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India mandates CCTV on ships to strengthen maritime safety
India introduces new maritime safety rules
Zelim has reported that India’s Directorate General of Shipping has issued regulations requiring Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems to be installed on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more.
According to Zelim, the notice applies to both newbuild and existing Indian-flagged vessels, and extends as a recommendation to foreign-flagged ships calling at Indian ports.
It explained that compliance must be achieved by 12 February 2028 or at the vessel’s next classification renewal survey, whichever occurs later.
The company noted that India’s action follows several high-profile incidents involving crew disappearances, man-overboard cases, and collisions.
Zelim stated that the Indian government has pointed to delayed emergency response and reduced search and rescue (SAR) effectiveness in the absence of real-time situational awareness technologies.
CCTV coverage and technical specifications
According to Zelim, the Directorate General of Shipping has detailed specifications for camera placement and performance.
It reported that CCTV should cover the main deck, forecastle, mooring and stern areas, bridge, and superstructure.
The organisation advised that the specifications include requirements for night vision, resolution, positioning, and data storage.
It explained that these measures are intended to provide consistent and reliable oversight of shipboard activity.
The company said the directorate also recommended the use of AI-enabled software to strengthen monitoring capabilities.
Zelim’s position on international adoption
Zelim stated that India’s decision represents a model that other International Maritime Organization (IMO) member states should consider adopting.
It said that voluntary measures in maritime safety are no longer adequate.
The company explained that global adoption of consistent standards would improve safety for seafarers and ensure more reliable responses to shipboard incidents.
It added that aviation has integrated advanced situational awareness technologies for many years, while maritime has moved more slowly.
The group suggested that India’s decision could serve as a catalyst for broader regulatory change.
Quotes from Zelim leadership
Sam Mayall, Chief Executive Officer of Zelim, said: “This is a landmark decision from India’s maritime authorities and signals a step change in maritime safety thinking. By mandating smarter monitoring systems, India is setting a powerful example that other maritime nations should follow.”
Stewart Gregory, Chief Operating Officer of Zelim, said: “India has raised the bar for ship and crew safety, not just by mandating CCTV but in setting out a comprehensive specification for camera coverage, night vision, resolution, placement, and data storage. This is about more than surveillance; it’s about smart, intelligent, AI-based detection, tracking and alerting technology fully integrated into a ship’s safety protocols. India’s regulation goes significantly beyond current IMO requirements.”
Gregory added: “The maritime industry has lagged behind sectors like aviation when it comes to adopting advanced safety technologies. With proven situational awareness technology already available – capable of improving both incident prevention and response – a global situational awareness standard is long overdue. India’s directive should act as a catalyst for other nations to adopt similar measures.”
Zelim’s technology and support role
According to Zelim, its AI-powered monitoring systems can extend the benefits of India’s CCTV mandate by improving real-time prevention of incidents and supplying forensic evidence for investigations.
The company said that these technologies are designed to assist with accident prevention and support SAR operations.
It added that the systems also help deter criminal activities onboard vessels.
The business explained that it is already in direct contact with Indian authorities, including the Directorate General of Shipping and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
It stated that it has offered technical support to ship owners and operators seeking to meet the new specifications.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
India’s CCTV mandate highlights how national authorities can require safety technologies that directly affect operational practice.
For fire and safety professionals, this development shows the value of mandatory standards in improving situational awareness and incident response.
It also underlines the role of integrated monitoring systems in supporting emergency planning and regulatory compliance.
The adoption of similar standards internationally could influence safety protocols across other high-risk sectors.
India mandates CCTV on ships to strengthen maritime safety: Summary
India’s Directorate General of Shipping has introduced rules mandating CCTV on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more.
The regulation applies to Indian-flagged vessels and recommends coverage for foreign-flagged ships visiting Indian ports.
Ships must comply by 12 February 2028 or at the next classification renewal survey.
Zelim reported that the regulations specify placement, night vision, resolution, and data storage requirements.
India has cited incidents where lack of real-time monitoring hindered emergency response and search and rescue.
