Lok Sabha Question No. 706 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-07
Subject: Security Regulations for Ships
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Parbhubhai Nagarbhai Vasava

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 706

ANSWERED ON 07.02.2025

## SECURITY REGULATIONS FOR SHIPS

706. SHRI PARBHUBHAI NAGARBHAI VASAVA:

Will the Minister ofPORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYSbe pleased to state:

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

(a) the steps being taken by the Ministry to update security regulations for the ships operatingon Indian waterways; (b)  the  steps  being  taken  by  the  Ministry  to  ensure  implementation  of  modern navigational support systems for improvement in security on dense shipping routes; (c) the measures being taken for increased security of passenger ships operating on internalwaterways; (d) the plans to implement strict security standards for cargo ships to ensure better compliance and to minimise the accidents; and (e)  the  steps  being  taken  by  the  Ministry  to  address  the  shortage  of  trained

- personnels for security and navigation of ships in Indian waterways?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a)  A  robust  safety  framework  has  been  developed  to  establish  a  structured approach  for  safety  management,  risk  mitigation,  and  response  preparedness through following section of Inland Vessels Act, 2021 and rules framed there under:

-  Inland Vessels Act, 2021, Chapter VIII Navigation Safety and Signals
-  Inland Vessels (Survey and Certification) Rules, 2022.
-  Inland Vessels (Safe Navigation, Communication and Signals) Rules, 2022.
-  Inland Vessels (Fire Fighting Appliances) Rules, 2022.
-  Inland Vessels (Life Saving Appliances) Rules, 2022.
-  Inland Vessels (Crew and Accommodation) Rules, 2022.
-  Inland Vessels (Prevention and Containment of Pollution) Rules, 2022.

In addition to above, IWAI have framed and notified following regulations: -

-  National Waterways, Safety of Navigation and Shipping Regulations, 2002.
-  Prevention of Collision on National Waterways Regulations, 2002.

(b)  &  (c)  Steps  taken by the Ministry  to  ensure  implementation  of  modern navigational support systems for improvement in security for inland vessels (cargo and passenger) are-

(i)  Inland Vessels (Safe Navigation, Communication and Signals) Rules 2022 have been framed  and  notified  by  Central  Government  to  enhance  safety,  security  and efficiency  on  inland  waterways.  These  rules  specifically  aim  to  improve  navigation safety by integrating  modern  navigational aids,  communication  systems,  and signalling  protocols  to  manage  the  growing  volume  of  traffic  on  dense  shipping routes.

(ii) National River Traffic and Navigation System (NRT&NS) have been formulated to ensure seamless and sustainable movement of Inland vessels and also ensure its safety during navigation.

(iii)  Inland  Vessels  (Design  and  Construction)  Rules  2024  have  been  notified  by Central Government to standardize construction standards. These rules ensure that all vessels operating on inland waterways  are constructed with international standards for vessel safety and be safe, reliable, and environmentally compliant.

(d) To  implement  strict security standards  for cargo ships to ensure better compliance and to minimize the accidents, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for movement of vessels registered under the Inland Vessel Act on National Waterways has been prepared and available on IWAI website.

(e) IWAI has already established National Inland Navigation Institute (NINI) at Patna and Maritime Skill Development Centre (MSDC) at Guwahati to provide training to prospective as well as existing Inland Vessel crews, IWT officials such as Surveyors, designated authorities and others. To address the growing need of trained personnel in  the  IWT  Sector,  IWAI  has  identified  locations  to  establish  Nine  (9)  Regional Centres of Excellence to provide World-class training.

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