Inland Vessels Act, 1917 Complete Act - Bare Act

7th February, 1917

Amending Act 35 of 1977.- With the passage of time, operation of power vessels in the inland waters of the country has undergone considerable change with the result that the provisions contained in the Indian Steam-vessels Act. 1917, are not found to be adequate effectively to regulate the operation of the inland vessels. A committee was set up by the Government of India under the Chairmanship of Shri B. Bhagavati, Member of Parliament to consider the problems relating to the development of inland water transport and to suggest phased programme for development of this mode of transport. Recommendations for the amendment of the Act were made by the Committee. Certain other legislative changes are also considered necessary in the light of practical experience. The amendment proposed in the Bill are intended to make the legislation more effective and useful in regulating the operation of inland vessels having regard to the present day needs. 2. The principal Act was enacted when steam-vessels were in vogue. With the advent of oil-fired vessels, steam-vessels have become scare and even the short title to the Act would be misleading in the present context. Accordingly it is proposed to modify the short title of the Act as "Inland Vessels Act" and to substitute the expression "steam-vessel" by the expression "mechanically propelled vessel". There is no provision now enabling the mortgage of vessels by owners for securing financial assistance for the construction or repair of vessels. Provisions in that regard on the lines of those contained in the Merchant Shipping Act, 195S (44 of 1958)are proposed in order to overcome the difficulty. In the case of wreck, etc., the State Government is authorised to appoint a Court of investigation only on a report to that effect from the master of the vessel. It is considered necessary to provide for the appointment of a Court of investigation on the report of persons other than the master also. At present there is no provision in the Act enabling the State Government to take action to clear navigable channels blocked by werck or other obstruction or by the grounding of an overdrafted vessel though such provisions do find a place inthe Indian Ports Act, 1908 (15 of 1908). It is proposed to empower the State Government to clear up the navigable channels so blocked or obstructed. Compensation to passengers travelling in inland vessels involved in accidents is a public necessity. It is, therefore. proposed to provide for the obligatory insurance of passengers against risk and the burden is cast on licensed carriers by adopting provisions analogous to those applicable in the case of motor vehicles accidents. In view of the danger involved in carrying passengers or cargo or both in excess of what is set forth in the certificate of survey granted to a vessel, it is considered necessary to enhance the penalty for exceeding the set limits. In case of desertion, wilful absence from duty, negligence, etc. by personnel employed in inland mechanically propelled vessels there are no provisions for the taking of disciplinary proceedings. Provisions analogous to those inthe Merchant Shipping Act, 1958are proposed to be included so as to ensure discipline among the personnel. Opportunity is also being taken to amend the rule laying formula to bring it in conformity with the recommendation of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation. 3. The Bill seeks to give effect to the objects mentioned above. -Gaz. of India, 22-7-1977, Pt. II, section 2. Ext., p. 435.

An Act to consolidate the enactments relating to 1[Inland Vessels.] Whereas it is expedient to consolidate the enactments relating to1[Inland vessels]; It is hereby enacted as follows:- This Act has been extended to the States merged in the State of Bombay: See Bom. Act 4 of 1950,section 3(30-3-1950); State of Punjab; See Pun). Act 5 of 1950. section 3 (15-4-1950). The Act has been extended to Greater Bombay: See Bom. Act 17 of 1945, section 3 (15-8-1945). The Act now extends to the Union territories of Goa, Daman and Diu and Pondichery-See Regn. 12 of 1962 (1-2-1965) an Regn. 7 of 1963 (1-10-1963). The Act came into force on 1-6-1917; See Gazette of India, 1917 Pt. I, p. 988.

(1) This Act may be called the2[Inland Vessels] Act, 1917.

3[(2) It extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir:

4[Provided that it shall not come into force in any part of the territories which on the 31st day of March, 1936, were included in the Province of Madras or which on the 31st day of October, 1956, were included in the State of Travancore-Cochin, unless the State Government concerned, by notification in the Official Gazette, so directs.]]

5 [(1)] In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,-

5[(a) "inland vessel" or "mechanically propelled vessel" means a mechanically propelled vessel which ordinarily plies on any inland water;]

6[(b)] "inland water" means any canal, river, lake or other navigable water;78[* * * *]

6[(c) "mechanically propelled vessel" means every description of vessel propelled wholly or in part by electricity, steam or other mechanical power.]

9[(d)] "passenger" includes any person carried in a13[mechanically propelled vessel] other than the master and crew and the owner, his family and servants;

9[(e)] "prescribed" means prescribed by any rule under this Act;10[(5) * * * * *]

11[(f)] "survey" means this survey of a13[mechanically propelled vessel] under this Act;

11[(g)] "surveyor" means a surveyor appointed under this Act; and

11[(h)] "voyage" includes the plying of a13[mechanically propelled vessel] at or about any place.

12[(2) Any reference tothe Inland Steam-vessels Act, 1917-, in any law for the time being in force or in any instrument or other document shall be construed as a reference tothe Inland Steam-vessels Act, 1917-.]

15[mechnically propelled vessel] not to proceed on voyage or to be used for service without certificate of survey

(1) An inland [mechanically propelled vessel] shall not proceed on any voyage, or be used for any service unless she has a certificate of survey in force and applicable to such voyage or service.

(2) Nothing in this section shall apply to any [mechanically propelled vessel] proceeding on a voyage during the interval between the time at which her certificate of survey expires and the time at which it is first practicable to have the certificate renewed.

(1) The16[State Government] may, by notification in the17[Official Gazette],-

(a) declare such places, within the territories under its administration, as it thinks fit, to be places of survey, and

(b) appoint so many persons to be surveyors at the said places as it thinks fit for the purposes of this Act.

(2) Every surveyor shall, for the purposes of any survey made by him, bedeemed to be a public servant within the meaning ofthe Indian Penal Code-.

(1) For the purposes of a survey, the surveyor may at any reasonable time, go on board any inland18[mechanically propelled vessel], and may inspect the18[mechanically propelled vessel] and every part thereof, including the hull, boilers, engines and other machinery, and all equipments and articles on board : Provided that he shall not unnecessarily hinder the loading or unloading of the [mechanically propelled vessel], or unnecessarily detain or delay her from proceeding on any voyage.

(2) The owner, master and officers of the18[mechanically propelled vessel] shall afford to the surveyor all reasonable facilities for a survey and all such information respecting the18[mechanically propelled vessel], and her machinery or any part thereof, and all equipments and articles on board, as he may require for the purposes of a survey.

