The Indian Register of Shipping’s ‘Rules for Construction and Classification of Indian Naval
Ships – 2023’ were released by the Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri (Minister of State for
Defence) Shri Ajay Bhatt, in presence of the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Naval Staff,
Commanders-in-Chief, Principal Staff Officers, senior Commanders on 4th September 2023,
the opening day of the Naval Commanders Conference 2023, being held in New Delhi.
Executive Chairman of Indian Register of Shipping accompanied by Head Defence and
Principal Naval Adviser were also present on this occasion.
The 2023 version of IRS Naval Rules incorporates the latest IMO/IACS requirements, as
well as Rule requirements for military design features. In addition, Rule-related requirements
for the technological advancements currently being incorporated in designs of Naval Ships,
covering materials, structures, propulsion and other engineering systems, integrated
electronics, safety systems etc. have been included.
These Rules were finalised in collaboration with the concerned technical directorates of the
Indian Navy under the auspices of the Chief of Materiel and the Controller of Warship
Production and Acquisition.
Currently, 39 major vessels being built for the Indian Navy are being classified by the Indian
Register of Shipping, as per the IRS Naval Rules. These include OPVs, Missile Vessels,
Survey Vessels (Large), SWASWC vessels, Diving Support Vessels, Diving Support Crafts
and Cadets’ Training Ships.
Mr. Arun Sharma, IRS Executive Chairman said, ‘IRS Naval Rules 2023, are a testament to
close cooperation and synergy with the Indian Navy, in achieving the goal of Atma-Nirbhar
Bharat. Indian Register of Shipping is fully geared to work with shipyards and the maritime
industry for efficient execution of Naval shipbuilding programmes as per compliance
guidelines indicated in these Rules.’