Inland Vessel Act, 2021 and Jalyan & Navic Portal

The Inland Vessels Act, 2021, establishes a unified regulatory framework for inland vessel navigation across India. Key regulations include:

a) Supplants separate state rules with a single national framework.

b) Mandatory registration for all mechanically and non-mechanically propelled vessels, with a central database recording vessel detail.

c) Mandates lifesaving, fire safety, and communication appliances on vessels.

d) Pollution Control: Includes provisions to prevent pollution from inland vessels.

e) Training and Certification: Specifies standards for the training, examination, and certification of crew members.

The Inland Vessels Act, 2021, was introduced in the Lok Sabha in July 2021 and passed by both houses of Parliament by August 2, 2021. It replaces the Inland Vessels Act, 1917, aiming to modernize and streamline the regulatory framework for inland water transport in India. The Act was notified on August 12, 2021, with different sections coming into force on February 16, 2022, and June 7, 2022.

The primary objectives of the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, are: a) To bring uniformity in the application of laws related to inland waterways and navigation across India.

b) To ensure the safety of navigation, protection of life and cargo.

c) To reduce water pollution caused by inland vessels.

d) To promote economical and safe transportation and trade through inland waters.

The Inland Vessels Act, 2021, offers several benefits:

a) Improved safety standards for vessels and crew, reducing accidents and fatalities.

b) Stricter pollution control measures help protect inland water ecosystems.

c) By promoting inland water transport, the Act supports economic growth and reduces transportation costs.

d) Encourages investment in the sector by extending benefits like the tonnage tax scheme

to inland vessels.

Nine specific rules have been drafted and notified under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, to ensure a unified regime of inland vessel registration, certification, and specifications across the country:

i. Archive Survey and Certification Rules, 2022

ii. Registration and Other Technical Issues Rules, 2022

iii. Manning Rules, 2022

iv. Crew and Passenger Accommodation Rules, 2022

v. Safe Navigation, Communication and Signals Rules, 2022

vi. Life Saving Appliances Rules, 2022

vii. Fire Fighting Rules, 2022

viii. Prevention and Pollution Rules, 2022 Insurance, Limitation of Liability, Inquiry and Investigations, Obligations of Service Providers and Service Users Rules, 2022

The Jalyan & Navic Portal, developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India as per Inland Vessel Act, 2021, is a centralized national digital platform designed to maintain a unified registry of inland vessels and crew across India. Previously, vessel registration and crew certification were managed separately by State Maritime Boards and Inland Water Transport (IWT) Departments, which led to procedural inconsistencies, duplication of data, and limited coordination between states. To address these challenges, the portal implements the concept of “One Nation–One Registration” by providing a single, integrated system for all vessel and crew-related services. Through its single-window mechanism, stakeholders can access following regulatory services online :

•    Vessel Registration Services
•    Vessel Survey & Certification
•    Crew Management Services

Link: https://navic.iwai.gov.in/