Everything that you need to know about Maritime Approval in India

Maritime Approval for Internet is a major requirement during travel on sea and air. However, because of their locations, it’s not easy to establish internet connectivity without risking the operations of certain critical equipment.

That’s why, the Department of Telecommunication created guidelines for In=flight Maritime and Connectivity. As per those guidelines, whose who want to provide in-flight and maritime connectivity services (IFMC), must obtain Maritime Approval from Department of Telecommunication.

What is Maritime Approval?

Department of Telecommunication, after a lot of deliberation, came to a conclusion in 2018 that it’s important for internet voice and data services to exist in-flight and on seas. Thus, they continued with the introduction of IFMC rules or In Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules.

These rules stated that:

1. Only existing Telecom license holders will have the right to provide telecom services in aircraft and ships.
2. General public travelling through the seas or air will be the beneficiaries of these services.
3. Only Indian satellites must be used to provide IFMC services.
4. In case foreign satellite is used to provide IFMC services, it must first get the approval of ISRO – Indian Space Research Organization.

Who can become eligible to provide IFMC services?

To obtain Maritime Type Approval and by extension provide IFMC services, the applicant must adhere to the following eligibility criteria:

1. The applicant must be a unified license holder of the category A ISP
2. In case the applicant doesn’t hold the ISP category A license, it must have an NLD License
3. The applicant must establish a satellite gateway in the location in which it wants to provide IFMC services.

The above eligibility criteria were based on what the applicant must have, the following eligibility criteria points to what the applicant must be:

1. The applicant must either be an airline company from India or a foreign airline company with authorization to enter Indian airspace.
2. The applicant must either be a shipping company from India or a foreign shipping company with authorization to traverse Indian traverse waters.

What are the documents required to acquire maritime Approval?

To provide IFMC services, the documents required to gain DOT’s Maritime Approval are as follows:

1. Certificate of incorporation of the airline or shipping company.
2. Memorandum of Association of the company
3. Articles of Association
4. Net worth certificate of the company
5. Audited balance sheet of the last three years.
6. ISP category A License or NLD License
7. Copy of Agreement giving authorization to the applicant to establish a satellite gateway within its area of service. Read More: SACFA Approval

Procedure to follow for Maritime Approval

Once the applicant has furnished the requisite documents in the format DOT has prescribed, it has to follow the process given below:

1. Submit the offline application
2. Get the letter of intent once the DOT accepts your application
3. Fulfil the entry fee and bank guarantee requirements
4. Obtain the Maritime Approval to enable In flight and maritime connectivity of internet services.

Conclusion

The need of internet access in flight and maritime has led the DOT to introduce special equipment that facilitate this service. However, only valid ISPs can gain the right to use such tools and therefore, maritime approval for IFMC services are mandatory.

Through this article, you now know about the eligibility criteria you must meet, the documents you must submit and the process you must follow. Read More: NBFC License

 If you want to know more about the approval or seek assistance taking the first step, contact our experts.

Here is everything that you need to know about maritime approval in India. For more details in this regards, consult with Registrationwala.