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1TS/TRG/NWK/D&SD
COPY NO. ___________

DISCIPLINE AND CEREMONIAL

DOCKET

FIRST TRAINING SQUADRON

NAVAL BASE
KOCHI 682004

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INDEX

PART I

DISCIPLINE

Ser Topics Page No.

1 Navy Act 1957 03

2 Summary Trial and Punishment 10

3 Power of Punishment 15

4 Disciplinary Actions Against Officers 19

5 Representation and Complaints 23

PART II

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CEREMONIALS

Ser Topics
Introduction
1
Still Pipe, Piping the Side
2
Ceremonials between Sunrise and Sunset (Ships/Boats)
3
Musical Salutes
4
Guards and Band, Gun Salutes
5
Ceremonials for President & Foreign Warships
6
Display of Flags/Discs/Star Plates
7
Dressing the Ship
8
Foreign Port Visits
9
Incorrect Display/Unrestricted Display of Flags
10
Naval Salutes and Marks of Respect
11
Painting of Ship's Boats and Half Masting
12
Lowering Flags/Dipping Ensign
13

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CHAPTER 1

NAVY ACT 1957

Introduction

1. Common laws of the country are applicable to all the citizens including those
in uniforms, e.g. “The Indian Penal Code”, “Indian Evidence Act” to name a few and
the highest law of the land, “The Constitution of India”.

2. Men in uniform are subject to certain special codes of law and justice which
are functionally necessary for the military, they are:

(a) The Army Act of 1950.

(b) The Navy Act of 1957.
(c) The Air Force Act of 1950.

3. The Navy Act. The Navy Act was passed by the Parliament in 1957 and
brought in force with effect from 01 Jan 1958. It consists of 22 chapters and 188
sections.

4. Regulations for the Navy. These orders („REGS NAVY‟) have been
issued by the Central Government, Ministry of Defence. They are divided into four
parts. Part II deals with discipline and Naval Law. These regulations were
promulgated of 22 May 1965.

Layout of the Navy Act

5. Commissions and Enrolment. Only Indian and Nepalese citizens are

eligible to join the Indian Navy. Officers are appointed by a Commission granted by
the President of India. Sailors are enrolled on contract basis for an initial period
which is not to exceed 15 years. A sailor is deemed to be enrolled if he has received
03 months pay after the date of enrolment.

6. Abrogation of Fundamental Rights. Freedom of speech and freedom to

form associations which are guaranteed to every citizen under the constitution are
not fully to Military personnel. The constitution has provided that the Parliament may,
by law restrict or abrogate the fundamental rights in relation to members of Armed
Forces, in so far as necessary, for proper discharge of their duties and for
maintenance of discipline amongst them. They are therefore not allowed to:

(a) Become members of the political party or trade unions or

support/associate with such organisations which are not recognised as a part
of armed forces – Right to Form Associations.

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(b) Attend/address any political meetings or demonstration – Right to

Speech.

(c) Publish any official document or any other information likely to

embarrass the government without prior permission – Communication with the
Press.

(d) Practice any other business or occupation without the prior sanction of
the Chief of the Naval Staff – Professional Practice.

7. Memberships of any institution, society or organisations of purely social or

recreational or religious nature are permissible. These don‟t include organisations
which may be banned by the Government of India.

8. Service Privileges. Persons subject to Naval Law have the following

privileges which are inapplicable to civil personnel:

(a) Their pay, clothes and arms cannot be attached. They are immune to
arrest for debt.

(b) If involved in civil suit, he can apply to court through CO to hear his
case during his absence.

(c) If he feels he has suffered any injustice/ ill-treatment he may take a

complaint to higher authorities to redress his grievances.

9. Deductions from Pay. Deductions from pay and allowances can be

ordered for the following reasons:

(a) For the periods of absence without leave.

(b) During Naval/Civil custody or suspension from duty.

(c) The period of hospitalisation caused due to self inflicted or deliberately

aggravated injury/diseases.

(d) Pay and allowances which is due to others, if obtained unlawfully.

(e) Amount required making good, loss or destruction of property

belonging to government, service messes and club etc.

(f) Debts to service mess or canteen.

(g) For maintenance of person‟s wife and children.

10. Generally the total deduction in a month should not normally exceed half the
individual‟s pay.

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11. Articles of War. Chapter VIII of the Navy Act is titled as Articles of War.
This primarily describes offences under the Navy Act and their consequential
punishments. Few of the offences are:

(a) Misconduct in action by officers.

(b) Misconduct in not pursuing the enemy and not assisting a friend in
view.

(c) Deserting the post.

(d) Ill-treating subordinates.

(e) Spying.

(f) Falsifying documents.

12. Provisions as to Punishment. Chapter IX deals with the types of

punishment and conditions under which such punishments can be awarded. For
example:

(a) Death.

(b) Life imprisonment or imprisonment for a lesser term.

(c) Dismissal with disgrace.

(d) Detention.

13. Arrest. A person subject to Naval Laws is liable to be arrested by a warrant

issued by the Commanding Officer or other superior officers eg. Squadron
Commander, Fleet Commander etc. There is also a provision for arrest to be made
without a warrant by any superior officer or Provost Marshal.

14. Court Martial Procedure. Chapter XIII lays down the procedures to be
followed for the Court Martial which is duly constituted under the Navy Act.

Definitions

15. Some of the definitions of various terms used in the Navy Act are given below.
They are legal connotations and their implications need to be studied in all their
details particularly when dealing with trials and punishments. Section 3 of Navy Act
1957 is reproduced in following paragraphs. In this Act, unless the context otherwise
requires:

16. Active Service means service or duty.

(a) During the period of operation of a proclamation of emergency issued

under clause (1) of Article 352 of Constitution; or

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(b) During any period declared by Central Government by notification in

the official Gazette as a period of active service with reference to any area in
which person or class of persons subject to Naval Law may be serving.

17. Chief of the Naval Staff. Chief of the Naval Staff means Flag Officer
appointed by the President as Chief of the Naval Staff or in his absence on leave or
otherwise an officer appointed by the Central Government to officiate as such or in
absence of such officiating appointment the officer on whom the command devolves
in accordance with the regulations made under this Act.

18. Civil Offence. Civil offence means an offence triable in court of ordinary
criminal jurisdiction in India.

19. Civil Prison. Civil prison means any jail or place used for the detention of
any criminal prisoner under Prisons Act 1894 or under any other law for the time
being in force.

20. Commissioned Officer. Commissioned officer means a person holding a

commission from the President in the Indian Navy or the Indian Navy Reserve
Forces.

21. Court Martial. Court Martial means court martial constituted under this
Act.

22. Enemy. Enemy includes all armed rebels, armed mutineers, armed
rioters and pirates and any person in arms against whom it is the duty of any person
subject to Naval Law to Act.

23. Flag Officer. Flag Officer means an officer of the rank of Admiral, Fleet
Admiral, Vice Admiral by the Central Government.

24. Indian Navy Reserve Force. Indian Navy reserve force means the Naval
Reserve Forces raised and maintained by the Central Government.

25. Indian Navy. Indian Navy means the regular Naval Forces raised and
maintained by the Central Government.

26. Indian Waters. Indian waters for the purpose of Section 31, 97 and 99
means the seas extending from the shores of India to such limits as may be
prescribed.

27. Naval Custody. Naval custody means the arrest/confinement of person in

the prescribed manner or in accordance with the usages of the Naval Service and
includes Military and Air Force custody.

28. Naval Offence. Naval offence means any of the offences under section
35 to 76.

29. Naval Service. Naval service means the Naval Organisation of India.

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30. Naval Tribunal. Naval tribunal means a court martial constituted under
Section 97 and includes a disciplinary court constructed under section 96. A
Commanding Officer or authority exercises power of punishment under this Act.

31. An Officer. An Officer means a commissioned officer and includes a

subordinate officer bud does not include a Petty Officer.

32. Petty Officer. Petty officer means sailor rates as such and includes
Chief Petty Officers and Master Chief Petty Officers.

33. Prescribed. Prescribed means prescribed by regulations made under this

Act.

34. Provost Marshal. Provost Marshal means a person appointed as such

under Section 89 and includes any of his deputies or assistants or any other person
lawfully exercising authority under him or on his behalf.

35. Sailor. Sailor means a person in the Naval Service other than an
officer.

36. Ship. Ship except in expression “onboard ship” includes an establishment

of the Indian Navy commissioned as a ship in accordance with the custom of the
Navy.

37. Subject to Naval Law. Subject to Naval Law means liable to be arrested
and tried under this Act for an offence.

38. Subordinate Officer. Subordinate Officer means a person appointed as

a Sub-Lieutenant, a Midshipman or Cadet in any one of the Indian Navy or Indian
Navy Reserve Forces, but does not include a cadet whilst under training in a Joint
Services Institution.

39. Superior Officer. Superior Officer when used in relation to a person subject
to Naval Law, means any Officer or Petty Officer who is senior to that person under
regulation made under this Act and any Petty Officer, though not so senior to that
person, is entitled under this Act or the regulations made there under to give a
command so that person and includes, when such person is serving under
prescribed conditions, an Officer, Junior Commissioned Officer, Warrant Officer, Non
Commissioned Officer of the regular Army or the Air Force of higher relative rank to
that person or entitled under this Act or regulations made there under to give a
command to that person.

