Expanding framework for Indian waterways
Improving the safety of the inland waterways is a constant issue in India. Now that the inland vessels act 2021 was passed by the Indian parliament, the Indian Register of Shipping has drafted ten different rules in consultation with ministries, state governments, and various other stake holders based on the new IV Act 2021.
The draft rules and regulations for construction and classification of inland waterways ships are ship-type specific to ensure safety of cargo, assets and the environment and cover requirements for ro-ro & ro-pax, tankers, gas carriers and dry cargo vessels, amongst others.
The rules also include aspects of insurance, wreck & salvage, limitation of liabilities and other administrative provisions. Once they are presented in parliament, the rules will become applicable throughout India and bring uniformity in implementation.
The projected growth in traffic is likely to add more responsibilities for the regulators of various state governments. Accordingly, IRS has signed memorandum of understandings (MoUs) with the Assam government, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and is in the process of signing MoUs with the governments of Tripura and Jammu & Kashmir. (sh)