In a move to enhance understanding of the Inland Vessels (IV) Act, 2021 and its Rules, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, hosted a workshop today at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.
During the inauguration, Shri Vijay Kumar, Chairman of IWAI, emphasized that the workshop aims to clarify various provisions of the IV Act and Rules. It also seeks to update representatives from States, Union Territories, Maritime Boards, and other stakeholders on the new concept of a central database and e-portal for the registration of inland vessels.
The original IV Act, established in 1917, had become outdated, necessitating a comprehensive overhaul to better serve the current and future needs of the industry and its stakeholders. The revised IV Act, 2021, brings uniformity to inland vessel regulations across the country and extends to all inland waters of India, including national waterways.
The updated Act introduces a Central Database/E-portal for vessel registration and crew database management, aligning with the Digital India campaign. This platform aims to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and improve data accessibility.
The IV Act addresses various aspects related to inland vessels, including surveys, registration, classification, pollution prevention, wreck and salvage procedures, insurance policies, and more. It also anticipates future technological advancements in vessel construction, incorporating provisions for Special Category Vessels, which are advanced, technologically-enhanced vessels.
Under the 2021 Act, the certificates of survey and registration are valid nationwide, eliminating the need for separate endorsements from individual states. Such provisions make the system more user-friendly and contribute to the ease of doing business.
The Act creates a centralized framework that supersedes state-specific regulations. The central government will set standards for the classification and categorization of mechanically propelled vessels, as well as for the registration and identification of special category vessels. States will be responsible for implementing these provisions in accordance with the prescribed standards. Additionally, the Act emphasizes pollution prevention, waste management, and eco-friendly vessel operations.
Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Hon’ble Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI remains committed to advancing the PM Gati Shakti vision. The modernization of inland vessel registration processes and the creation of a central database are significant steps towards realizing the Authority’s mandate to develop and enhance national waterways.