Jurisdiction

40. Conditions to try an offence – In order that any offence may be triable under
the Act, the conditions contained in the following three jurisdictions are required to be
fulfilled. Jurisdiction means to whom, where and when, does the Navy Act apply?
These are explained in following paragraphs.

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41. Jurisdiction as to Person (To Whom). Following persons are subject to

Naval Law any where:

(a) Every Naval person during the time he is liable for the service.

(b) Every Naval Reservists when he is:

(i) On active service.

(ii) Undergoing training.

(c) Regular Army and Air Force personnel embarked onboard ships or
aircraft of the Navy.

(d) Every person taking passage onboard ships or aircraft of the Navy.

(e) Spies of the enemy.

(f) Any person not otherwise subject to Naval Law who endeavours to
seduce a person subject to Naval Law from his allegiance to the Constitution
of India or duty towards his superior officers.

(g) Persons normally not subject to Naval Law but:

(i) On being summoned by a Court Martial fail to attend court.

(ii) Refuse to answer questions when law bound to answer.

(iii) Refuse to take oath before the court.

(iv) Refuse to produce a document which he is capable of

producing.

(v) Is guilty of contempt of court.

42. Jurisdiction as to Place (Where). The following offences come under the
jurisdiction of the Navy Act as to Place:

(a) Naval offences committed anywhere.

(b) Civil offences committed anywhere except:

(i) Murder.

(ii) Rape.

(iii) Culpable homicide not announcing to murder.

(c) These offences can also be tried by Naval tribunal if committed:

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(i) During active service.

(ii) Any place outside India.

(iii) If committed between person subject to Army, Navy or Air Force

law.

43. Jurisdiction as to Time (When). No person can be tried and punished

under the Navy Act after 03 years from the date of offense unless he has:

(a) Avoided apprehension.

(b) Fled from justice.

(c) Deserted.

(d) Fraudulently entered the service.

(e) Committed mutiny.

44. Exceptions – Jurisdictions as to Time.

(a) Fraudulent Entry. This cannot be tried if the offender has served the
Indian Navy in an exemplary manner for a minimum of 03 years subsequent
to the date of offence.

(b) Desertion. Same rule as at (a) above applied except for desertion on
active service.

(c) Three Years. Time spent abroad or as a prisoner of war does not
count towards calculation of these three years.

(d) Person Leaving Service. Person who leaves service and cease to be
subject to Naval Law cannot be tried and punished under the Navy Act unless
the trial commences within 06 months after they have ceased to be subject to
Naval Law. The exceptions are:

(i) Mutiny.

(ii) Desertion.

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CHAPTER 2

SUMMARY TRIAL AND PUNISHMENT

1. Commanding Officer of ships and establishments are empowered to try non

capital offences committed by sailors under their command except Pos and above
who may elect to be tried by Court Martial. They have also been delegated powers to
punish. These are called summary punishments.

2. Summary Punishments. These are of two types:

(a) Warrant punishments.

(b) Non-Warrant punishments.

3. Warrant Punishments. Certain punishments require a special warrant to be

made out as they are severe in nature and in most cases require approval by a
superior authority. The warrant punishments are tabulated below:

Punishment
Punishment Approval by
No.
1 Imprisonment Administrative Authority
2 Detention Administrative Authority
3 Dismissal Chief of Naval Staff
Forfeiture of Seniority not more than
3A Administrative Authority
12 months
Forfeiture of time for promotion not
3B Administrative Authority
more than 12 months
4 Reduction in rank Flag Officer / Commodore
5 Fine for Civil Offences Flag Officer / Commodore
8 Cell not exceeding 14 days Commanding Officer
Deprivation of
9 (a) Good Conduct Badge (GCB) Flag Officer / Commodore
(b) Good Conduct Medal (GCM) Flag Officer / Commodore

4. Imprisonment (No.1). This requires approval of administrative authority.

Is normally awarded under following conditions:

(a) To sailors who have already been punished with detention with no
effect.
(b) Those who are to be dismissed from the Naval Service.
(c) Sailors should not be below 21 years of age.
(d) Offences are very grave and serious.
5. Imprisonment may be simple or rigorous. Maximum period is three months.
Detention is actually carried out in a Naval Jail. It is generally awarded for serious

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offences. Minimum period is 10 days maximum three months. This requires approval
by the Administrative Authority.

6. Dismissal from Naval Service (No.3). This requires approval by CNS. This
punishment is not normally awarded in exceptional circumstances.

7. Reduction in Rank (No. 4). A sailor may be summarily reduced in rank for
offences committed. In no case can a sailor be reduced in rank lower than what he
entered. This requires approval of a Flag Officer / Commodore.

8. Fine in respect of Civil Offence (No. 5). A fine not exceeding Rs 250/- may
be summarily imposed when a sailor is found guilty of a civil offense. This also
requires the approval of a Flag Officer / Commodore.

9. Solitary Confinement in Cells (N0. 8). This is a warrant punishment which

can be approved by the Commanding Officer of the rank of Commander and above.
Maximum 14 days.

10. Deprivation of GCB/ GCM (No. 9). Any person holding these medals or
badges can be deprived of one or more medal / badge or both. No approval is
required if the Commanding Officer is of the rank of Commander or above. These
badges are restored after a certain specified period of time. For deprivation of Medal
approval is required from Flag Officer / Commodore.

11. Power of Approving Authority. The officer approving the warrant

punishment has the power to take either of the three courses of action:

(a) Approve in toto.

(b) Enhance the punishment if he considers it inadequate.

(c) Reduce the punishment if he considers it unduly harsh.

12. Consequential Punishment/ Penalties. As explained earlier, warrant

punishments are severe and are awarded for grave and serious offences. One of the
severities being that they invariably impose certain consequential punishments or
penalties. These are different for different punishments. An example, for a sailor
awarded detention, the consequential punishments / penal reduction in rank.

(a) Reduction in rank.

(b) Break in Very Good (VG) Conduct.

(c) Deprivation of GCBs / GCMs.

(d) Award of lower character assessment.

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13. Non-Warrant Punishments. These are punishments which can be

summarily awarded by the Commanding Officer and are not so severe. They are as
follows:

Punishment Punishment Approval by

No.
Not to exceed more Than half his
6 Mulcts of pay and allowances
pay.
10 Reprimand by Captain
11 Extra work and drill Period not to exceed 14
12 Stoppage of leave Not more than 60 days.
Period not to exceed 7 days and
13 Extra work or drill
not more than 2h daily.
14 Admonition

14. Mulcts of Pay and Allowances (No. 6). Stoppage of pay can be awarded
for the following offences:

(a) Leave breaking and improper absence.

(b) Drunkenness.

(c) To make good damage to Government property caused by the sailor.

15. Reprimand by Captain (No. 10). Awarded only to Leadings and above
and is recorded in the service documents of the sailor for a period of 01 year.

16. Extra Work and Drill (No. 11). This can be awarded up to a maximum of 14
days. Following routine is to be adhered to:

(a) Leave to be stopped.

(b) To turn out half an hour before the hands call.

(c) To do extra work during non-working hours from half an hour before
the hands turn to until 2100h, one hour of which during the dog watches, to
be, if possible for drill or boat pulling.

(d) To be mustered frequently.

(e) To have full time for meals except lunch for which half an hour is
allowed and he is to be employed for remainder duration for drill or work.

(f) Drill is to be performed wearing correct drill order only.

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(g) Extra work is to be substituted when drill would have to be carried out
in sight of civilian onlookers. When possible extra work is to be done in the
department in which the offender belongs.

(h) If a sailor has to keep a night watch either in harbour or at sea, this
punishment is to cease at 2100h and he shall not be turned out before the
usual time.

(i) The offender is to be allowed to leave ship / establishment only on duty

though he may be allowed to proceed on long leave at the discretion of the
Commanding Officer.

17. Stoppage of Leave (No. 12). This actually means no liberty ashore.
Maximum stoppage of leave is 60 days. Sailors awarded this punishment are only
required to muster along with mend under punishment. If awarded No. 12 in excess
of 30 days, he is allowed once a week liberty ashore after completing 30 days.

18. Extra Work or Drill (No. 13). Maximum limit permissible is 07 days. The
duration of extra work or drill is not to exceed two hours a day. Para 14 (f) and (g)
are applicable in this punishment (No. 11).

19. Admonition (No. 14). When an offence is minor and there is mitigating
circumstances where serious punishment is not warranted, the sailor is to be
admonished. This is recorded in Service Documents of the sailor.

20. Punishment which are carried out onboard except no. 8 and no. 12 are to be
suspended on Sunday, but this day counts. At sea, sailors are not to be deprived of
their night rest.

Note: Commanding Officer below the rank of Commander is not authorised. In such
cases approval from the next superior authority of the rank of Commander and
above is to be obtained, e.g. Commanding Officer of a Mine Sweeper of the rank of
Lieutenant Commander must obtain approval from senior officer of the squadron
whose rank is Commander.