Before a survey is commenced, the owner or master of the19[mechanically propelled vessel] to be purveyed shall pay to such officer as the19[State Government] may, by notification in the19[Official Gazette], appoint in this behalf-

(a) a fee calculated on the tonnage of the21[mechanically propelled vessel] according to the rates mentioned in Schedule 1, or according to any other prescribed rates; and

(b) when the survey is to be made in any place of survey other than

Calcutta, Madras,22[or Bombay], such additional fee in respect of the expense (if any) of the journey of the surveyor to the place as the19[State Government] may by such notification direct.

When the survey of a24[mechanically propelled vessel]23is completed, if the surveyor making it is satisfied that-

(a) the hull, boilers, engines and other machinery of the24[mechanically propelled vessel] are sufficient for the voyage or service intended and in good condition, and

(b) the equipments of the24[mechanically propelled vessel] and the certificates of the master and engineer are such and in such condition as are required by any law for the time being in force and applicable to the24 [mechanically propelled vessel,] the surveyor shall forthwith give to the owner or master a declaration in the prescribed form containing the particulars mentioned in clauses (a) and (b), and the following further particulars, namely:-

(i) the time (if less than one year) for which the hull, boilers, engines and other

machinery and equipments of the24[mechanically propelled vessel] will be sufficient;

(ii) the limit (if any) beyond which, as regards the hull, boilers, engines and other machinery or equipments, the24[mechanically propelled vessel] is in the surveyor's judgment not fit to ply;

(iii) the number of passengers (it any) which the steam-vessel is, in the judgment of the surveyor, fit to carry, specifying, if necessary, the respective numbers to be carried on the deck and in the cabins, and in different parts of the deck and cabins: the number to be subject to such conditions and variations, according to the time of year the nature of the voyage, the cargo carried or other circumstances, as the case requires,23[* * *]

23[(iiia) the nature and quantum of cargo which the mechanically propelled vessel is, in the judgment of the surveyor, fit to carry; and]

(iv) any other prescribed particulars.

(1) The owner or master of a27[mechanically propelled vessel] to whom a declaration is given undersection 7-shall, within fourteen days after the date of the receipt thereof send the declaration to such officer as the25[State Government] may, by notification in the26[Official Gazette], appoint in this behalf.

(2) If any owner or master fails to send a declaration as required by sub-section (1), he shall forfeit a sum not exceeding five rupees for every day during which the sending of the declaration is delayed.

(1) The28[State Government] shall, if satisfied that all the provisions of this Act have been complied with in respect of a declaration sent undersection 8-, cause,-

(a) a certificate of survey, in duplicate, to be prepared, and

(b) notice thereof to be given by post or otherwise to the owner or master of the29 [mechanically propelled vessel] to which the certificate relates.

(2) On application made by the owner or master to such officer at the place of survey as the28[State Government] may, by notification in the30 [Official Gazette], appoint in this behalf, and on payment to such officer by the owner or master of the sum (if any) forfeited by him undersection 8-, sub-section(2) (the actual amount of which within the limit thereby fixed shall be determined by the2828[State Government]), the certificate, in duplicate, so prepared shall be granted to the owner or master by the28 [State Government] and issued to him through such

(3) A certificate granted under this section shall be in the prescribed form, shall contain a statement to the effect that all the provisions of this Act with respect to the survey of the29[mechanically propelled vessel] and the declaration of survey have been complied with, and shall set forth-

(a) the particulars concerning the30[mechan-cally propelled vessel] mentioned in the declaration of surveys as required by clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) ofsection 7-, and

(b) any other prescribed particulars.

(4) The28[State Government] may, by notification in the30[Official Gazette], delegate to any person all or any of the functions assigned to the28[State Government] under this section : Provided that no delegation shall be made under sub -section (2) so as to authorise the grant of a certificate of survey by the surveyor who made the declaration of survey undersection 7-.

31[mechanically propelled vessel]The owner or master of every31[mechanically propelled vessel,] for which a certificate of survey has been granted, shall forthwith, on the receipt of the certificate, cause one of the duplicates thereof to be affixed and kept affixed so long as it remains in force and the31[mechanically propelled vessel] is in use, on some conspicuous part of the31[mechanically propelled vessel] where it may be easily read by all persons on board.

A certificate of survey shall have effect throughout the33[State] in which it was granted: Provided that such a certificate may be endorsed by the33[State Government] of any other33[State], or with the general or special sanction of the33[State Government] of that other33[State], by the authority granting it, so as to have effect in that other33[State] or any part thereof, and, if so endorsed, shall have effect accordingly.]

A certificate of survey shall not be in force34[in any35[State]]-

(a) after the expiration of one year from the date thereof; or

(b) after the expiration of the period (if less than one year) for which the hull, boilers, engines or other machinery, or any of the equipments of the37[mechanically propelled vessel] to which the certificate relates have been stated in the certificate to be sufficient; or

(c) after notice has been given36[by the35[State Government]] of the35 [State] in which it was granted to the owner or master of such37 [mechanically propelled vessel,] that such35[State] Government has cancelled or suspended it.34[A certificateof survey shall not be in force in any35[State] by virtue of any endorsement in respect of that35[State], after notice has been given by the [State Government] of that35[State], to the owner or master of a37[mechanically propelled vesel,] that that Government has cancelled or suspended the endorsement].

After a certificate of survey has ceased to be in force, the same shall only be renewed after a fresh survey of the38[mechanically propelled vessel] to which the certificate relates, has been held in accordance with the provision of this Chapter, save so for as any relaxation thereof may be prescribed.

39[A certificate of survey or any endorsement thereon made undersection 10A-may be suspended or cancelled by the Government of the40[State] in which the certificate was granted or in respect of which the endorsement was made, as the case may be, if that Government has reason to believe]-

(a) that the declaration by the surveyor of the sufficiency and good condition of the hull, boilers, engines or other machinery or of any of the equipments of thed[mechanically propelled vessel] has been fraudulently or erroneously made; or

(b) that the certificate has otherwise been granted upon false or erroneous information; or

(c) that since the making of the declaration the hull, boilers, engines or other machinery, or any of the equipments of the41[mechanically propelled vessel] have sustained any material injury, or have otherwise become insufficient.

The42[State Government] may require any certificate of survey, which has expired or has been suspended or cancelled, to be delivered up to such officer as42[State Government] may, by notification in the43[Official Gazette] appoint in this behalf.44

-45[If a [State Government] suspends or cancels an endorsement made undersection 10A-on a certificate of survey it] shall report the fact of suspension or cancellation, together with the reasons therefor, to the46[State Government] which (or whose delegate) granted the certificate.

