Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Act

Purpose of MS act 1958 as amended: Foster the development and ensure the efficient maintenance of an Indian Mercantile Marine in a manner best suited to serve the national interests.

It is divided into following 18 chapters:

Part I: Preliminary 

Part II: National shipping board.

Part III: General administration.

Part IV: Shipping development fund.

Part V: Registration of Indian ships.

Part VI: Certificate of officers.

Part VII: Seaman and Apprentices.

Part VIII: Passenger ships.

Part IX: Safety.

Part X: Collisions, Accidents at sea and limitation of liability. 

Part XI: Navigation.

Part XII: Investigation and inquires.

Part XIII: Wreck and salvages.

Part XIV: Control of  Indian ships and ships engage in coastal trade.

Part XV: Sailing vessels.

Part XVI: Penalties and Procedures.

Part XVII: Miscellaneous 

Part XVIII: Repeals and Savings.