21. Restrictions in Award of Punishments to MCPOs. MCPOs can be

summarily awarded only the following punishments by the Commanding Officers of
the rank of Commander and above:

(a) Mulcts of pay and allowances. (No. 6)

(b) Reprimand. (No. 10)

(c) Stoppage of Leave. (No. 12)

(d) Admonition. (No. 14)

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22. In a ship where the Commanding Officer is of a junior rank, the above
punishments can be summarily awarded with the approval from the immediate
superior authority whose rank is Commander or above.

23. Right to Elect Trial by Court Martial. A Petty Officer or above has the right
to elect for trial when he has committed an offence which if proved would justify him
being reduced in rank.

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CHAPTER 3

POWER OF PUNISHMENT

1. All offences committed can be tried and punished under the Navy Act by
either of following means:

(a) Court Martial.

(b) Disciplinary Court.

(c) Summary Trial.

2. Court Martial. This is the highest court of Naval Justice and has the full
powers for trial and punishments of all offences under the jurisdiction of the Navy
Act.

3. A Court Martial is constituted on the following occasions:

(a) To try capital offences.

(b) To try offences committed by officers.

(c) When a PO/CPO/MCPO elects to be tried by Court Martial.

(d) When wreck, loss or destruction of IN ships / aircraft is involved.

(e) When summary punishments are considered inadequate for the

offences committed.

4. A Court Martial can be convened by the following authorities:

(a) President of India.

(b) Chief of Naval Staff.

(c) Administrative Authorities.

(d) Officers empowered by a commission from the CNS.

5. A Court Martial comprises of the following:

(a) President of the Court. He must be a person subject to Naval Law

from the Executive Branch and senior to the accused.

(b) Members of the Court. They should also be subject to Naval Law.
There should be minimum 5 to maximum 9 members amongst which majority

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members should be from Executive Branch of Rank Lieutenant and above

with age 21 years and above.

(c) The Trial Judge Advocate (TJA).

(d) The prosecutor.

(e) The accused and his defence lawyer called „friend of the accused‟.

(f) The officer of the court.

(g) A stenographer.

6. Disciplinary Court. This method is restored to during war for trial of officers
for alleged offences under certain sections of the Navy Act. This special provision
provides an easier mode of trial during war when there may not be time to fulfil all
the conditions required for a court martial. It can be convened by any officer
empowered to convene court martial. Its composition is generally on the same lines
as a court martial. It has the power to impose any punishment inferior to detention.

7. Summary Trial. Commanding Officer of ships and establishments are

empowered to try non capital offences committed by sailors under their command
except Pos and above who may elect to be tried by Court Martial. They have also
been delegated powers to punish. These are called summary punishments.

8. Regulations for the Navy (INBR 2). Promulgated on 22 May 1965. The
Navy Act 1957 empowers these regulations. These consist of 04 parts, namely:

(a) PART I - Non Statutory. Containing general regulations of an

administrative character. It contains 44 chapters, e.g. Instructions to
Administrative Authority, Senior Officers, Captain, Executive / Engineer /
Electrical / Logistic / Gunnery / Communication / Divisional Officers / Physical
Training / Shipwright / Meteorology / OOD/OOW and Master-at-arms.
Instructions regarding uniforms, decorations, medals, messing,
accommodations, NPF, ROR, trials, survey, repairs, quarantine etc.

(b) PART II - Statutory. Containing discipline and miscellaneous

provisions. It contains 08 chapters‟ e.g. Summary punishments, procedures,
arrest, court martial, disciplinary court, boards or enquiry and miscellaneous
provisions.

(c) PART III - Statutory. Containing naval ceremonial, conditions of

service and miscellaneous regulations. It contains 13 Chapter e.g.
ceremonies and distinctions, promotions, retirement age, grant of acting rank,
permanent commission to SSC officers, officers on the retired and emergency
lists, rank and commands, sailors conditions of service, regulations for IN
reserve and IN volunteer reserve.

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(d) PART IV - Statutory. Containing the Indian Naval Auxiliary Service

regulations (1973). It contains 08 chapters e.g. Officers / sailors appointment
and duties, uniform, condition of service, training, pay etc.

9. Delegation of Powers of Punishment. Under the Regs Navy the

Commanding Officer may delegate in writing certain powers of punishments to the
officers and within limits as laid down in the succeeding paragraphs.

10. Executive Officer of the rank of Commander.

(a) No. 11 - 14 days.

(b) No. 12 - 24 days.

(c) No. 13 - 07 days (not more than two hours a day)

(d) No. 14 - Admonition

(e) No. 6 for

(i) Improper absence upto 36 hours.

(ii) Drunkenness.

11. Executive Officer of the rank of Lt Cdr / Lt.

(a) No. 11 - 07 days.

(b) No. 12 - 24 days, but not to MCPO/CPO/PO.

(c) No. 13 - 07 days.

(d) No. 14 - Admonition.

12. Department Officers. Departmental Officers of the rank of Lt or above for

departmental offences:

(a) No. 13 - 01 day.

(b) No. 12 - Admonition.

13. Divisional Officers. Divisional Officers of the rank of Lt or above may award
the following punishments to sailor in his division for divisional offences:

(a) No. 13 - 01 day.

(b) No. 14 - Admonition.

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14. OOD / OOW of the rank of Lieutenant or above.

(a) No. 13 - 01 day.

(b) No. 14 - Admonition

15. Medical Officer-in-Charge of a ward (of any rank).

(a) No. 13 - 01 day

(b) No. 14 - Admonition

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CHAPTER 4

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AGAINST OFFICERS

1. Officers can only be punished by a Court Martial or by a Disciplinary Court.

Subordinate Officers, however can be summarily punished for offences committed
with forfeiture of time and seniority to the extent by the authorities given below:

(a) Central Government - 12 months

(b) CNS - 06 months

(c) Administrative Authority - 03 months

(d) Commanding Officer - 03 months

2. Summery trial of Officer’s. The powers of summery trial and punishments,

are exercisable only in the case of officers below the rank of commander, including
the „subordinate officers‟ as defined in Section 3(23, of the Navy Act, 1957, as under:

(a) Subordinate officers, whilst under training in a ship ot in Naval

Academy.

(b) Subordinate officers, whilst posted in a ship or establishment.

(c) All officers below the rank of commander, including subordinate

officers.

3. Powers of Commanding Officer/ Officer-in-Charge of Naval Academy.

The Commanding Officer of the ship or the Officer-in-Charge of a Naval Academy
may impose on any subordinate officers, the following punishments:

(a) Severe reprimand.

(b) Reprimand.

(c) Stoppage of leave for a period not exceeding 14 days.

(d) Extra work and/ or drill for a period not exceeding 10 days.

4. Award of punishment of Forfeiture of Seniority in Rank/ Time on

Subordinate Officer. The Award of punishment of forfeiture of seniority in rank or
time, for promotion, to a subordinate officer can only be awarded by the
Commanding Officer of the ship. The following procedures is to be followed:

(a) When Explanation found unsatisfactory. If the explanation of the

subordinate officer is found unsatisfactory, he may impose the punishment of:

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(i) Forfeiture of Seniority not more than 3 months - With the prior
approval of CNS or CNC.

(ii) Forfeiture of Time not more than 3 months. - (No prior

approval required)

(b) Show Cause Notice. The Commanding Officer shall inform the
subordinate officer together with all reports adverse to him, with holding such
part of the report, if any, disclosure of which, is not in the public interest, and
seek his explanation in writing in defence.

5. Authorities empowered to award punishment. The following authorities

are empowered to award summary punishment to the officer below the rank of
commander, including the subordinate officers, wherever they may be borne:

(a) The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Naval Command.

(b) The Chief of the Naval Staff.

(c) The Central Government.

6. Punishment. The power of summary punishment, vested in each

authority are as under:

(a) The Flag Officer Commanding -in-Chief.

(i) Forfeiture of Seniority in the Rank of not more than three

months.

(ii) Forfeiture of Time foe Promotion of not more than three months.

(iii) Severe Reprimand

(iv) Reprimand

(b) The Chief of the Naval Staff.

(i) Forfeiture of Seniority in the Rank of not more than six months.

(ii) Forfeiture of Time foe Promotion of not more than six months.

(c) The Central Government.

(i) Forfeiture of Seniority in the Rank - Of not more than twelve

months.

(ii) Forfeiture of Time for Promotion - Of not more than twelve

months.

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7. Censure. These are letters of displeasure/severe displeasure which are

issued by the following authorities:

(a) Central Government

(b) Chief of the Naval Staff

(c) Administrative Authority

8. These letters of censure are not exactly a punishment but an official rebuke
for alleged indiscretions. They are accordingly recorded or not recorded in the
officers dossiers as follows:

(a) Letters issued by the Central Government are permanently recorded.

(b) By CNS. CNS is empowered to issue letters of severe displeasure.

Period to be recorded is indicated in the letter.

(c) AAs. AAs are authorised to award letters of censure to officers serving
under their respective commands.

(i) Severe Displeasure. Retained for three years in the first

instance. Subsequent retention is to be annually reviewed.

(ii) Displeasure. Retained for 12 months.

9. Effect of Censure. The effect of censure on promotions would be as follows:

(a) Severe Displeasure by CNS. No acting promotions within one year

from the date of award.

(b) Severe Displeasure by AAs. No acting promotions within 06 months

from the date of award.

(c) The award of a letter of censure does not necessarily ban an officer
from future selective promotions.

10. NHQ Master Record. All such letters issued by Central Government / CNS /
AAs are recorded in NHQ Master Record of Discipline file, after being removed from
the officers dossier on expiry of the retention period. When an officer retires from the
service, such letters are removed from his dossiers irrespective of the period falling
short of above.

11. Logging. The Commanding Officer may log an officer for an offence which is
not serious enough to be tried by Court Martial. When an offence is to be logged to
CO makes the following entry in the ship‟s log, “Had the occasion to admonish SLt
ABC for __________________________ (Details of the offence)”. The entry is to be
signed both by the CO and the officer being logged. A copy of the entry and the

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signature is to be kept onboard the ship till she pays off. Logging is not normally
reported to the CNS.

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CHAPTER 5

REPRESENTATION AND COMPLAINTS

1. All complaints and representations are normally to be made orally to the

immediate superior officer. If he is not satisfied with the decision of that authority he
may request that the complaint be forwarded to the next higher authority. When
necessary, representations may be made ultimately to the government through the
proper channels.

2. Complaints and Representation by Officers. Officers may represent their

complaint orally to the Commanding Officer through the Executive Officer. If not
satisfied with the decision of the Commanding Officer, they may state the
representation in the form of formal letter and request the Commanding Officer to
forward this to higher authority. Officer of the rank of Captain are not required to
represent through the Executive Officer.

3. Complaints and Representations of Sailors. Sailors are to state their

complaint orally to the Executive Officer through their Divisional Officer, where
representations refer to the department, they are to be channelled through the
Departmental Officer. If not satisfied with the decision given by the Commanding
Officer he may request that his complaint be forwarded to the next higher authority.
In such a case, the sailor may state his complaint in writing with the help of the
Commanding Officer. The Commanding Officer will forward the written complaint to
higher authorities with his comments. If the complainant is not satisfied with the
decision of such authorities he may state his complaint for further reference to the
CNS and if required, to the Government of India.

4. Rules for making complaints. Following rules should be followed while

making complaints:

(a) Complaint must be personal i.e. the complaint should relate to the
complainant himself.

(b) Complaint must be true and not exaggerated or misrepresented.

(c) Complaint must be by an individual, though any number of sailors can

make the same complaint.

(d) Complaint must be respectfully represented. No disrespectful or vulgar

language may be used except when necessary to state the facts of the case.

Method of Representing Complaints by Sailors

5. Food. Complaints regarding food should be made to the senior cook or the
mess deck Petty Officer.

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6. Immediate complaints. These are to be made to the OOD/ OOW.

Complaints regarding food if not satisfactorily settled by the senior cook/ mess deck
Petty Officer are also to be forwarded to the OOD/ OOW.
7. Complaints to the inspecting officer. Complaints may also be made to the
Inspecting Officer during the official inspection of the ship.

8. Other complaints. All other complaints are to be represented to the

Divisional Officer through the Divisional Petty Officer.

9. Any other manner of representing complaints is an offence. Only when the

authority to whom a request / complaint is made has neglected or refused to deal
with it or forward the case, superior authority can be approached.

10. Complaints against punishment are to be made immediately after award of

punishment. It is the duty of the Divisional Officer to explain the implications of the
punishments awarded and find out if the sailor wishes to make an appeal.
Punishments are not be kept in abeyance, pending decision on the complaint.

Rules for dealing with Complaints

11. The rules for dealing with the complaints are as follows:

(a) Complaints must never be suppressed.

(b) Divisional Officers must at all times assist the sailors in explaining the
implications of any complaints and also for representing in the proper way.

(c) If the Commanding Officer feels that a particular complaint may also
apply to other personnel generally, he may represent the case to higher
authorities in general terms instead of in the name of the complaint.

12. Complaint to the Press. Officers and sailors are permitted to write to the
press on matters of public interest with the prior approval from the higher authorities.
They are however not to write or publish articles, books etc. without the prior
approval of NHQ. They are also not to write anything in the nature of criticism of the
Navy or any other government department or on any political issue. In particular,
personnel are not to write to the press to air any grievance whether or not it has
already been represented. To do any of these things is an offence against Section
74 of the Navy Act.

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PART II

CEREMONIALS

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1. Introduction.

(a) Colours. The White Ensign and National Flag worn by Indian Naval
Ships/Indian Coast guard on commission are referred to as colours or at the time
prescribed by the Senior Officer and haul it down at sunset every day.
Instructions regarding wearing of colours are given in chap II Regulations for the
Navy part III.

(b) Flags. The White Ensign and National Flag flown ashore are referred to
as Flags.

(c) The White Ensign is to be flown at all Naval Establishments

commissioned as Indian Naval ship. It is also to be flown at the Shore
Headquarters of a ship or Senior Officer and at detached naval establishments,
such as Wireless transmitting and receiving stations, Wireless experimental units
and detachments, Naval garrison headquarters, Naval coast batteries, temporary
air fields and camps which though not independently commissioned as
organized units of the Navy. The Ensign may also be flown at Naval recruiting
offices with the specific permission of Naval Headquarters.

(d) Blue Ensign is flown by all fleet auxiliaries as well as merchant vessels
commanded by officers of naval reserves, or those merchant vessels having a
prescribed percentage of ex-Naval personnel in their crew or those on charter to
the Navy. Blue Ensign bears a yellow anchor while White and Red do not.

(e) Red Ensign is flown by merchant vessels and also by naval vessels not
yet commissioned undergoing trials before acceptance into service.

(f) When a warship is commissioned, she becomes entitled to wear a

Commissioning Pennant, otherwise called the Masthead Pennant. This is flown
on the mainmast and remains there throughout the ship‟s commission, except
when the ship flies the distinguishing flag of a President, Sovereign or a Flag
Officer. In this case the Commissioning Pennant is hauled down. Certain ships
which are authorized by warrant, wear a Blue Ensign may be especially
authorized to wear a blue masthead pendant. (Normally these are the ships
commanded by an officer of any Naval Reserve).

(g) The following Inter services establishments are authorised to fly the white
ensign:-
(i) National Defence College, New Delhi
(ii) National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla
(iii) Defence Services Staff College, Wellington

(h) Establishments not entitled to fly White Ensign are to fly the National Flag.
Flags flown ashore are to be hoisted at the time prescribed for hoisting colours in
Indian Naval Ships/ICG ships and are to be hauled down at sunset.

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(j) The order to half-mast colours is also applicable to the White/CG Ensign
flown ashore.

(k) Naval ensign's length and breadth ratio will be 2:1. The width of the cross
in the white ensign is 2/15 of the breadth. The National Flag, superimposed in
the upper canton next to staff. In the red and blue ensign - exactly one quarter of
the total size.

(l) „Jack‟ is the name given to the colours worn on the staff at the stem of the
ship in harbour, at anchor or moored to a buoy or alongside. The guard and
band are paraded if available; it is customary for Captain to be present, if
onboard. Colours may also be attended by Admiral if embarked. If Jack staff or
Ensign Staff is not available then Tricolour is worn at starboard yardarm of mast
and the ensign at the port yardarm.

(m) „Jack‟ is the name given to the colours worn on the staff at the stem of the
ship in harbour, at anchor or moored to a buoy or alongside. The guard and
band are paraded if available; it is customary for Captain to be present, if
onboard. Colours may also be attended by Admiral if embarked. If Jack staff or
Ensign Staff is not available then Tricolour is worn at starboard yardarm of mast
and the ensign at the port yardarm.

(n) During action, the ships wear an additional battle ensign at a conspicuous
position, generally, high on her foremast.

(p) When ship is at dry dock or wet basin, she wears only white ensign which is
hoisted and lowered at the time of Colours and Sunset generally on the gaff of
the mainmast. This is for reasons of economy.

(q) When ship put to sea, the National Flag is lowered as soon as the anchor is
aweigh, and if casting off from alongside, when the last line is slipped. After the
ship has left harbour, the Ensign is shifted to its sea position on the mainmast.
Both the staffs are struck down and the ensign flies day and night on the main-
mast. EXCEPTION: When the President or foreign Head of State is embarked; in
which case the National Flag and Ensign remain at their respective staffs by day
and night at anchor or underway as long as the dignitary is on board.

(r) Indian Navy is the first service to be presented with „President‟s Colour‟ on
27 May 1951, received by Lieutenant MP Avati. Indian Coast Guard also has
been honoured with President's Colour ('Nishan') on 01 Dec 2002.

(s) When a Court Martial assembles on board a ship or establishment, the

National Flag is worn at yardarm, and a salute consisting of a single gun called
the Rogue‟s Gun is fired at the Colours every day for the duration the court is in
session. National Flag is hauled down when the court adjourns for the day or
disperses, and when more than one court-martial is held on the same day it is
dipped between each separate court.

