The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on 22nd February 2022 has notified the Draft Inland Vessels (Fire Fighting Appliances) Rules 2022. The Ministry has invited Objections or suggestions from the public which shall be addressed to the Director (IWT), Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Room No. 439, Transport Bhawan, 1-Parliament Street, New Delhi-110001, or by email at abhay.sarode@gov.in and uttam.mishra27@gov.in within a period of 30 days.
All existing inland vessels shall comply with the requirements existing prior to coming into force of these rules; Provided that the existing inland vessels that undergo major conversion or modification shall comply with the requirements specified in these rules, as far as it is considered reasonable and practicable by the Designated Authority; and provided that in the case of change of propulsion system/main engines/ type of fuel etc, the new rules will apply to that equipment and systems only.
The owner/operator and master of any new inland vessel, shall ensure that the vessel is constructed, maintained and operated under the requirements of these rules and the vessel is suitable for its intended service. No new inland vessel shall be issued with the certificate of survey under the Act and the Inland Vessels (Survey and Certification) Rules, 2022, unless such vessel complies with the safety requirements including the physical design of the inland vessel or equipment that the inland vessel must carry, or those which are operational or procedural in nature.
Every decked vessel shall be provided with at least one power operated pump which may be independently driven or in the case of vessels with propulsive power not more than [375] kW, main engine driven where engine can be declutched- and passenger vessels are to be provided with at least two power driven pumps, one of which is permanently installed.
All fire extinguishers are to be of National/ International Standards. The capacity of required portable dry powder fire extinguishers shall not be less than 5.0 kg. and other extinguishers shall have a fire extinguishing capability at least equivalent to that of a 5.0 Kg dry powder fire extinguisher
Further every passenger vessel of length 45 m and above with sleeping cabins shall be provided with at least one fireman’s outfit and Inland vessels more than 24 m in length are to have a copy of approved Safety Equipment plan displayed on board showing the location of various Life saving appliances and all the Fire Control and Fire Fighting Appliances fitted/carried on board to be used in an emergency.