A survey shall ordinarily be made by one surveyor, but two surveyors may be employer if the47[State Government], by order in writing, so directs either generally in the case of all48[mechanically propelled vessel] at any place of survey or specially in the case of any particular48[mechanically propelled vessel] or class of [mechanically propelled vessels] at any such place.

(1) If the surveyor making a survey of a50[mechanically propelled vessel] refuses to give a declaration undersection 7-with regard to the50[mechanically propelled vessel,] or gives a declaration with which the owner or master of the50[mechanically propelled vessel] is dissatisfied, the49[State Government] may, on the application of the owner or master, and the payment by him of such fee, not exceeding twice the amount of the fee payable for the previous survey, as the49[State Government] may require, direct two other surveyors to survey the50[mechanically propelled vessel].

(2) The surveyors so directed shall forthwith survey the steam-vessel, and may, after the survey, either refuse to give a declaration or give such declaration as, under the circumstances, seems to them proper.

(3) Any declaration given, or any refusal to give a declaration under sub-section (2), shall be final.

When a survey is made by two surveyors under eithersection 1-orsection 17-, each of the surveyors shall perform the prescribed portion of the duties assigned to a surveyor under this Act or the rules made thereunder.

- (1) The51[State Government] may52[* * *] makes rules to regulate the making of surveys.

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may prescribe-

(a) the times and places at which, and the manner in which, surveys are to be made;

(b) the duties of the surveyor making a survey and, where two surveyors are employed, the respective duties of each surveyor;

(c) the form in which declarations of survey and certificates of survey are to be

framed, and the nature of the particulars to be stated therein undersections 7-and9-;

(d) the rates other than those mentioned in Schedule I according to which the

fees payable in respect of surveys are to be calculated in the case of all or any of the places of survey within the territories under its administration; and

(e) the cases in, and the extent to which a survey may be dispensed with before the grant of a new certificate.

54[mechanically propelled vessels not to proceed on voyage or be used for service without certificate of registration-

(1) An inland [mechanically propelled vessel] shall not proceed on any voyage or be used for any service, unless it has a certificate of registration in force in respect thereof and granted under this Act.

(2) Nothing in this section shall-

(a) apply to any [mechanically propelled vessel] built at any place other than a place of registry and making her first voyage to any such place for the purpose of registration; or

(b) be in derogation of the provisions contained insection 3-.

(1) The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette.

(a) declare such places within the territories under its administration as it thinks fit to be places of registry; and

(b) appoint registering authorities at the said places for the purposes of this Act.

(2) Every person appointed as a registering authority shall, for the purposes of any registration made by him, be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning ofthe Indian Penal Code-.

At every place of registry, a book shall be kept by the registering authority in which all the particulars contained in the form of the certificate of registration shall be duly entered and such registering authority shall, immediately after registering any inland57[mechanically propelled vessel]] or within one month at the farthest. send to the State Government a true and exact copy, together with the number, of every certificate which shall be so granted by it.

An application for registration of an inland59[mechanically propelled vessel] shall be made by the owner or master of the vessel in such form and shall contain such particulars as may be prescribed and shall be accompanied by a copy of the certificate of survey in force issued in respect of the vessel.

- (1) Every application for registration shall be made to a registering authority within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the owner of the inland62[mechanically propelled vessel] ordinarily resides or carries on business.

(2) Where the owner applying for a certificate of registration is a company61[within the meaning ofS. 3 of the Companies Act, 1956-], the application may be made to a registering authority within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the principal office of the company is situate.

(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, an inland62 [mechanically propelled vessel] may be registered by a registering authority in any State, although the owner does not ordinarily reside or carry on business in that State or, if a company, the principal place of business of the company is not situate in that State:

Provided that the Government of the State in which the owner ordinarily resides or carries on business, or in the case of a company the Government of the State where the principal place of business of the company is situate, has accorded its previous approval thereto.

- (1) If in respect of any inland b [mechani- cally propelled vessel] the registering authority, after maing such inquiry as it thinks fit, is satisfied that the provisions of this Act or of any rules made thereunder have been complied with, it shall grant to the applicant therefor a certificate of registration comprising such particulars as may be prescribed on payment of the prescribed fee.

(2) A registering authority may refuse to register an inland64 [mechanically propelled vessel,] if she is found to be mechanically defective, or if the applicant fails to furnish satisfactory evidence in support of any of the statements made in his application:

Provided that where the registering authority refuses to register any inland64 [mechanically propelled vessel,] it shall furnish to the applicant a statement in writing containing the reasons for such refusal.

Where an inland66[mechanically propelled vessel] has been registered under this Chapter, the registering authority shall assign to the vessel, to be displayed thereon conspicuously in the prescribed manner, a distinguishing mark, hereinafter in this Act referred to as the registration mark.

(1) A certificate of registration granted in respect of any inland68[mechanically propelled vessel] shall be used only for the lawful navigation of that vessel.

(2) A certificate of registration in respect of an inland68[mechanically propelled vessel] issued by a registering authority in one State shall be valid for that State only, but where any such vessel piles in69[inland waters of any other State], nothing in this section shall be deemed to require the owner or master of the vessel to obtain a fresh certificate of registration in relation to the State or States in which the vessel is not so registered :70[* * * * *]

(3) When an inland mechanically propelled vessel registered in one State has been kept in another State for a period exceeding twelve months, the owner or master of the vessel shall make an application undersection 19K-to the registering authority, within whose jurisdiction the vessel then is, for the transfer of registry from the registering authority of the place where the vessel is registered.

(1) When an inland72[mechanically propelled vessel] is so altered as not to correspond with the particulars relating to her or the description entered in the certificate of registration then the owner of the vessel shall, within such period as may be prescribed, make a report of such alteration to the registering authority of the place where the vessel is registered.

(2) The report under sub-section (1) shall be made in such form and shall contain such particulars with respect to the alteration as may be prescribed and shall be accompanied by the certificate of registration in force in respect of the vessel at the time of the report.

(3) The registering authority, on receipt of the report under sub-section (1) and on payment of the prescribed fee, shall either cause the alteration to be registered or direct that the vessel be registered anew:

Provided that where the registering authority directs that the vessel be registered anew, it shall either grant a provisional certificate describing the vessel as altered or provisionally endorse the particulars of the alteration on the existing certificate.

