Established in 1929, the Mercantile Marine Department in Kolkata is one of India’s oldest maritime institutions, entrusted with ensuring maritime safety and regulatory compliance. Initially operating under the direct control of the central government, the department was brought under the purview of the Directorate General of Shipping following its creation in Mumbai in 1949.

Today, the Mercantile Marine Department, Kolkata serves as a key authority for maritime regulation and governance within its jurisdiction. Operating under Section 8 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 (as amended), the department is responsible for enforcing national shipping laws and ensuring adherence to both National and International maritime regulations.

The primary objective is to ensure the safety and security of ships, their crews, and to protect the marine environment. These vital goals are achieved through enforcement of established National and International regulatory frameworks, encompassing pivotal conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, and MLC.

The Mercantile Marine Department Kolkata holds a crucial role in regulating maritime operations across a vast region encompassing West Bengal, Odisha, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. To effectively manage this extensive area, MMD Kolkata has subordinate offices in Haldia, Paradip, and Sri Vijaypuram. This decentralized structure allows for more efficient oversight and localized management of maritime activities. Mercantile Marine Department is also responsible for matters concerning seafarers, with the Government Shipping Officeand Seamen's Employment Officeboth located within MMD Kolkata