The directorate has recommended the use of AI-enabled software to enhance monitoring.
Zelim’s Chief Executive Officer Sam Mayall welcomed the decision as a landmark for maritime safety.
Chief Operating Officer Stewart Gregory said the regulation goes beyond current IMO requirements.
Zelim believes voluntary measures are insufficient and has urged global adoption of consistent standards.
The company is working with Indian authorities and offering technical support to ship operators.
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Webinar seeks to explain why EV parking garages pose unique fire safety challenges
Euralarm to hold webinar on EV fire safety
Euralarm has announced a webinar on fire safety in electric vehicle parking garages to take place on 14 October.
According to Euralarm, the session will review fire risks linked to EVs, the differences between electric and combustion vehicles, and measures that can help mitigate incidents in enclosed parking environments.
The organisation explained that electric vehicle design creates barriers to delivering extinguishing agents to battery cells, making thermal runaway events difficult to contain once started.
It stated that the session will be led by Gerd Hülsen, Vice Chair of the Euralarm Extinguishing Section, and will focus on practical steps to address identified challenges.
The group added that the event will be relevant to both technical specialists and decision makers at local, national and European levels.
Focus on thermal battery risks
Euralarm reported that thermal runaway inside traction batteries is one of the most difficult aspects of EV fire safety.
It explained that while EV battery enclosures protect against water spray, weather and impacts during normal use, these same protections create obstacles to applying extinguishing media during a fire.
The organisation advised that once cells enter runaway, it is extremely challenging to stop the process or prevent propagation between cells.
It added that this creates risks that differ from those typically encountered in internal combustion engine vehicles.
The body confirmed that these topics will form part of the October session.
Comparing EVs and combustion vehicles
Euralarm outlined that the webinar will review differences in fire behaviour between EVs and conventional combustion engine cars.
It said that combustion vehicles present known risks based on liquid fuel ignition, whereas EVs involve battery-specific dynamics that require different strategies.
The organisation noted that the event will provide context on how both vehicle types can behave during a fire in parking garages.
It added that the comparison aims to clarify where additional measures may be necessary in EV contexts.
The group confirmed that safety measures for both categories will be considered.
Target audience for the session
Euralarm explained that the webinar is intended for a wide audience of stakeholders.
It reported that fire safety professionals, parking facility operators, and facility managers are among the key groups expected to benefit.
It added that policymakers and regulators at municipal, national and EU levels may also find the information relevant.
The organisation stated that technology specialists, system integrators and installers will also be addressed.
The body noted that the session is positioned to provide factual information for varied professional needs.
Presentation and content
Euralarm confirmed that the webinar will be presented by Gerd Hülsen.
It said Hülsen will outline factual information on fire risks of EVs in parking facilities in comparison with other vehicles.
The organisation explained that the session will guide participants through available solutions and mitigation measures.
It added that the agenda includes fire behaviour discussions and safety measures relevant to both electric and combustion vehicle categories.
The body indicated that the information will be structured to support technical understanding and operational decision making.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
Fire safety professionals will receive technical insights on challenges specific to EV incidents in enclosed parking structures.
The session will provide comparative data on electric and combustion vehicle fire behaviours.
It will also set out mitigation measures that can be applied in operational and regulatory contexts.
Professionals may find the information relevant for designing, managing, or regulating parking facilities with growing EV use.
Fire safety webinar to examine EV parking garage risks: Summary
Euralarm will hold a webinar on fire safety in electric vehicle parking garages on 14 October.
The webinar will focus on fire risks linked to EV traction batteries.
Euralarm explained that battery design makes extinguishment during thermal runaway difficult.
The group added that the webinar will compare EV and combustion vehicle fire risks.
It confirmed that solutions and mitigation measures will be discussed.
The session will be presented by Gerd Hülsen, Vice Chair of the Euralarm Extinguishing Section.
It is intended for fire safety professionals, parking facility operators, facility managers, policymakers, and system integrators.
The organisation reported that the content will provide factual information for operational and regulatory use.
The group advised that the webinar will take place online.
It added that participants will receive structured technical guidance.
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