(4) Any provisional certificate granted or endorsement made under the provisions of this section shall be valid for a period of one month from the date thereof, within which period the owner shall cause all necessary steps to be taken to have the vessel registered anew.

- (1) The registry of an inland77[mechanically propelled vessel] may be transferred from one place in a Statute another place in another State on the application by the owner or master of the vessel to74[the registering authority of the State in which the vessel is kept registered.]

(2) On receipt of such application, the registering authority shall transmit notice thereof to75[the registering authority of the place where the vessel is kept registered.]

76 [(3) The certificate of registration in respect of the vessel shall be delivered up to the registering authority of the intended place of registry, along with the application.

76 [(4) On receipt of the application under sub-section (1) and the prescribed fee, if any. the registering authority of the intended place of registry shall enter in its register book all the particulars relating to the vessel and grant a fresh certificate of registration in respect of the vessel and thenceforth such vessel shall be considered as registered at the new place of registry.

(5) A State Government may make rules undersection 19R-requiring the owner or master of an inland mechanically propelled vessel not registered within the State which is brought into or is, for the time being in the State, to furnish to a prescribed authority in the State such information with respect to the inland mechanically propelled vessel and its registration as may be prescribed.]

- (1) If the owner of an inland79[mechanically propelled vessel] ceases to reside or carry on business at the address recorded in the certificate of registration of the vessel, he shall, within thirty days of the change of address, intimate his new address to the registering authority by which the certificate of registration was granted, or, if the new address is within the jurisdiction of another registering authority, to that registering authority, and shall at the same time forward the certificate of registration to the registering authority in order that the new address may be entered thereon.

(2) Where a registering authority other than the original registering authority makes any such entry, it shall communicate the new address to the original registering authority.

Provided that where an inland81[mechanically propelled vessel] is82

[registered or deemed to be registered underthe Merchant Shipping Act, 1958-], this sub-section shall have effect as if for the words "the Government of the State in which the vessel is registered" the words "the Central Government" had been substituted.

(2) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (1), the owner of an inland81 [mechanically propelled vessel] registered under this Act, and the transferee thereof shall, within thirty days of the transfer of ownership of the said vessel to the transferee, jointly make a report of the transfer to the registering authority within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the transferee resides or carries on business and shall also forward the certificate of registration to that registering authority, together with prescribed fee, in order that particulars of the transfer of ownership may be entered thereon.

- (1) A registering authority may suspend, for such period and subject to such conditions as it thinks fit, the certificate of registration of an inland84[mechanically propelled vessel], if it has reason to believe that after the granting of the certificate the vessel, has become unfit to ply in inland waters.

(2) where the registration of an inland84[mechanically propelled vessel] is suspended under sub -section (1) for a period of not less than one month, the registering authority ordering the suspension shall, if it is not the original registering authority, inform that other authority of the fact of such suspension.

(3) The registering authority suspending the certificate may require the owner or master of the vessel to deliver up the certificate so suspended to itself or, if it is not the original registering authority, to that other authority.

(4) A certificate of registration surrendered under this section shall be returned to the owner when the order suspending the certificate has been rescinded or has ceased to operate.

- (1) If an inland86[mechanically propelled vessel] has been destroyed or has been rendered permanently unfit for service, the owner of the vessel shall, with the least practicable delay, report the fact to the registering authority of the place where the vessel is registered and shall also forward to that authority, along with the report, the certificate of registration of the vessel and thereupon the registering authority shall have the certificate of registration cancelled.

(2) Any registering authority may at any time require that any inland86 [mechanically propelled vessel] within the local limits of its jurisdiction may be inspected by such authority as the State Government may, by general or special order, appoint in this behalf and, if as a result of such inspection, the registering authority is satisfied that the vessel is in such a condition that it is not fit to ply in any inland water, the registering authority may after giving the owner of the vessel an opportunity of being heard, cancel the registration of the vessel and require the owner thereof to surrender forthwith to the registering authority, the certificate of registration in respect of that vessel, if it has not already been so surrendered.

- (1) Any person aggrieved by an order-

(a) refusing to register any inland88[mechanically propelled vessel] undersection 19F-; or

(b) suspending a certificate of registration undersection 19N-; or

(c) cancelling a certificate of registration under sub-section (2) ofsection 19-O-may, within thirty days of the date on which he receives notice of such order, appeal against it to the State Government.

(2) The State Government shall cause notice of every such appeal to be given to the registering authority concerned in such manner as may be prescribed, and after giving an opportunity to that authority and to the appeallant to be heard shall pass such order thereon as it thinks fit.

- Where the Central Government is satisfied that by the law or practice of any country outside India, inland90[mechanically propelled vessels] having a certificate of registration in force under this Act-

(a) obtain by reason of such registration any special exemption in that country while plying in the inland waters thereof, or

(b) are required as a condition of plying in the inland waters of that country to comply with any special requirement, whether by way of registration anew or payment of a fee or otherwise, the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, for the purpose of reciprocity, direct that the same exemption or requirement, or an exemption, or a requirement as similar thereto as may be, be granted to, or imposed upon, inland90[mechanically propelled vessels] registered in that country while plying in the inland waters of the territories to which this Act extends.

- The provisions ofsections 47-,48-,49-,50-,51-,52-and53 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958-, shall mutatis mutandis apply, in relation to the mortgage of a mechanically propelled vessel as they apply in relation to ships, subject to the following modifications, namely:-

(a) in sections 47, 48, 49,50,51,52 and 53, references to "ship", "registrar" and "register book," wherever they occur, shall, respectively, be construed as references to "mechanically propelled vessel," "registering authority" and "book of registration";

(b) insection 47-, in sub-section (1), for the words "the registrar of the ship's port of registry shall record it in the register book," the words "the registering authority shall record it in the book of registration" shall be substituted.]

- (1) The State Government may make rules93to carry out the objects of this Chapter.

(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may-

(a) prescribe the powers, duties and functions of registering authorities and the local limits of their jurisdiction;

(b) prescribe the form of, and the particulars to be contained in, applications for, and certificates of, registration;

(c) provide for the form and manner in which books of registration shall be maintained under this Chapter;

(d) provide for the issue of duplicate certificates of registration to replace certificates lost, destroyed or mutilated;

(e) prescribe, subject to the approval of the Central Government, the fees to be

charged for the registration of inland95[mechanically propelled vessels] or for any other action to be taken by the registering authority under this Chapter, and provide for the exemption of any person or class of persons from payment of the whole or any part of any such fees;

(f) prescribe the period within which, and the manner in which, the owner of an inland 95[mechanically propelled vessel] shall make a report of any alteration in the vessel undersection 19J-;

94["(fa) prescribe the authority and provide for furnishing to such authority the information with respect to the inland mechanically propelled vessel and its registration under sub-section (5) ofsection 19K-;";]

(g) prescribe the manner in which appeals to the State Government may be preferred under this Chapter and the fees payable in respect of any such appeal;

94[(ga) provide for the form of instrument creating a mortgage of a mechanically propelled vessel or a share therein or transfer of any such mortgage;]

(h) provide for any other matter which is to be or may be prescribed under this Chapter.]]

