INSPIRES was launched in order to exercise effective open ocean vessel management, to provide security to vessels, weather forecast to enhance safety of navigation and monitor incidents of pollution from ships engaged in carriage of hazardous cargoes. Indian Ship Position and Information Reporting System (INSPIRES) was launched with effect from 1st November 1986 by the Indian Navy in coordination with the DG Shipping. This reporting system has wider area of coverage in the Indian Ocean. The main objective of the system is Open Ocean Vessel management for security of all vessels navigating in the Arabian Sea/ Bay of Bengal. An Indian Naval Communication Centre (COMCENs) Mumbai and Vishakhapatnam are functioning as the shore stations for receiving INSPIRES messages from all vessels.

Reporting requirements -

1. All Indian vessels including coasting / fishing vessels of tonnage 300 GRT and above shall participate in this reporting system.
2. All vessels other than Indian ship of tonnage 100 GRT and above are encouraged to send the reports in the prescribed format when they are transiting within the INSPIRES ship reporting areas.