India has mandated all ships calling at its ports must have CCTV systems installed by next October.
The directorate general of shipping cited both health and safety concerns as well as security interests for its reasons for the new ruling.
The CCTV system installed on the ships should ensure comprehensive coverage of all access points, deck areas including mooring stations, and critical zones, strategically positioned to eliminate blind spots. Specific attention should be given to high-risk areas such as railings, common areas, and isolated spaces. The coverage should also include the navigation bridge and engine room for operational monitoring and collision avoidance analysis.
The system should provide for continuous 24/7 recording with a minimum storage capacity for 90 days of footage. Furthermore, a centralised monitoring station must be established on the bridge or in a dedicated security office, with a user-friendly interface for real-time monitoring and playback.
The CCTV systems of all foreign-going vessels should have secure, encrypted data transmission capabilities for the main deck and accommodation feeds to authorised shore-based facilities and be compatible with remote access by the directorate or other designated security agencies, Indian Armed Forces, Coast Guard, and authorised casualty investigators.