Every certificate of registry and every certificate of survey issued in respect of a mechanically propelled vessel underthe Merchant Shipping Act, 1958-, shall be valid and effective as a certificate of registration or certificate of survey, as the case may be, issued under this Act and the relevant provisions of this Act shall apply in relation to such vessel as they apply to an inland mechanically propelled vessel registered under this Act.]

The97[State Government] may appoint examiners for the purpose of examining the qualifications of persons desirous of obtaining certificates (hereinafter called certificates of competency), to the effect that they are competent to act as masters or serangs, or as engineers or engine-drivers, as the case may be, on board inland98[mechanically propelled vessels].

(1) The100[State Government] or such officer as it may, by notification in theb [Official Gazette], appoint in this behalf, shall grant to every person who is reported by the examiners to possess the prescribed qualifications, a certificate of competency to the effect that he is competent to act as a first-class master, second-class master or serang, or as an engineer, first-class engine-driver or second-class engine-driver, as the case may be, on board an inland101[mechanically propelled vessel]: Provided nevertheless that, before granting a certificate of competency under this Act, the authority empowered to grant such certificate may. if it considers the report of the examiners regarding any applicant for such certificate to be defective, or has reason to believe that such report has been unduly made, require a further examination or a re-examination of the applicant.

(2) Every certificate granted under this section shall be in the prescribed form.

(1) The102[State Government] may,b [if it thinks fit] grant without examination to any person who has served as a master, or as an engineer, of an inlandd [mechanically propelled vessel]104[for a period of three years before the first day of November, 1956] a certificate (hereinafter called a certificate of service) to the effect that he is, by reason of his having so served, competent to act as a first-class master, second-class master or serang, or as an engineer, first-class engine-driver or second-class engine-driver, as the case may be, on board an inland105[mechanically propelled vessel].

(2) A certificate of service so granted shall have the same effect as a certificate of competency granted under this Act after examination.

- (1) The107[State Government] may, alsoc [if it thinks fit], grant-

(a) to a person who is in possession of a second-class master's certificate granted under sectional orsection 22-, and has, by virtue of such certificate, acted as master of an inland111[mechanically propelled vessel] having engines of forty or more nominal horse-power for a period of not less than five years, or

(b)to a person who is in possession of a first-class engine-driver's certificate granted undersection 21-orsection 22-, or an engine-driver's109 [certificate granted or deemed to be granted underthe Merchant Shipping Act, 1958-], and has, by virtue of such certificate, served as an engine-driver of an inland111[mechanically propelled vessel] having engines of not less than seventy nominal horse-power for five years, for not less than two and a half years of which period he has been the engine-driver of such vessel within the meaning ofsection 26-, a licence authorising such person to act as master or engineer, as the case may be, of any inland111 [mechanically propelled vessel] having engines of one hundred and seventy nominal horse- power or of such less nominal horse-power110[as such Government] may deem fit.

(2) Any such licence shall remain in force only for such time as the person holding the same is in possession of and entitled to a master's or an engine-driver's certificate, as the case may be, of the nature referred to in sub-section (1) : Provided that the State Government may,108[if it thinks fit], suspend, cancel or vary the conditions of any such licence].

Every certificate of competency or service112[and every licence] granted under this Act shall ,be made in duplicate, and one copy shall be delivered to the person entitled to the certificate113[or licence] and the other shall be kept and recorded in the prescribed manner.

Whenever a master or serang, or an engineer or engine-driver, proves, to the satisfaction of the authority which granted his certificate,114[or licence] that he has, without fault on his part, lost or been deprived of it, a copy of the certificatea [or licence] to which, according to the record kept undersection 23-, he appears to be entitled shall be granted to him, and shall have the same effect as the original.

An inland118[mechanically propelled vessel] having engines of115[one hundred] or more nominal horse-power shall not proceed on any voyage unless she has "

(a) as her master a person possessing a first class master's certificate granted under this Act, or a master's116[certificate granted or deemed to be granted underthe Merchant Shipping Act, 1958-],117[or a master's licence granted undersection 22A-and applicable to such vessel and voyage], arid

(b) gs her engineer a person possessing an engineer's certificate granted under this Act,116[or granted or deemed to be granted underthe Merchant Shipping Act, 1958-]117[or an engine-driver's licence granted undersection 22A-and applicable to such vessel and voyage].

An inland122[mechanically propelled vessel] having engines of119[forty] or more nominal horse-power, but of less than120[one hundred] nominal horse-power, shall not proceed on any voyage unless she has "

(a) as her master a person possessing a second-class master's certificate granted under this Act, or any certificate referred to in clause (a) ofsection 25-; and

(b) as her engineer a person possessing a First-class engine-driver's certificate granted under this Act, or an engine-driver's119[certificate granted or deemed to be granted underthe Merchant Shipping Act, 1958-], or any certificate referred to in clause (b) ofsection 25-: Provided that a122[mechanically propelled vessel] shall be deemed to have complied with this section if she has as her master and engineer a person possessing both a certificate referred to in clause (a), and a certificate referred to in clause (b), of this section.

An inland124[mechanically propelled vessel] having engines of less than123[forty] nominal horse-power shall not proceed on any voyage unless she has "

(a) as her master a person possessing a serang's certificate granted under this Act, or any certificate referred to in clause (a) ofsection 26-, and

(b) as her engineer a person possessing a second-class engine-driver's certificate granted under this Act, or any certificate referred to in cl. (b) ofsection 26-: Provided that a124[mechanically propelled vessel] shall be deemed to have complied with this section if she has as her master and engineer a person possessing both acertificate referred to in clause (a) and a certificate referred to in clause (b), of this section.

