Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
The Inland Vessels Act, 2021, was enacted to promote economical and safe transportation and trade through inland waters, bring uniformity in the application of law relating to inland waterways and navigation within the country, to provide for safety of navigation, protection of life and cargo, and prevention of pollution that may be caused by the use or navigation of inland vessels, to ensure transparency and accountability of administration of inland water transportation, to strengthen procedures governing the inland vessels, their construction, survey, registration, manning, navigation and such other matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. 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 Inland Vessels Act, 2021, was enacted on August 11, 2021. The Act is structured into 18 chapters and 114 sections. These sections cover various aspects of inland navigation, including definitions, zones, administrative provisions, survey, registration, manning, safety, pollution prevention, wreck and salvage, liability, insurance, and miscellaneous provisions.
Act Governed By:
The Act is primarily governed by the provisions outlined within its sections. It establishes the framework for the regulation of inland vessels, their construction, survey, registration, manning, navigation, and the prevention of pollution. The Act also outlines the powers of the Central and State Governments to make rules and regulations.
On Whom It Is Applicable:
The Inland Vessels Act, 2021, is applicable to all inland vessels plying within the inland waters of India, including mechanically propelled and non-mechanically propelled vessels. It applies to owners, operators, masters, and crew of inland vessels, as well as to service providers, training organizations, and other entities involved in inland water transportation.
Penalties/Punishments:
The Act prescribes penalties for various violations and non-compliance. These include:
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Fines for various offenses, ranging from a few thousand rupees to several lakh rupees.
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Imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years for certain serious offenses.
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Detention and forfeiture of vessels for non-compliance.
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Suspension and cancellation of certificates of registration, competency, and service.
The Act also provides for the recovery of costs, damages, and other expenses.
Important Pointers:
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The Act defines “inland waters” to include canals, rivers, lakes, and other navigable waters within India.
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It provides for the classification and categorization of mechanically propelled inland vessels.
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The Act mandates the survey and registration of mechanically propelled inland vessels.
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It outlines the requirements for manning, qualification, training, and certification of crew members.
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The Act specifies safety standards and requirements for navigation, lights, and signals.
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It includes provisions for the prevention of pollution caused by inland vessels.
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The Act provides for the marking of wrecks and the procedures for salvage operations.
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It establishes a framework for liability and limitation of liability in case of accidents.
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The Act mandates insurance coverage for mechanically propelled inland vessels.
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It empowers the Central and State Governments to make rules and regulations for carrying out the provisions of the Act.
Act Copy: