World Trade Organization Organisation Mondiale du Commerce Organización Mundial del Comercio

Largely, the procedure for issue of such licenses are similar for Indian flag vessels as well as foreign flag vessels except to the extent that in the case of later:

1. 
   A certificate from INSA is required.
   
2. 
   Besides, such licenses for foreign flag vessels are limited period – specific to the contract tenure involved.
   
3. 
   There are some variations in terms of fee structure prescribed for such licenses for foreign flag vessels vis à vis Indian flag. This is reflected in the SD Circular No. 2 of 2010 issued vide No.SD 13/POL(3)/97 dated 4.2.2010.
   
4. 
   In the case of foreign flag vessels such licenses are issued up to the time limit of a statutory certificate such as registry certificate, international load line certificate, International oil pollution certificate, cargo sea safety construction certificate etc.
   

The MS Act, 1958, reserves cabotage to Indian flag vessels (Part XIV). However foreign flag vessels are chartered if no suitable Indian flag vessels are available. For this purpose no objection certificates are required to be taken from the Indian National Shipowners' Association under the guidelines issued by the DGS, as amended from time to time. A foreign flag carrier is allowed to deliver cargo to several Indian ports.

TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR / 3) Services / iv) Transportation a) Shipping, Ports