Notwithstanding anything in this Chapter, the125[State Government] may, by general or special order, direct that a person possessing-

(a) a master's126[certificate granted or deemed to be granted under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958], or

(b) an engineer's or engine-driver's126[certificate granted or deemed to be granted under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958-], shall not act as master or engineer, as the case may be, of an inland128[mechanically propelled vessel] unless he also possesses-

(i) in case (a), such a master's or serang's certificate granted under this Act as qualifies him under this Chapter to act as master of the128[mechanically propelled vessel], or

(ii) in case (b), such an engineer's or engine-driver's certificate granted under this Act as qualifies him under this Chapter to act as engineer of the128[mechanically propelled vessel]: Provided that, for the purposes of this section, the State Government may127[if it thinks fit], grant to any person, without examination, a master's or serang's or an engineer's or engine- driver's certificate of competency under this Act, and such certificate shall have the same effect as a certificate of competency granted under this Act after examination.

(1) The129[State Government] may130[* * *] make rules to regulate the granting of certificates of competency under this Chapter.

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may prescribe -

(a) the times and places of holding and the mode of conducting examination of persons desirous of obtaining certificates of competency;

(b) the qualifications to be required of persons desirous of obtaining such certificates;

(c) the examination fees to be paid by such persons; and

(d) the forms in which such certificates are to be framed and the authority by whom, and the manner in which, copies are to be kept and recorded undersection 23-.

The131[State Government] may also make rules to regulate the granting of certificates of service undersection 22-, and may by such rules prescribe in particular-

(a) the fees to be paid for such certificates, and

(b) the forms in which such certificates are to be framed, and the authority by whom, and the manner in which, copies are to be kept and recorded undersection 23-

The133[State Government] may also make rules to regulate the granting of licences undersection 22A-, and may by such rules prescribe in particular "

(a) the fees (if any) to be paid for such licences, and

(b) the forms in which such licences are to be framed and the authority by whom, and the manner in which, copies are to be kept and recorded undersection 23-.]

-134[A certificate of competency or service or a licence granted under this Chapter] shall have effect throughout the135[State] in which it was granted : Provided that the authority granting such certificate136[or licence] may, by endorsement thereon, restrict the effect of such certificate136[or licence] to any part of such135[State] : Provided further that such certificatec [or licence] may be endorsed by the135[State Government] of any other135[State], or with the general or special sanction of the135[State Goveqnment] of such other135[State], by the authority granting it so as to have effect in such other135[State] or any part thereof, and thereupon shall have effect accordingly.

(a) any inland137[mechanically propelled vessel] has been wrecked, abandoned or materially damages, or

(b) by reason of any casualty happening to, or on board of, any inland137[mechanically propelled vessel], loss of life has ensued, or

(c) any inland137[mechanically propelled vessel] has caused loss or material damage to, any other vessel, the master of the137[mechanically propelled vessel] shall forthwith give notice of the wreck, abandonment, damage, casualty, or loss to the officer in charge of the nearest police-station.

(1)138[Whenever the State Government is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient to have a formal investigation into the facts of any case reported undersection 32-or otherwise brought to its notice, the State Government may],- (a) appoint a special Court and direct the Court to make the investigation at such place as the139[State Government] may fix in this behalf, or (b) direct any principal Court of ordinary criminal jurisdiction or the Court of any District Magistrate to make the investigation.

(2) A special Court appointed under clause (a) of sub-section (1) shall consist of not less than two nor more than four persons, of whom one shall be a Magistrate, one shall be a person conversant with maritime affairs or with the navigation of inland140[mechanically propelled vessels], and the other or others (if any) shall be conversant with either maritime or mercantile affairs, or with the navigation of inlandc [mechanically propelled vessels].

(1) Any Court making an investigation under section 33 may inquire into any charge of incompetency or misconduct arising in the course of the investigation against any master, engineer or engine-driver, or any person holding a certificate granted under Chapter III, as well as into any charge of a wrongful act or default on his part causing any wreck, abandonment, damage, casualty, or loss referred to insection 32-.

(2) In every case in which any such charge arises against any master, engineer or engine- driver, or any person holding a certificate granted under Chapter III in the course of an investigation, the Court shall, before the commencement of the inquiry into the charge, cause to be furnished to him a copy of the report or of any statement of the case upon which the investigation has been directed.

(1) If the141[State Government] has reason to believe that there are grounds for charging any master, engineer or engine-driver, or any person holding a certificate granted under Chapter III, with incompetency or misconduct, otherwise than in the course of an investigation undersection 33-, it may send a statement of the case to the principal Court of ordinary criminal jurisdiction, or the Court of the District Magistrate, at or nearest to the place at which it may be convenient for the parties and witnesses to attend, and may direct the Court to make an investigation into the charge.

(2) Before commencing an investigation under sub-section (1) the Court shall cause the person charged to be furnished with a copy of the statement of the case sent by the 141[State Government].

For the purpose of an investigation under this Chapter into any charge against a master, engineer or engine-driver, or any person holding a certificate granted under Chapter III, the Court may summon him to appear, and shall give him full opportunity of making a defence, either in person or otherwise.

(1) When, in the opinion of the Court making an investigation under this Chapter, the investigation involves, or appears likely to involve, any question as to the cancelling or suspension of the certificate of a master, engineer or engine-driver, or any person holding a certificate granted under Chapter III, the Court shall appoint as its assessors, for the purposes of the investigation, two persons having experience in the merchant service or in the navigation of inland142[mechanically propelled vessels].

(2) In every other investigation the Court may, if it thinks fit, appoint as its assessor, for the purposes of the investigation, any person conversant with maritime affairs or the navigation of inland142[mechanically propelled vessels] and willing to act as assessor.

(3) Every person appointed as an assessor under this section shall attend during the investigation and deliver his opinion in writing, to be recorded on the proceedings.

For the purpose of any investigation under this Chapter, the Court making the investigation shall, so far as relates to compelling the attendance and examination of witnesses, and the production of documents and the regulation of the proceedings, have "

(a) if the Court is a special Court - the same powers as are exercisable by the principal Court of ordinary criminal jurisdiction for the place at which the investigation is made; or

(b) if the Court is a principal Court of ordinary criminal jurisdiction or the Court of the District Magistrate-the same powers as are exercisable respectively by either Court in the exercise of its criminal jurisdiction.

State Amendments

(1) If any Court making an investigation under this Chapter issues a warrant of arrest to compel the atendance of any person whose evidence is in its opinion necessary, it may, for the purpose of effecting the arrest, but subject to any general or special instructions issued by the143[State Government] in this behalf, authorise any officer to enter any vessel.

(2) An officer so authorised to enter any vessel may, for the purpose of enforcing the entry, call to his aid any officers of Police or Customs, or any other persons, and may seize and detain the vessel for such time as is reasonably necessary to effect the arrest; and every such officer or other person shall be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning ofthe Indian Penal Code-.

