Marine courts in India are specialized judicial bodies established under the Indian Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, to handle offences related to ships, shipping, and maritime activities. They play a vital role in maintaining safety, discipline, and legal compliance in the Indian maritime sector.
Marine courts are constituted by the Central Government to try offences under the Indian Merchant Shipping Act and other maritime laws.
They may be presided over by a judicial officer or a nominated member with maritime expertise.
Handle offences committed on board Indian ships, on the high seas, or within Indian territorial waters.
Address violations such as unsafe ship operation, pollution, crew misconduct, manning requirements breaches, and maritime safety violations.
Marine courts try criminal offences related to ships, including neglect of duties by masters or officers, pollution offences, and safety regulation breaches.
They conduct disciplinary inquiries against seafarers, including suspension or cancellation of certificates of competency.
Resolve claims related to crew wages, loss or damage to goods, collision claims, and salvage disputes under maritime law.
Ensure compliance with safety standards, pollution control, and shipping regulations through legal adjudication.
If a ship’s master violates pollution norms by illegally discharging oil in Indian waters, the marine court can try the case, impose fines, order cleanup, and suspend the master’s certification to uphold maritime environmental laws.
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