Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) is continuing its drive to improve inland vessel safety throughout India, having played an integral role in the drafting of the Inland Vessels Act 2021.
The Act is expected to help integrated vessel movement throughout the country’s waterways and establish uniformity in terms of law and standardised provisions. The Act also addresses safety and pollution control issues and makes provisions for the use of new and special category vessels.
Based on the 2021 Act, IRS has now drafted a new set of rules, in consultation with various stakeholders. These draft Rules and Regulations for Construction and Classification of Inland Waterways Shipsare ship-type specific to ensure safety of cargo, vessels and the environment.
The draft Rules cover the requirements for passenger vessels, including ro-ro and ro-pax ships, as well as tankers and dry cargo ships. The rules also cover matters relating to insurance, wreck and salvage, limitation of liabilities and other administrative provisions.
KK Dhawan, Vice President of IRS, said: “IRS has been privileged to offer crucial advice on the hugely important Inland Vessels Act 2021 and in developing the draft Inland Vessel Rules in 2022, along with the Inland Waterways Authority of India. Implementing and refining the highest safety standards possible across inland waterway will not only save lives but also aid economic growth across India.”
