About the Organization
Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) is a subordinate office under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways. It is mandated with the development, maintenance, and management of general aids to navigation under the provisions of the Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021, along the Indian coastline stretching 11,098 km, including Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
DGLL is the designated authority for all matters related to training on aids to navigation and vessel traffic services. The organization is headed by the Director General and has its headquarters in Noida. It operates through nine regional directorates located at Gandhidham, Jamnagar, Mumbai, Goa, Cochin, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, and Port Blair.
More information can be found on website: https://www.dgll.nic.in
Mission
Provide marine aids to navigation for safe navigation in Indian waters
Vision
To ensure safe navigation through efficient and modern aids to navigation, contributing to the growth and sustainability of maritime activities.
International Convention
- India is signatory to international convention - Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974
- Regulation 13, Chapter V – Safety of Navigation provides for development and operation of aids to navigation by the contracting Government.
- Recommendations and Guidelines on aids to navigation published by International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA).
General Aids to Navigation (AtoN) by DGLL
- Lighthouses – 204
- Lightship – 01
- Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS) Stations – 23
- Radar beacons (Racons) – 64
- Deep Sea Lighted Buoys – 22
- National Automatic Identification System (NAIS) Stations – 87
- Navigational Telex (Navtex) stations - 07
- Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) in Gulf of Kachchh – 01
Marine Navigation Training Institute (MNTI)
- DGLL established and managing MNTI in Kolkata
- Facilitates training for aids to navigation and Vessel Traffic Services personnel.
- It is an Accredited Training Organisation (ATO) for conducting model courses of International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA).
Key Projects
- Promotion of Lighthouse Tourism:
- 75 lighthouses developed across the country for promotion of tourism
- Dedicated to Nation by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 28.02.2024.
- Facilities: Gazebos, cafeteria, musical Fountain, Amphitheatre, visitor's amenities and children play area.
- Lighthouse Museum at National Maritime Heritage Complex, Lothal, Gujarat:
- MoU signed with IPRCL
- 77 m high lighthouse museum to be constructed.
- Tallest lighthouse museum in the world.
Future Projects
- Construction of Lighthouses: To improve safe navigation
- Lighthouse at Jegri, Gujarat
- Lighthouse at Pirotan, Gujarat
- Lighthouse at Jodiyabandar, Gujarat
- Lighthouse at Rutland Island, Andaman & Nicobar Island
- Lighthouse at Chaumuk, Odisha
- Lighthouse at Dhamra, Odisha
- Establishment of Vessel Traffic Services at Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Is:
- Improve efficient and safe movement of vessel traffic in Port, Port Blair
Revenue Generation:
- Levy & collect marine aids to navigation dues on foreign going ships arriving at or departing from any port in India
- Container ship: Rs. 85 per Twenty Equivalent feet Unit (TEU)
- Other than Container ship: Rs. 7.50 per Net Tonnage (NT)
- Dues valid for 30 days.
- Collected online through https://lightdues.dgll.nic.in and offline through Customs
International Cooperation – International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA)
- IALA aims to ensure safe, efficient, and economical vessel movement by improving and harmonizing aids to navigation worldwide, for the benefit of shipping and environmental protection.
- DGLL represents India as member state in IALA, since 1957 and Council Member since 1982
- DGLL will host 3rd session of IALA council in December 2025 in Mumbai and IALA conference in 2027.