Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
The Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021, was enacted to provide for the development, maintenance, and management of aids to navigation in India; for training and certification of operators of aids to navigation, development of its historical, educational, and cultural value; to ensure compliance with maritime treaties and international instruments; and for matters connected therewith. This act aims to modernize and improve the safety and efficiency of maritime navigation. While the Act does not specify a particular ministry, it falls under the purview of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in India.
Enactment Date, Number of Chapters, Number of Sections:
The Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021, was enacted on July 31, 2021. The Act is structured into 12 chapters and 52 sections. These sections cover various aspects of aids to navigation, including definitions, designation of general aids, management, vessel traffic services, inspection, penalties, and miscellaneous provisions.
Act Governed By:
The Act is primarily governed by the provisions outlined within its sections. It establishes the framework for the development, maintenance, and management of aids to navigation, vessel traffic services, and marking of wrecks. The Act also outlines the powers of the Central Government to make rules, issue directions, and levy marine aids to navigation dues.
On Whom It Is Applicable:
The Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021, is applicable to all entities involved in the development, maintenance, and management of aids to navigation and vessel traffic services in India. This includes the Central Government, local authorities, vessel traffic service providers, and owners and operators of vessels.
Penalties/Punishments:
The Act prescribes penalties for various violations, including:
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Imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend up to one lakh rupees, or with both for intentionally obstructing aids to navigation or vessel traffic services.
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Imprisonment for a term which may extend up to three months or with fine which may extend up to fifty thousand rupees, or with both for negligently obstructing aids to navigation or vessel traffic services.
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Imprisonment for a term which may extend up to twelve months or with fine which may extend up to five lakh rupees, or with both for intentionally damaging or destroying aids to navigation or vessel traffic services.
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Imprisonment for a term which may extend up to six months or with fine which may extend up to one lakh rupees, or with both for causing damage to a heritage lighthouse.
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Fine which may extend up to five times the amount of the dues for evading payment of marine aids to navigation dues.
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Fine which may extend up to one lakh rupees for non-compliance with directions of vessel traffic service provider.
Important Pointers:
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The Act provides for the development, maintenance, and management of aids to navigation and vessel traffic services.
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It empowers the Central Government to designate general aids to navigation and heritage lighthouses.
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The Act establishes the office of the Director General of Aids to Navigation.
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It outlines the powers of the Central Government to regulate aids to navigation and vessel traffic services.
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The Act provides for the training and certification of operators of aids to navigation and vessel traffic services.
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It specifies the procedures for marking of wrecks and the reimbursement of costs.
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The Act empowers the Central Government to levy and collect marine aids to navigation dues.
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It provides for the protection of action taken in good faith by authorities under the Act.
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The Act aims to promote safety and efficiency in maritime navigation and to protect the environment.
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The Act also includes provisions for financial management, accounts, and audit.
Act Copy: