Section 304: Power of Central Government with respect to vessel without nationality.
The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025Central Act · Act 24 of 2025
(1) Where it is established that a vessel within India or her coastal waters is not legally entitled to fly the flag of a State or has lost such right, the Central Government may take charge of such vessel and detain the same as a vessel without nationality including its cargo, as may be deemed appropriate, in such manner as may be prescribed.
(2) A vessel which sails under the flags of two or more States, using them according to convenience, may be deemed to be a vessel without nationality.