The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has notified a series of amendments to the Inland Vessels Rules, 2022, covering fire fighting appliances, life-saving appliances, and the prevention and containment of pollution, as well as crew and passenger accommodation. All these amendments come into force on May 28, 2025.
The draft rules for these amendments were initially published on October 29, 2024 (for Fire Fighting and Pollution) and December 5, 2024 (for Crew and Passenger Accommodation and Life Saving Appliances), inviting public feedback. The Ministry has stated that no objections or suggestions were received from the public regarding these draft rules.
Key Amendments Across Different Rules
Inland Vessels (Fire Fighting Appliances) Amendment Rules, 2025
- Introduces an explanation to the definition of “Gross Tonnage” in rule 2(1). For vessels of 24 meters or above, Gross Tonnage will be calculated according to the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969. For vessels less than 24 meters, it will be calculated according to rule 3 of the Merchant Shipping (Tonnage Measurement of Ships) Rules, 1987, as amended.
Inland Vessels (Life Saving Appliances) Amendment Rules, 2025
- Inserts a definition for “classification society” in rule 2(1)(ab), defining it as a recognized organization (under Section 3 of the Act) that is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies.
- Adds an explanation to the definition of “gross tonnage” in rule 2(1)(c), mirroring the explanation provided in the Fire Fighting Appliances Amendment Rules.
- Substitutes sub-rule (1) of rule 7, stating that all life-saving appliances must be approved by a Classification Society or the Mercantile Marine Department. A new sub-rule (1A) specifies that approvals will be granted subject to compliance with standards in the International Life Saving Appliance Code (SOLAS 1974) or the International Organisation for Standardisation.
Inland Vessels (Prevention and Containment of Pollution) Amendment Rules, 2025
- Adds an explanation to the definition of “gross tonnage” in rule 2(1)(c), consistent with the other amendment rules.
- Substitutes “International Organisation for Standardisation” for “International Organisation of Standards” in rule 6.
- Substitutes sub-rule (2) of rule 12, requiring all inland vessels generating sewage to have an appropriate sewage treatment plant, bio-digester, or holding tank.
- Substitutes sub-rule (3) of rule 12, allowing vessels on voyages of less than 60 minutes to be exempt from the sewage treatment requirements.
Inland Vessels (Crew and Passenger Accommodation) Amendment Rules, 2025
- Inserts an explanation to the definition of “Gross Tonnage” in rule 2(1), aligning with the other amendments.
- Substitutes “0.36” for “0.60” in rule 20(1).
- Substitutes a new sub-rule (3) in rule 23, requiring inland vessels on voyages longer than 15 minutes and up to 60 minutes to provide seating for 50% of passengers, provided stability requirements are met and standing is not difficult during normal operation.
- Amends rule 24 regarding clear space for access and dimensions of sleeping accommodation.
- Amends rule 26(6) concerning ventilation, substituting “centralised type” for “centralized type or individual unit type” and adding a proviso for potential exemptions for Category A vessels under 300 gross tonnage.
- Substitutes “60” for “30” in rule 31(4).
These amendments collectively aim to enhance safety, regulate pollution, and improve living conditions on inland vessels by aligning with international standards and incorporating practical considerations. The standardization of gross tonnage calculation across these rules is a notable aspect of these changes.