The Inland Vessels Act, 2021

Summary of The Inland Vessels Act, 2021

Objective and Scope

• Purpose: Ensures safe, economical transportation in inland waters, promoting uniformity, safety, and pollution prevention.

• Extent: Applicable across India, with specific provisions for different vessel types.

Key Provisions

1. Registration

• Mandatory Registration:

• Authority: Registering authority of the State where the vessel is kept.

• Certificate of Registration:

• Validity: State-specific, but valid across other states without needing a fresh certificate.

• Transfer of Registry: Possible across states with application to the new state's registering authority, requiring delivery of the old certificate and issuance of a new one.

• Procedure (Section 19K):

1. Application to the new state's authority with the certificate.

2. Entry of particulars in the new register.

3. Issuance of a fresh certificate.

• Alterations and Updates (Section 19J): Mandatory reporting within a prescribed period for alterations, with potential for new registration or provisional updates.

• Change of Owner/Operator Address (Section 19L): Notification required within 30 days to the registering authority, with updates in the certificate.

2. Operational Compliance

• Prohibition Against Transfer of Ownership (Section 19M):

• Restriction: Transfer to persons in another State or outside India requires prior State Government approval.

• Procedure:

• Joint report by owner and transferee within 30 days.

• Forwarding certificate for updates.

• Pilotage and Safety: Emphasized with significant penalties for non-compliance.

3. Offences and Penalties

| Offence | Penalty | | --- | --- | | Unauthorized Transfer of Certificate | As per Act | | Failure to Report Alterations | As per Act | | Pollution/Other Offences | Fines (e.g., ₹50,000 for pollution) and/or Imprisonment |

4. Administrative and Judicial Aspects

• State and Central Government Roles: In rule-making, oversight, and judicial processes.

• Judicial Trials: Conducted by or above Magistrate of the First Class.

• Appeals (Section 19P): Against registration refusal, suspension, or cancellation to the State Government.

5. Additional Provisions

• Suspension of Certificates (Section 19N): For unfit vessels, with notification to the original authority if different.

• Cancellation of Registration (Section 19-0): For destroyed or permanently unfit vessels, upon owner's report and return of the certificate.

• Reciprocity (Section 19Q): For vessels from other countries, under Central Government notification.

Repeal and Savings

• Repeals Previous Act: With continuity for previous registrations and notifications unless inconsistent.