DGS extends electronic submission of VGM

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has extended the date for the electronic submission of verified gross mass (VGM) from September 30, 2016 to November 30, 2016. In November 2014, the International Maritime Organization approved amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention, 1974, which requires the verification and documentation of loaded containers along with the declaration of VGM before they can be loaded on to vessels, from July 1, 2016. The aim of the VGM regulations is to ensure the safety of the vessel and cargo handlers by preventing overweight or other misrepresented containers.