(3) No person shall be detained under this section for more than forty-eight hours.

Whenever, in the course of an investigation under this Chapter, it appears to the Court making the investigation that any person has committed, within144[the territories to which this Act extends], an offence punishable under any law in force in144[such territories], the Court making the investigation may (subject to such rules consistent with this Act as the High Court may, from time to time, make in this behalf)-

(a) cause such person to be arrested;

(b) commit him or hold him to bail to take his trial before the proper Court;

(c) bind over any other person to give evidence at such trial; and

(d) exercise, for the purposes of this section, ail the powers of a Magistrate of the first class or of a Presidency Magistrate.

(1) Whenever, in the course of a trial referred to insection 40-, the evidence of any witness is required in relation to the subject-matter, any deposition previously made by him in relation to the same subject-matter before any Court making an investigation under this Chapter shall, if authenticated by the signature of the Magistrate or presiding Judge of such Court, be admissible in evidence on proof -

(a) that the witness cannot be found within the jurisdiction of the Court before which the trial is held; and

(b) that the deposition was made in the presence of the person accused, and that he had an opportunity of cross-examining the witness.

(2) A certificate signed by such Magistrate or presiding Judge that the deposition was made in the presence of the accused, and that he had an opportunity of cross-examining the witness shall, unless the contrary be proved, be sufficient evidence that it was so made and that the accused had such opportunity.

The Court shall, in the case of every investigation under this Chapter, transmit to the145[State Government] a full report of the conclusions at which it has arrived, together with the evidence recorded and the written opinion of any assessor.

Notwithstanding the appointment undersection 37-of an assessor or assessors by a Court making an investigation under this Chapter, the exercise of all powers conferred on such Court by this Act shall rest with the Court alone.

(1) Whenever any explosion occurs on board any inlandb [mechanically propelled vessel], the146[State Government] may direct that an investigation into the cause of the explosion be made by such person or persons as it may appoint in this behalf.

(2) The person or persons so appointed may. for the purpose of the investigation, enter and remove any portion of the [mechanically propelled vessel], or of the machinery thereof, and shall report to the a[State Government] what, in his or their opinion, was the cause of the explosion.

(3) Every person making an investigation under this section shall be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning ofthe India Penal Code-,

State Amendments

(1) If any mechanically become obstruction, impediment or danger to the safe and convenient navigation or use of inland water or the landing place or embarkment or part thereof, any officer empowered by the Chapter referred to as competent officer) shall cause the vessel to be raised, removed, blown up or otherwise destroyed as the circumstances may warrant

(2) If any property recovered by a competent officer acting under sub-section (1) is unclaimed or the person claiming it fails to pay reasonable expenses incurred by the competent expenses, the competent officer may sell the property by public auction, if the property is of a perishable nature, forthwith, and if it is not of a perishable nature, at any time not less than two months after the recovery thereof.

(3) The expenses and further sum aforesaid shall be payable to the competent officer out property recovered, or, if no such person appears and claims the balance, shall be held in deposit for payment, without interest, to the person thereafter establishing his right thereto : Provided that the person makes his claim within three years from the date of the sale.

(4)Where the sale proceeds of the property are not sufficient to meet the expenses and further sum aforesaid, the owner of the vessel at the time the vessel was wrecked, stranded or sunk shall be liable to pay the deficiency to the competent officer on demand, and if the the deficiency from such owner as if it were an arrear of land revenue.

(1)The competent officer may remove, or cause to be removed, any timber, raft or other thing, floating or being in any part of the inland water, which, in his opinion, obstructs or impedes the free navigation thereof or the lawful use of any landing place or embarkment or part thereof.

(2) The owner of any such timber, raft or other thing shall be liable to pay the reasonable expenses of the removal thereof, and if such owner or any other person has without lawful excuse caused any such obstruction or impediment, or causes any public nuisance affecting or likely to affect such free navigation or lawful use, he shall also be punishable with fine which may extend to one hundred rupees.

(3) The competent officer or any magistrate having jurisdiction over the offence may cause any such nuisance to be abated.

If the owner of any such timber, raft or other thing, or the person who has caused any such obstruction, impediment or public nuisance, neglects to pay the reasonable expenses incurred in the removal thereof, within one week after demand or within fourteen days after such removal has been notified in the Official Gazette or in such other manner as the State Government may, by general or special order direct, the competent officer may cause such timber, raft or other thing or the materials of any public nuisance so removed, or so much thereof as may be necessary, to be sold by public auction and may retain all the expenses of such removal and sale out of the proceeds of the sale, and shall pay the surplus of such proceeds or deliver so much of the thing or materials as may remain unsold, to the person entitled to receive the same and if no such person appears, shall cause the same to be kept and deposited in such manner as the State Government directs, and may, if necessary, from time to time, realise the expenses of keeping the same, together with the expenses of sale, or further sale of so much of the thing or materials as may remain unsold.

(1) If any obstruction or impediment to the navigation of any inland water has been lawfully made or has become lawful by reason of the long continuance of such obstruction or impediment or otherwise, the competent officer shall report the same for the information of the State Government and shall, with the sanction of the State Government, cause the same to be removed or altered, making reasonable compensation to the person suffering damage by such removal or alteration.

(2) Any dispute arising out of or concerning such compensation shall be determined according to the law relating to the like disputes in the case of land required for public purposes.

(1) If any mechanically propelled vessel hooks or gets fouled in any of the buoys or moorings laid down by or by the authority of the State Government in any part of inland water, the master of such vessel shall not, nor shall any other person, except in the case of emergency, lift the buoy or mooring for the purpose of unhooking or getting clear from the same without the assistance of the competent officer.

(2) The competent officer immediately on receiving information of such accident, shall assist and superintend clearing of such vessel and the master of the vessel shall, on demand, pay such reasonable expenses as may be incurred in clearing the same.

(3) Any master or other person offending against the provisions of this section shall, for every such offence, be punishable with fine which may extend to one hundred rupees.]

