Singapore-based EF Marine has received approval from the Directorate General of Shipping of India to provide cover in the country’s waters.

According to a statement by the marine insurance provider, it is now compliant with India’s merchant shipping (regulation of entry of ships into ports, anchorages and offshore facilities) rules, which came into effect in 2012.

These regulations require that any foreign vessel of 300GT or above must be adequately insured against maritime claims when entering or leaving ports, terminals, anchorages or seeking port facilities in Indian territorial waters. Operators of vessels must prove that they have valid protection and indemnity (P&I) insurance against maritime claims from an insurance provider approved by the Government of India.

In case of problems with entry into Indian ports, the insurer advised shipowners to contact its 24/7 emergency assistance service or its authorised P&I correspondents in India.

Aside from India, EF Marine previously obtained approval from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as a designated insurer.