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2. Still Pipe/Alert. Alert is sounded on bugle between Colours to Sunset to the

following personage when visiting Indian Naval ships/Indian Coast Guard
Ships/Naval/Coast Guard establishments: Still may be piped instead of Alert
between ships passing each other. The Duration of the Still pipe is 08 sec (high
note).

(a) The President

(b) Vice President
(c) Prime Minister
(d) Defence minister, Minister of Defence Production, Dy Minister of Defence
(e) Governors of all states
(f) All Flag Officers and Commodores in uniform when coming onboard/leaving
any IN/ICG ship or when visiting IN/CG establishment (Senior officers of ICG)
(g) Officers of Army and Air Force
(h) All foreign officers of equivalent ranks
(j) All officers of Govt., Diplomatic or other services entitled for 11 gun salutes
(k)President of Republic, Royal Personage, PM of foreign/Commonwealth
country
(l) Other senior/distinguished persons visiting IN ships within their official
capacity at the discretion of the Senior Officer present

3. Piping the Side. The following personnel are entitled:-

(a) The President

(b) All IN Flag Officers/All ICG Senior officers in uniform & Captain Comdts
(c) All Commodores in uniform (if authorised to wear broad pennant)
(d) All Commanding Officers in command of a ship in commission including
shore establishment in commission (COs coming onboard by a brow are piped
only if arriving at a pre-arranged time) of Units/Establishment
(e) Members of Court-martial attending or leaving the court
(f) Officer of the Guard
(g) Corpse being brought onboard or leaving ship (at all hours)
(h) All foreign naval officers in uniform (at all hours)
(j) All GD Officers of Indian Coast Guard in uniform holding an appointment in
Command of a ship in commission (including a shore establishment) or sea
going tender and all non-GD Coast Guard officers in uniform holding an
appointment in Command of a shore establishment in commission, when
proceeding on board or leaving one of the ships.

Note:

(i) All foreign naval officers are side piped all times except naval officers
of Commonwealth Nations (who are piped if entitled as per their
appointment)

(ii) The side is piped when an officer arrives and again when he leaves

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(iii) Side pipe is piped twice on each occasion once when his boat
approaches or leaves gangway (at a distance of 1.5 boat-lengths) and
again as he ascends or descends the accommodation ladder. It should be
such that to be finished on the respective platforms

(iv) When an officer arrives or departs by a brow he is piped once only, as

he crosses the brows

(v) The side is not piped at any shore establishment

(vi) The duration of the side pipe is 12 seconds (long with very smooth
transitions). To accomplish this, the sailor must take a very long deep
breath prior to beginning; failure to do so will cause the pipe to be abruptly
cut short.

4. Ceremonials for two ships passing between sunrise and sunset. When
two Naval/CG ships pass one another, of which only one in underway:-

(a) When two ships pass one another, of which only one is under way-

(i) If either is a ship wearing a President‟s flag or is a flagship or a

foreign warship, the junior ships shall sound the “alert” on the bugle; the
other shall immediately do likewise and after a short interval, also
sound the “carry on”. The junior ship shall after a short interval, also
sound the “carry on”. If guards and bands are paraded, the junior ship
shall give the salute applicable, as laid down in Regulations 82 to 84,
the senior ship‟s guard receiving the salute at the “slope” but if one of
these ships is a foreign warship, a similar salute to those laid down in
Regulations 82 to 84 shall be given by the junior and returned in full by
the senior, the bands playing the national anthem of the foreign nation.

(ii) In cases of doubt as to seniority, Indian Ships shall be prepared

to give the salute first at the most opportune moment, provided they are
satisfied that it is likely to be returned in a similar manner.

(iii) If neither ship be a flagship nor a warship of a foreign nation, the

bugle shall not be used, but similar marks of respect shall be paid and

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returned by pipe. If guards and bands are paraded, the guards shall
remain at the “slope”.

(b) In all cases when both ships are under way the above marks of respect
shall be paid and returned by pipe only, guards if paraded, coming to the
“slope”. If a foreign warship under this sub-regulation should act or appear
likely to act as laid down in sub-regulation (1), reciprocal action shall be taken
by Indian Naval Ships passing or being passed by such warship.

5. The ceremonials to be observed in boats.The following rules for the paying

and returning of marks of respect in boats shall be observed: -

(a) The Officer-in-Charge of the boat or the coxswain shall always salute,
except where the design of the boat is such that the Officer-in-Charge or the
coxswain is in a inconspicuous position, in which case one of the members of
the boat's crew shall be detailed to salute.

(b) The senior of the officers in the boat shall also salute whenever this is
practicable.

(c) The salute shall be acknowledged by the officer being saluted, unless
he details an officer to do so. If no officer is available, the coxswain of the boat
may be detailed to answer the salute.

(d) Where boats carrying officers of equal rank pass each other, no
exchange of salutes shall take place.

Note:
(i) In addition to saluting, special marks of respect shall be paid to
important personages and Senior Officers.

(ii) All officers shall be saluted by Officer-in-Charge of the boat or the

coxswain when getting into or leaving the boat.

(iii) In private boats, officers and enrolled persons may pay and return
salutes as indicated by courtesy, but only the officer or the enrolled
person in most convenient position should salute.

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6. Ceremony of Hoisting.

(a) Guard and band is paraded 15min before the time (if do so)

(b) Preparative is hoisted 5min before and dipped the time of the colours

(c) RO calls out the hour, ship‟s bell is struck and „Alert‟ is sounded on the
bugle, the guard presents arm, the band plays the National Anthem. Ensign
and Tri-colour is being closed up with the last note of the Nation Anthem, the
„Preparative‟ is hauled down, and the bugler sounds „Carry On‟.

(d) All personnel are to come to attention and Officers salute the nearest
Ensign or nearest Tricolour if the ensign is not visible.

(e) Colours are lowered at sunset but the guard and band are not paraded.

(f) During ceremony, whenever circumstances permit, all work & noise
cease.

(g) The coxswain of power boat orders to stop engines while underway
and then salutes facing the nearest ensign

(h) The coxswain of boat under oars orders "Oars" and salutes facing the
nearest ensign

(j) The coxswain of boat under sail orders "let fly sheets". The main sail is
let fly during the ceremony and the helmsman salutes facing the nearest
ensign

7. Hailing of boats. Boats are hailed during the night by the ships QM as
"BOAT AHOY". The replies tabulated below are given by crafts/boats when hailed:

Sl. Person embarked Reply

(a) President Rashtrapati
(b) CNS Navy
(c) Director General of ICG Coast Guard
(d) Flag Officer & Captain Commandants, Flag
ADG
(e) CINCAN, COMCGs, NOICs, COMDIS & Kaman
COs of Establishments
(f) COs of the ships Name of the Ship
(g) All other officers not covered above Aye Aye
(h) All other personnel No No
(j) All passing boats not coming alongside Passing

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8. Musical salutes
(a) The National Anthem. The following versions are played on following
occasions when bands available:-

(i) Full version. It comprises first stanza of the "Jana Gana Mana'
playing time approximately 52 seconds; and

(ab) On all ceremonial occasions when the President is

present (including broadcasts by the President on the National
Days)

(ab) On all ceremonial occasions for Governors when they

attend ceremonial parades within their States

(ac) At Republic and Independence Day parades when the

National Flag is broken

(ad) At "Colours" when a guard and band are paraded

(ii) Short-version. It comprises the first and the last line of the
stanza playing time approximately 20 seconds (On all other ceremonial
occasions).

(b) “The Low Land Sea” when played. “The Low Land Sea” shall be
played only at the reception of Admirals of the Fleet, Admirals, the Chief of
the Naval Staff and Commanders-in-Chief in Indian Naval Ships and
establishments.

(c) Other Musical Salutes. The following airs shall be played on the
authorized occasions.

(i) General Salute for Flag Officers not entitled to “The Low Land
Sea” and Commodores “Jolanthe”

(ii) General Salute for Governors, High Commissioners, etc.,

General Officers, Brigadiers, Air Officers, Air Commodores, Foreign
Officers and Officials… “Garb of Old Gaul”

(iii) March Past for the Indian Navy...”Hearts of Oak”

(iv) Advance in review Order… “Nancy Lee”

9. Hours of Guards and Bands. On the weekdays, the guard and band is
paraded from „Colours‟ to 1300; and from 1400 to „Sunset‟ or 1800 whichever is
earlier (on Saturdays and Sundays from „Colours‟ to 1200). Military Honours include
parading of the band and guard; as a rule these honours are paid to the dignitaries
who are entitled for a salute of 11 guns or more. The entitlement of Guard is listed as
below:

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Sl. Dignitaries Guard

(a) The President, Visiting Head of State & Governor of 150 rank and
Commonwealth countries file
(b) Vice President, Prime Minister, Chief Minister, PM of 100 rank and
foreign country/Head of Mission file
(c) Governor, Lt Governor, Defence Minister, Minister of 50 rank and
state for Defence, Dy MOD, Foreign Minister of file
Country, CNS, COAS, CAS, VCNS, C-IN-Cs, Admiral
of the Fleet, Director General of ICG, Additional
Director General of ICG
(d) RAdm, Cmde (Broad pennant), DDG, COMCGs 19 rank and
file
(e) Capt (flying pennant), Cmde (not entitled for broad 12 rank and
pennant), Capt/Cdr when attending as member of a file
Court Martial

10. Gun Salutes.

(a) The general rule is that salutes shall be fired only between 0800hrs to
sunset. All gun salutes and ceremonies are entered in the Ship‟s Log.

