Central Government Notifies Amendments to Inland Vessels (Life Saving Appliances) Rules

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issued a notification on May 28, 2025, bringing into effect the Inland Vessels (Life Saving Appliances) Amendment Rules, 2025. This legislative instrument, designated G.S.R. 349(E), was enacted by the Central Government under the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 51 and clause (e) of sub-section (1) of section 98, read with clauses (zl) and (zza) of sub-section (2) of section 106 of the Inland Vessels Act, 2021. The amendment rules modify the existing Inland Vessels (Life Saving Appliances) Rules, 2022, aiming to enhance safety standards and streamline approval processes for life-saving equipment on inland vessels. Prior to their finalisation, the draft rules were published on October 29, 2024, inviting objections and suggestions from the public for a period of thirty days. No objections or suggestions were received by the Central Government during this consultation phase. The Inland Vessels (Life Saving Appliances) Amendment Rules, 2025, came into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette, which was May 28, 2025.

The amendments introduce several key provisions affecting the definitions and approval mechanisms for life-saving appliances. A new clause was inserted into rule 2(1) of the principal rules, defining a "classification society" as a recognised organisation, as per clause (zo) of section 3 of the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, which is also a member of the International Association of Classification Societies. Furthermore, an explanation was added to clause (c) of rule 2, clarifying the method for calculating "gross tonnage" (a measure of a ship's overall internal volume). For vessels measuring 24 meters or above, gross tonnage is to be calculated according to the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969, while for vessels less than 24 meters, it is to be calculated as per rule 3 of the Merchant Shipping (Tonnage Measurement of Ships) Rules, 1987. These changes provide greater clarity and standardisation in the terminology and measurement practices within the inland vessel sector.

The legislative intent behind these amendments was to strengthen the regulatory framework governing life-saving appliances on inland vessels, thereby enhancing the safety of passengers and crew. The earlier legal position, as established by the Inland Vessels (Life Saving Appliances) Rules, 2022, was updated to address the need for more explicit definitions and to incorporate internationally recognised standards for equipment approval. By allowing "classification societies" (independent bodies that set and maintain technical standards for the construction and operation of ships) to approve life-saving appliances alongside the Mercantile Marine Department, the amendments aim to introduce a more robust and globally aligned approval system. The legislation provided: “The approval or type-approval, as the case may be, shall be granted under sub-rule (1), subject to compliance with the standards specified in– (a) the International Life Saving Appliance Code provided in the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974; or (b) the International Organisation for Standardisation.” This provision mandates adherence to either the International Life Saving Appliance Code, which is part of the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, or standards set by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). This move ensures that life-saving equipment used on inland vessels meets stringent global safety benchmarks, thereby mitigating risks and improving overall operational safety. The amendments reflect a policy rationale to align India's inland waterway regulations with international best practices, ensuring a higher degree of safety and reliability for inland vessel operations.

Keywords: Inland Vessels, Life Saving Appliances, Maritime Safety, Shipping Rules, Ministry of Ports, Inland Waterways, Classification Society, Tonnage Measurement, SOLAS, ISO Standards

Geo Tags: Country: India District: Not Applicable