quality excellence. He also mentioned Capt Jhingan’s current work as a maritime arbitrator and advocate, as well as his firm, Malaxar ShipgLogistix Law & Solutions, a finalist at the 2022 ALB India Law Awards.
In his presentation, Capt Jhingan provided a comprehensive overview of the newly enacted Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 — a landmark reform that replaces the decades-old 1958 legislation. “The revised Merchant Shipping Act marks a significant step toward modernizing India’s maritime framework — aligning it with global standards while removing outdated provisions from 1958,” said Capt Jhingan. He explained how the Act, passed in August 2025, reduces the earlier 18-part, 461-section structure into 16 parts and 325 sections, simplifying its interpretation and implementation.
Among the key reforms highlighted were the establishment of the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) to improve governance, expanded ownership provisions allowing NRIs, OCIs, and joint ventures to register ships under the Indian flag, and digitalization through e-certificates, e-registration, and e-agreements. The Act also strengthens the focus on maritime training, seafarer welfare, and environmental protection while aligning closely with conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, MLC, and STCW. “We had very high expectations from the new Merchant Shipping Act — and while it’s largely a restructuring, it’s now far more organized and streamlined than before,” Capt Jhingan observed.
He further detailed the new regulatory and legal framework under Part 8 of the Act, noting that while penalties have been raised — with fines up to ₹20 lakhs and imprisonment up to two years — several operational offences have been decriminalized to encourage growth and investment. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between accountability and modernization.
Capt Jhingan concluded by asserting that the success of the new Act will depend on clear subordinate rules, effective coordination among authorities, and active engagement from maritime professionals. The event ended with a vote of thanks by Capt. Philip Matthews, Director of SIMTF and CMMI Warden, followed by a warm networking session over hi-tea.
Marex Media