(b) For national salutes and salutes to the President, the National Flag is
broken at the main masthead. For other personal salutes, the appropriate flag
is broken at the fore masthead. The flag is broken with the first gun of the
salute and hauled down immediately after the last gun.

(c) The interval between the successive rounds in a salute is 5 seconds.

Earlier the timing was given by the Gunner deliberately speaking „If I wasn‟t a
Gunner I wouldn‟t be here, number (two, three, etc.) Gun, fire!‟

(d) After Independence, the President was entitled for 31-gun salute which
was afterwards changed to 21 gun salute.

(e) It is customary for the Flag Officer afloat and the Commanding Officers
of the ships to salute the flag of the Senior Naval Officer in the station. When
a Fleet or Flotilla Commander or the Senior Officer of a Squadron fires a gun
salute, it is deemed that all ships under his command have saluted the flag.
Thereafter, individual ships from that Fleet, Flotilla or Squadron do not fire
Salutes unless they were on a temporary detachment to another Fleet or
Command when the salute was fires by their superior.

(f) Salutes are exchanged in full ceremonial uniform with the guard
paraded and the band, if available, in attendance. Personal gun salutes are,
however, not fired by the Indian Warships to any Indian Naval Officer.

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(g) Entitlement of Gun salutes.

Sl. Dignitaries No. of

Gun
Salutes
(i) The President of India 31
(ii) Prince or Princess, being a member of a Royal 21
family (on requisition by Govt on their arrival and
final departure)/Head of a Sovereign of the
States/Governor General of Commonwealth
Countries
(iii) Admiral of the Fleet/Field Marshal/Marshal of the Air 19
Force
(iv) Admiral/General/ Air Chief Marshal/ Governors of 17
states and Sadar-I-Riyasat of the State of Jammu &
Kashmir
(v) Vice Admiral/Lt General/Air Chief Marshal/DGICG 15
(vi) Rear Admiral/Major General/IG of Coast Guard /Air 13
Vice Marshal
(vii) Brigadier/Air Commodore/ he broad pendant of a 11
Commodore, or a Captain in command ranking as a
Commodore
(viii) Captain of the Navy and officer below that rank 07
(only as return salute if commanding a ship as per
regulation 24)

Note.
(a) The gun salute will be given on the assumption and relinquishment of
office by the Governors and the Sadar-I-Riyasat of the state of Jammu and
Kashmir where Artillery units are available locally or within a distance of 50
miles. Indian Naval ships will not fire these salutes. The table is for information
only.

(b) Governors within their own jurisdiction, will be given appropriate gun
salutes on the occasion of official visit to foreign warships visiting India.

11. Ceremonials for the President of India.

(a) 31 gun salute on assumption & relinquishment of office by all in ships

in ports in India

(b) Arrival or departure from India on 'public' visit by President; by all in

ships in port & Indian Naval Ships arriving/departing from port during the stay
of the President
(c) The President embarking Indian Naval Ship/Indian Coast Guard Ship;
National flag at main & fore masts (most conspicuous part if single masted) if
on visit for short duration national flag only on main

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(d) Gun salute on embarking/disembarking; (also by other Indian naval

ships/ICG ships present in harbour) when passing in a boat and as & when
directed.

(e) On passing/meeting or being passed by a ship flying President's flag -

31 gun salute.

(f) When underway with President/Foreign HOS - National flag at jack

staff & Ensign both day & night (also by escorting ships)

Note: The President's standard to be hoisted only when the President actually
present onboard.

12. Ceremonies for President’s visit onboard.

(a) Colours - all ships in harbour to dress overall

(b) When President's car is visual sound alert
(c) Given a side pipe as the President steps on the gangway
(d) As the President steps onboard first of the 31 gun salutes is fired
(e) With the first gun salute, national flag which is the standard of the
President will be broken at the main
(f) Will be received by Senior Officer/Commanding Officer and is taken to
inspect the Guard of Honour

(g) It would be a Lt Cdr's guard

(h) Guard presents arm, band will play national anthem full version
(j) President is then taken inside the ship to his room. In case staying for a
long duration another national flag is hoisted at the foremast

13. Order of Salute to more than one President.

(a) President of Republic of India

(b) British Sovereign
(c) Presidents of Republic Sovereigns, Consorts or their Heirs –apparent
(d) Members of British Royal Families
(e) Members of Foreign Royal families

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14. Dates for Salutes. The fixed dates for firing salutes in celebration of Indian
anniversaries are as follows, namely:-
(a) The anniversary of formation of the Republic of India (26th January)
(b) Independence Day (15th August)

Note. On these days a 31-gun salute shall be fired at noon from all Indian
Naval Ships in port or from the shore battery when no Indian Naval saluting
ship is present. Indian Naval Ships in Commonwealth and Foreign ports on
Republic Day shall fire a 21-gun salute. No gun salutes will be fired on
Independence Day at ports outside India.

15. Commonwealth and Foreign Festivities. On the occasion of the celebration

of such of the important anniversaries and festivals in other countries as may be
specified in Navy Orders from time to time Indian Naval Ships, in company with ships
of other Commonwealth countries or ships of a foreign nation, or in commonwealth
or foreign ports, shall fire such salutes, not exceeding 21 guns as are fired by the
ships or batteries of the country concerned. The flag of the country shall be
displayed at the main mast during the salute only, or ships dressed overall in
accordance with Regulation 44, in conformity with the action taken by ships of the
Commonwealth or foreign country.

16. Foreign HOS (Head of States)/Sovereigns.

(a) On first arrival & final departure subject to concurrence from

government. 21 guns by any ship present/battery (also by any in ship
arriving/departing during the stay of such personage in that port.

(b) On embarking/disembarking Indian Naval Ships. 21 guns (but

concurrence of government not required.

(c) Royal family. 21 gun salutes on first arrival & final departure on a
requisition by the government from all Indian Naval Ship & battery (also on
visiting Indian Naval Ships both on arrival/departure the flag of that nation to
be displayed at main.)

Note: Ships to dress overall as directed at sea - on meeting at sea - 21 gun

salutes - if vessel is only passing Indian shore saluting batteries and not
intending to berth in the vicinity thereof, salutes shall not be fired.

17. Visits by Foreign Warships.

(a) Visiting warship salutes Indian flag

(b) Salute returned by Coastal battery

(c) Indian Naval ships & battery salutes the distinguished personage

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(d) When returning salutes in a foreign port where salutes are returned if
the President's flag or standard of any Royal Personage is hoisted then salute
to the flag of the nation (of port) first and subsequently the President's flag or
Standards present in the specified order - when the standard of the President
of the visiting Republic is hoisted, the salutes to National flag shall be
considered as personal to that flag or standard as representing the nation & in
this case will not be returned (if it is returned a further 21 guns to be fired)

Note:

(i) In Common Wealth ports: Indian Naval Ships salutes the President's
flag/Standards, in the order directed however these salutes will not be
returned.

(ii) In certain nations the regulations for firing of salutes to and in the
presence of President's flag differ from what is laid down vide Regs navy. In
such occasions the Commanding Officer is to consult with local authorities
and act accordingly. However the no of guns is not to exceed 21. (These
would also be promulgated in Navy Orders) - In the presence of any flag of
the President of the Republic/Royal standard no other authority of those
nations shall be saluted by Indian Naval Ships.

18. Flags/Discs/Star plates.

(a) Flag officers of Indian Navy. Flags and pennants may be flown and star
plate displayed on motor cars by Naval officers as shown below:-

Sl. Rank/Designation Flag/Pennants Star plates

(i) CNS Naval Ensign Stars
appropriate
to Rank
(ii) Admiral Admiral's flag 4 stars

(iii) Vice Admiral Vice Admiral's 3 stars

flag
(iv) Rear Admiral Rear Admiral's 2 stars
flag
(v) Commodore Broad 1 star
Pennant
(vi) NOIC‟s, CO's of Car pennant Nil
establishments if not
constituted Commodore
(vii) A visiting Flag Officer or Naval Ensign Nil
Commodore in a Foreign
Country
(viii) Naval Attaché/ Advisers in Naval Ensign Nil
the countries to which they
are accredited

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(ix) Admiral of the Fleet National Flag 5 stars in

circle

(b) Senior Officers of Indian Coast Guard Officers (CGO 07/2002).

