In order to improve the understanding of Inland Vessels (IV) Act, 2021 and Rules, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways organized a workshop today at New Delhi based India Habitat Centre.

Workshop on Inland Vessels Act, Rules & Central Database turned out to be a successful day-long interactive session with all States, UTs, Maritime Boards, Vessel Operators & other stakeholders & will go a long way in streamlining the operations of inland vessels. pic.twitter.com/9nhGYhFMVV

— IWAI (@IWAI_ShipMin) December 5, 2024

While inaugurating the workshop, Chairman, IWAI, Shri Vijay Kumar, underlined that the workshop aims to bring clarity on various provisions of the Act and Rules and apprise participating representatives of States, Union Territories, Maritime Boards and other stakeholders of the new concept of central database/ e-portal of inland vessels.

The original Act of 1917 was over a hundred years old and required a comprehensive review to meet the current and future aspirations of the industry and other stakeholders. The amended IV Act, 2021 ensures uniformity of rules for inland vessels throughout the country and extends to all inland waters of India including national waterways.

It envisages a Central Database/E-portal for registration of vessels and maintaining crew database and is in sync with the Digital India campaign. It will help in improving processes, transparency and facilitate data access.

The Act comprehensively addresses aspects related to inland vessels including their survey, registration, classification, pollution prevention measures, wreck and salvage procedures, insurance policies and related aspects. It covers the future developments and advancements in vessel construction and usage. It also takes in its fold the technologically advanced vessels of the future which are identified as Special Category Vessels.

Under the IV Act, 2021 - the certificate of survey and certificate of registration are considered valid throughout the country. Separate endorsements from the states are no longer needed. Provisions like these make it user-friendly and will promote Ease of Doing Business.

The Act establishes a centralized framework to replace state-specific rules. The role of central government extends to prescribing standards for classification and categorization of mechanically propelled vessels, standards and processes involved in registration of vessel, standards for identification and categorization of special category vessels. The role of states extends to implementation of provisions in compliance with prescribed standards of state governments. Besides it also emphasizes on pollution prevention measures including waste management and eco-friendly vessel operations.

Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the able guidance of Hon’ble Minister, Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal – IWAI  is committed towards realizing the vision of PM Gati Shakti. Streamlining the processes of registration and certification of inland vessels and creating central database on inland vessels are forward looking steps that will go a long way in fulfilling the Authority’s mandate of developing national waterways. 

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