WHITE SHIPPING AGREEMENT (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 - IR)

Context:  Indian Navy and Philippine Coast Guard signed the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for exchange of White Shipping Information.

• The SOP was signed during ongoing visit of the Commandant, Philippine Coast Guard to India.

White Shipping Agreement

• The white shipping information refers to the exchange of prior information on the movement and identity of commercial non-military merchant vessels. 
• Ships would be classified into white (commercial ships), grey (military vessels), and black (illegal vessels).
• The signing of the SOP between Philippine Coast Guard and Indian Navy would facilitate operationalization of information exchange on merchant shipping traffic, which will contribute to enhanced maritime safety and security in the region.