Sl. Rank/Designation Flag/Pennants Star plates

(i) Director General DG's Flag 3 Stars

(ii) Additional Director ADG's flag 3 stars

General
(iii) Inspector General IG' flag 2 stars

(iv) Regional Cdr of the rank Regional Cdr's 1 star

of DIG flag
(v) DIG with 4 yrs service DIG's pennant 1 star
while holding ashore
appointment
(vi) DIG with less than 4 years DIG's pendant 1 star
service while holding
appointment of local AA
(vii) Distt Commanders / Stn Senior Officers Nil
Commanding Officers of Car pennant
the rank of Comdts only

(c) Pictorial representation of white & red discs are listed below.

White Disc Red Disc

19. The occasions for flying Naval Ensign in boats. Boats belonging to
ships and work boats shall fly the Naval/CG ensign on the following occasions:-
(a) When ships are dressed overall or with Masthead Ensigns

(b) In a Foreign Port between dawn and dusk

(c) When visiting a Foreign Men of War, day or night

(d) When flying the distinguishing flag of President, Governors, Army/Air

Force Authorities, Diplomatic or Consular Authority

(e) Not to be worn boat under sail except pinnacle

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(f) When colours are half masted in ships, boat ensigns (if worn) should
also be half masted

(g) Whenever corpse is being conveyed, boat is to wear ensign at half

mast

20. Distinguishing Flags/Discs of Flag Officers and Commodores in Boat.

(a) When proceeding on duty in a boat and full ceremonies as prescribed

is required, the appropriate flag/broad pennant for their rank is to be flown at
the bow of the boat

(b) On formal occasions when proceeding on duty by boat and full

ceremonials as prescribed is not required, a red disc may be displayed at the
bow. Pipe still

(c) On informal occasions white disc shall be displayed at bow. Courtesy

salute.

21. Flags/Pennants in boats. The Flag officers entitled to fly their flags or
pennant and other officers holding appointment in Command of a ship or shore
establishment, when proceeding on a ceremonial occasion in a boat, may fly the
flag, pennant or mast-head pennant applicable to their rank in the bows.

22. Rules for flying of Flags & star plates display on cars. The following
rules are to be observed for flying of flags and display of star plates on cars :-

(a) In India. The following officers of the rank of commodore

and above are permitted use of car flags:-

(i) At Delhi

(aa) Officers VAdm & above including visiting outstation

Officers
(ab) RADM when attending beating the retreat on Republic
Day
(ac) CO, INS India if constituted Cmde
(ad) Chief Hydro to Government of India if of the Rank of
RAdm

(ii) Commands

(aa) Rear Admirals and above

(ab) COs of shore estab in commission if of rank of
Commodore
(ac) ASD's & DGNP's
(ad) FOGA, CINCAN, FOMA, FOSM (if submarine operating)
(ae) NOIC's rank of Commodore (within their area of
jurisdiction)

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(af) Chief of Staff

(ag) Commanding Officer's of outlying establishment like
Valsura, Chilka, Mandovi, Shivaji, Hamla and Agrani can wear
Senior Officer's flag. If of the rank of Commodore can wear
Broad pennant

(iii) Entitled Officer may fly car flags whilst travelling in service
transport whether dressed in uniform or mufti on duty including
functions being attended in official capacity.

(iv) Flying of flags/display of star plates on private vehicles is

forbidden

(v) Administrative authorities are to issue necessary instructions

regarding the geographical limits

(b) In Foreign Countries

(i) In foreign countries it may well occur that several officers entitled
under paragraph I above to fly flags on their cars, may be in the same
place during visits on Indian Naval ships. On such occasions, only the
senior most amongst them is to fly the Naval Ensign.

(ii) When the visiting officers are of the rank of Captain and below,
only the Naval attachés or the Naval Adviser, whether senior or not, is
to fly the Naval ensign on his car. In the absence of the Naval Attachés
or Naval Adviser, the Senior Naval Officer visiting the foreign country
and when paying official calls may fly the Naval Ensign, if of the rank of
a Captain. The intention is that two cars should not fly the Naval Ensign
in the same place at the same time.

(iii) The Naval Ensign should be flown only when the laws or
customs of the country do not prelude such action.

23. Officers authorised to fly flags/Broad pennant at their residence.

(a) The Chief of the Naval Staff

(b) The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command
(c) The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command
(d) The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command
(e) The Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet
(f) The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet
(g) The Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard Mumbai
(h) The Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard Vizag
(j) The Flag Officer Commanding-In-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar
Command
(k) The Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area
(l) The Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Area

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(m) Commodore in Command of an Establishment and NOIC if Constituted

Commodore, in those Stations only where a Flag Officer is not in command
(n) The Director General of Indian Coast Guard
(p) The Additional Director General of Indian Coast Guard
(q) The Inspector General of Indian Coast Guard
(r) The Deputy Inspector General as COMCG

24. Occasions for dressing ship [NO(SPL) 2/88 Ch V Page 23].

(a) Republic Day - 26 Jan

(b) Coast Guard Day - 01 Feb
(c) Maritime Day - 05 Apr
(d) Independence Day - 15 Aug
(e) Navy Day - 04 Dec
(f) In presence of President/ Foreign Heads of States
(g) In Foreign Port if ships there are dressed overall
(h) As and when ordered

25. Construction of dressing line.

(a) Fore down - from Jackstaff to Foremast. Near the Foremast the First
Flag is SUBDIV and Next to the Jackstaff the First Flag is ECHO which is
preceded by Flag QUEBEC

(b) Fore to Main - from Foremast to Mainmast. At the Foremast end the
First Flag is Station and at the Mainmast end it is 3 rd SUBSTITUTE. No
Pennants are put in the line

(c) Main down - from Mainmast to Ensign Staff. At the Mainmast end the
First Flag is SPEED and at the Ensign Staff end the Flag is Numeral THREE
which is preceded by Flag LIMA

(d) Each Dressing lines should have TWO Downhauls to clear the flags
which have fouled and to assist in undressing. Flags and Pennants are
alternatively arranged in the Dressing Line.

26. Dressing Ship (Reference: Regs Navy Part II Para 44).

(a) On the occasions laid down in regulation 14 all Indian Naval ships and
vessels in port, which are supplied with necessary material, shall be dressed
overall from the time of hoisting colours until sunset.

(b) Indian Naval ships under way in the vicinity of an anchorage, and those
not fitted with dressing lines, shall dress only with ensigns at their mast heads
and national flag at the jack staff. This method shall also be adopted by other
ships by order of the senior officer Present, should conditions render dressing
ship overall inexpedient.

(c) IN/CG ships shall also be dressed by order of the Senior Officer
Present when in the presence of a President‟s Flag or Royal Standard on

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occasions of visits of a President or Royal Personages, and on certain

Commonwealth or Foreign ceremonial occasions when in the presence of
ships, or in the waters of the nations concerned.
(d) On occasions when Indian Naval ships are dressed in honour of an
Indian ceremonial or personage, ships wearing an Admirals flag or
Commodores broad pendant shall wear the White Ensign only at masts not
occupied by either of the above, other ships shall wear the White Ensign at
each mast.

(e) On occasions when Indian Naval ships are dressed in honour of a

commonwealth or foreign ceremonial or personage, single-masted ships
wearing the presidents standard, flag or broad pendant shall wear the
country's ensign alongside this Standard, Flag or Broad Pendant, other single
masted ships shall wear the Country's Ensign alone. In ships with more than
one mast wearing the President‟s Standard, the country's ensign shall be
worn at the fore. In ships with more than one mast wearing a Flag or Broad
Pendant, the Country's Ensign shall be worn at the main, and the Flag or
Broad Pendant at the fore, other ships shall wear the country's ensign at the
main and the White Ensign at the remaining masts. Ships not supplied with
the appropriate Country's Ensign shall wear the White Ensign instead, and be
subject to the provisions of sub regulation.

27. Visits to foreign ports. There are three types of visits.

(a) Formal Visit. Any time a ship carries a person holding a high rank like
a flag officer or a minister or the president it would be a formal visit. A formal
visit is arranged between the Governments. Have to perform following duties
in a formal visit

(i) Fire National gun salutes (21 guns) - except in case of

commonwealth countries
(ii) Exchange of official calls
(iii) Participation in festivities and sports
(iv) Participation in social engagements
(b) Informal Visit. This is also arranged between governments. This visit
would generally not have high ranking officials. Ceremonies are limited to:

(i) Firing of gun salutes

(ii) Exchange of official calls
(c) Routine/Operational Visit. These visits are arranged between the
Chief's of the Naval Staff/ Admin Authorities.

(i) There is no exchange of national gun salutes

(ii) Exchange of calls with local head of civil administration or host
navy or MNA authorities may take place
(iii) Can also divide into visiting a Commonwealth country or a non
Commonwealth country

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28. Incorrect display of Flags.

(a) A damaged or dishevelled flag shall not be displayed

(b) Shall not be dipped in salute to any person or thing

(c) No other flag or bunting shall be placed higher or above or, except as
herein after provided, side by side with the national flag nor shall any object
including flowers or garlands or emblem be placed on or above the flag-mast
on which the national flag is flown.

(d) Shall not be used as a festoon, rosette or bunting or in any other

manner for decoration, nor shall other coloured pieces of cloth be so arranged
as to give the appearance of the national flag.

(e) Shall not be used to cover a speaker's desk nor shall it be draped over
speaker's platform

(f) Shall not be displayed or fastened in any manner as may damage it.

29. Unrestricted display of National Flag.

(a) Republic day

(b) National week. 6 Apr to 13 Apr in memory of Martyrs of Jalianwala
Bagh
(c) Independence day
(d) Mahatma Gandhi‟s birthday
(e) Any other particular day of National rejoicing
(f) Even on such occasions the normal provisions regarding the display of
National Flag on Motorcars shall not be relaxed.

30. IN Ships visiting Non Commonwealth Country.

(a) Salute the national flag of that country on each occasion of visit. This
would be returned gun for gun

(b) In case head of the state is present in the port, then fire another 21 gun
salute

(c) In case the national salute is not returned it is to be taken as having

fired for the head of the state

31. IN ships visiting Commonwealth Ports.

(a) IN ships do not salute the national flag of these countries and vice
versa

(b) IN ships salute the Heads of State Flag/ Standard if their flag are flying
in the port. These salutes will not be returned.

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32. Naval Salutes and Marks of Respect. Officers (including Midshipmen) of the
Armed Forces are saluted at all times of the day or night by Officers and Sailors
subordinate to them. The officer being saluted in expected to return the salute. If
salute is not feasible for any reason, “Jai Hind” or pleasantries must be exchanged
as service personnel cross each other.

(a) Naval personnel salute. The Naval salute is made by bringing up the
right hand to the cap, hat or helmet naturally and smartly with the thumb and
fingers straight and close together, elbow in line with the shoulder the thumb
in line with the outer edge of the right eyebrow and the palm of the hand
facing downwards.

(b) When passing an officer. The salute commences before meeting and
continues until well pass the officer. The person saluting looks towards the
officer. A naval officer salute is made on all occasions with the right hand only
and in plain clothes also.

(c) Salutes onboard. All naval / CG personnel salute on following

occasions:-

(i) When coming over the gangway, or on to the quarter deck, the
salute shall be made by all officers and men

(ii) Chief Petty Officers, Petty Officers and men shall salute when
addressing, or being addressed by, an officer, and again on
withdrawing

(iii) Chief Petty Officers, Petty Officers and men when being passed
by an officer shall stand to attention

(iv) Officers, Chief Petty Officers, Petty Officers and men, if wearing
head-dress, shall face in the required direction and salute:

(aa) Whenever National Anthem/ foreign National Anthem is

played
(ab) When Colours are hoisted
(ac) When Colours are lowered at sunset

Explanation. Parties of men fallen in shall be called to attention, the officer or

sailor in charge saluting.

(d) Salutes on Shore. The following shall be saluted:-

(i) The President

(ii) Naval officers, Coast Guard Officers, Commissioned officers of

the Army other than Junior Commissioned Officers, Nursing Officers of
Military

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(iii) Nursing Service and Commissioned Officers of Air Force, in

uniform

(iv) Naval Officers in plain clothes, who, either by reason of their

position or because they belong to the same ship, are known to be
officers

Note. The salute, in addition to being a mark of respect, is simple act of

courtesy and good manners. It behaves all officers and sailors to recognize a
senior officer and accord him the prescribed salute.

(e) The rules for paying marks of respect in the following circumstances
shall be as indicated against each:-

(i) A Chief Petty Officer, Petty Officer or man, who is standing

about shall face and salute an officer who passes him; if sitting when
an officer approaches, he shall rise, stand to attention and salute

(ii) Organised parties of men in charge of an officer or sailor shall

be called to attention, the officer or sailor in charge only saluting

(iii) When other parties of Chief Petty Officers, Petty Officers, or

men on shore are passing or being passed by an officer, all shall salute

(iv) Officers and sailors riding two wheeled conveyance (pedal or

motorised) are not required to salute. When vehicle is in motion, but
when vehicle is stationary the rider shall salute by turning his head
smartly towards senior officer passing his without moving his hands
from the handle bar

(v) The senior officer or sailor in a vehicle, whether driver or

passenger, shall salute when passing a senior officer, the remaining
passengers in the vehicle meanwhile sitting to attention

Note. No officer shall except to be saluted if a rider/driver is in difficulty/

danger

(f) Officers and men shall also salute on the following occasions: -

(i) On passing a funeral

(ii) On passing uncased colours carried by Naval, Army, Air Force

and Coast Guard Units

(iii) If wearing headdress, when the National Anthem or any foreign

National Anthem is played

(iv) When colours are hoisted

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(v) When colours are lowered at sunset

(g) Individual officers and sailors shall stand to attention, uncovered

whenever the National Anthem or any foreign National Anthem is played.
(h) Salutes shall not be exchanged in such places as drill sheds, railway
stations, stands at race meetings or football matches, except when an officer
or sailor is being addressed personally by a superior or when making a report.

(j) Salutes shall be given to foreign Royalty and foreign officers in uniform
in the same way as to Indian officers.

33 Painting of Ship boats.

(a) The barge and any other personnel boat of CNS painted Green

(b) The barge/any other personnel boat of other Flag officers painted Blue

(c) The barge and any other personal boats of the Director General and
other senior officers of the Indian Coast Guard shall be painted White.

(d) Except for restrictions in (a) and (b) above, boats may be painted any
colour or combination of colours at the discretion of the Captain with the
approval senior officer

(e) Salute and marks of respect in boats shall be iaw Regulation 107.

34. Toasts in Naval Messes and at Official dinner. All toasts drunk are non-
alcoholic drinks. The health of the President is honoured seated in all naval messes,
onboard ships and on shore on all occasions except when the National Anthem is
played then it is drunk standing.

35. Half Masting (REF. NO (SPL) 2/88).

(a) The national flag shall not be flown half-mast except when specially
directed by government.

(b) In the event of a 'half mast day' coinciding with the day on which
national flag is to be flown without restrictions viz., Republic day,
Independence day, Mahatma Gandhi's birthday the national flag shall not be
flown at half mast except over the building where the body of diseased is lying
until such time as it has been removed. The national flag shall thereafter be
raised to the full mast position.

(c) If mourning were to be observed in a parade or procession where a

national flag is carried, two streamers of black crepe shall be attached to the
spearhead allowing the streamers to fall naturally. The use of black crepe in
such a manner shall be only by order of the government.

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(d) When flown at half-mast, the national flag shall be hoisted to the peak
for an instant then lowered to the half-mast position but before lowering the
national flag for the day, it shall be raised again to the peaks.

Note: By half-mast is meant hauling down the flag to one half the distances
between the top and the guy line and in the absence of the half of the staff.

(e) On occasions of state and military funerals the flag shall be draped
over the bier or coffin with the saffron towards the head of the bier or coffin.
The flag shall not be lowered into the grave or burned in the pyre.

(f) In the event of the death of the either the head of the state or head of
the government of a foreign country, the Indian mission accredited to that
country may fly the national flag at half mast even if that event falls on a day
when display of National Flag is unrestricted. In the event of death of any
other dignitary of that country, the national flag should not be flown at half
mast by the mission except when the local practice or protocol (which should
be ascertained from the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, where necessary)
requires that the national flag of a foreign mission in that country should also
be flown at half mast.

36. The flag of the senior most Flag Officer is worn, and it is illuminated at night
except when ship is darkened. When his flag is shifted from one ship to another or a
shore establishment, it is hoisted to its new position simultaneously with being
hauled down from its former position. In home water, on the day when the Flag
Officer relinquishes his command, His flag and that if his successor are each hoisted
in different ships or the Establishments and remain flying during the day of the
transfer of the Command. It is struck only;

(a) When he relinquishes his command,

(b) If he is absent through sickness or is in hospital;

(c) If he is absent on leave for a period exceeding 48 hours

(d) If he is temporarily absent on duty and his duties are delegated by the
Commander-in-Chief

(e) When he dies;

(i) On the death of a Flag Officer his flag is half-masted from the
time he dies until sunset on the day of his funeral, when his flag is first
hoisted close up and then finally struck.

(ii) Should a Flag Officer be killed in the war; his flag is not half
masted until the action is ended.

Note: In twin masted ships; the foremast or the mainmast is reserved for the
flags of rank and the mizzenmast or the after mast for the ensign.

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37. Lowering flags. Ships shall not on any account lower their flags to any
foreign ships whatsoever, unless the foreign ships shall first, or at the same time,
lower their flags to them.

38. Dipping Ensign. Dipping of ensign is a mark of respect paid by the merchant
ships to Men of war. Every IN Ships/CG ships dip her ensign and close it up before
the merchant ship has closed up. This evolution should be carried out smartly and
without delay. Between sunset and colours, the flag ship is saluted by dipping
ensign. Submarines or other ships of the line in which it would be considered
hazardous for personnel to do so shall not be required to dip the ensign. The
following procedures are to be followed:

(a) Close up Ensign in the yard arm appropriate to the side

(b) Dip the ensign and wait till the senior/flag ship do to the same
(c) Close up again after flag ship to do so
(d) Hauled own after ceremony

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