-148[Any certificate granted or any endorsement made under Chapter III may be suspended or cancelled by the Government of the149[State] in which the certificate was granted or, as the case may be, in respect of which the endorsement was made, in the following cases, namely]:-

(a) if, on any investigation made under this Act, the Court reports that the work or abandonment of, or loss or damage to, any vessel, or loss of life, has been caused by the wrongful act or default of the holder of such certificate, or that the holder of such certificate is incompetent, or has been guilty of any gross act of drunkenness, tyranny or other misconduct, or

(b) if the holder of such certificate is proved to have been convicted of any non-bailable offence, or

150[(bb) if the holder of such certificate is proved to have deserted his vessel or has absented himself without leave and without sufficient reason, from his vessel or from his duty;] or

(c) if, in the case of a person holding a certificate of competency or service as second-class master or serang, or as engine-driver, such person is or has become, in the opinion of the149[State Government], unfit to act as a second-class master or serang or as an engine-driver, as the case may be: Provided that a certificate151[or endorsement] shall not be suspended or cancelled under clause (a), unless the149[State Government] is satisfied that the holder of the certificate has, before the commencement of the investigation, been furnished with a copy of the report or statement of the case as required bysection 34-orsection 35-, as the case may be.

Every person whose certificate is suspended or cancelled under this Chapter shall deliver it up to such person as the152[State Government] which suspended or cancelled it may direct.

-153[If a154[State Government] suspends or cancels an endorsement under this Chapter, it] shall report the proceedings, and the fact of suspension or cancellation to the154[State Government] by which, or under authority from which,155[the certificate] was granted.

(1) Any156[State Government] may, at any time, revoke any order of suspension or cancellation which it may have made under this Chapter, or grant, without examination, to any person whose certificate it has so cancelled, a new certificate.

(2) A certificate so granted shall have the same effect as a certificate of competency. granted under this Act after examination.

The158[State Govern- ment] may, by notification in the159[Official Gazette] declare what shall, for the purposes of this Act, be deemed to be dangerous goods,

- (1) No person shall -

(a) take with him on board an inland160[mechanically propelled vessel] any dangerous goods without giving notice of their nature to the owner or master of the160[mechanically propelled vessel], or

(b) deliver or tender for carriage on such160[mechanically propelled vessel] any dangerous goods without giving such notice, and without distinctly marking their nature on the outside of the package containing the goods.

(2) If the owner or master of an inland160[mechanically propelled vessel] suspects, or has reason to believe, that any luggage or parcel taken, delivered, or tendered, for carriage on the160[mechanically propelled vessel] contains dangerous goods, he may -

(i) refuse to carry it upon the160[mechanically propelled vessel], or

(ii) require it to be opened to ascertain the nature of its contents; or

(iii) if it has been received for carriage, stop its transit until he is satisfied as to the nature of its contents.

161[mechanically propelled vessel] to throw overboard dangerous goods- Where any dangerous goods have been taken or delivered on board any inland161[mechanically propelled vessel] in contravention ofsection 50-, the owner or master of the161[mechanically propelled vessel] may, if he thinks fit, cause the goods to be thrown overboard, together with any package or receptacle in which they are contained, and neither the owner nor the master shall, in respect of his having so caused the goods to be thrown overboard, be subject to any liability, civil or criminal, in any Court.

162[mechanically propelled vessels] from accidents-

(1) The163[State Government] may make rules for the protection of inland162[mechanically propelled vessels] against explosion, fire, collision and other accidents.

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may-

(a) prescribe the conditions on and subject to which dangerous goods may be carried on board inland162[mechanically propelled vessels];

(b) prescribe precautions to be taken to prevent explosions or fires on board inland 162[mechanically propelled vessels];

(c) prescribe the apparatus which is to be kept on board inland162 [mechanically propelled vessels], for the purpose of extinguishing fires;

(d) regulate the making of sound signals;

(e) regulate the carriage and exhibition of lights by inland162[mechanically propelled vessels];

(f) regulate the carriage and exhibition of lights by other vessels on specified inland waters on which162[mechanically propelled vessels] ply;

(g) prescribe the steering rules to be observed:

(h) regulate the lowing of vessels astern or alongside;

(i) prescribe the speed at which inland162[mechanically propelled vessels] may be navigated in specified areas; and

(j) regulate the navigation of inlanda [mechanically propelled vessels] to prevent danger to other vessels, or to the banks, channels, navigation marks or any property, movable or immovable, in or abutting on the navigable channels.

(3) Any rule made under this section may contain a provision that any person committing a breach of it shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.

164[mechanically propelled vessels]-

(1) Theb [State Government] may make rules to regulate the carriage of passengers in inland164[mechanically propelled vessels].

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may-

(a) prescribe the cases in which passengers may be refused admission to, or may be required to leave, inland164[mechanically propelled vessels];

(b) provide for the payment of fares, and the exhibition of tickets or receipts (if any) showing the payment of their fares, by passengers in inland164 [mechanically propelled vessels]; and

(c) regulate generally the conduct of passengers in inland164[mechanically propeller vessels].

(3) Any rule made under this section may contain a provision that any person committing a breach of it shall be punishable with fine which may extend to twenty rupees.

(4) The master or any other officer of an inland164[mechanically propelled vessel], and any person called by him to his assistance, may arrest any person who has committed a breach of any rule made under this section, if the name and address of such person are unknown to the master or such other officer.

(5) The procedure prescribed by166[section 43 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973-], in the case of arrest by private persons snail apply to every arrest made under this section.

- (1) The167[State Government] may also make rules for the protection of passengers in inland168[mechanically propelled vessels], and may by such rules require -

(a) the prices of passenger tickets to be printed or otherwise denoted on such tickets; and

(b) the supply, free of charge, of a sufficient quantity of fresh water for the use of such passengers.

(2) Any rule made under this section may contain a provision that any person committing a breach of it shall be punishable with fine which may extend to fifty rupees,

- (1) Theb [State Government] may, by notification in the Official Gazette, after such inquiry as it may consider necessary, in respect of any system of inland waterways, or of any stretch of inland waterway, or of the run between any two stations on an inland waterway,-

(a) fix the maximum or minimum ratec [per kilometre] which may be charged for passenger fares for passengers of any class travelling on inland173 [mechanically propelled vessels];

(b) fix the maximum rate [per kilometre] which may be charged for freight on goods of any description carried in inland173[mechanically propelled vessels];

(c) fix the minimum rate171[per kilometre] which may be charged for freight on goods of any description carried in inland173[mechanically propelled vessels]; and

(d) declare what shall be deemed to be the distance between any two stations on an inland waterway for the purpose of calculating passengers' fares or freight on goods where maximum or minimum rates have been fixed under this section.

(2) The170[State Government] shall not fix any minimum rate under clause (a) or clause (c) of sub-section (1) in respect of any class of passengers or description of goods carried on any system of waterways, or stretch of waterway, or on the run between any two stations on an inland waterway, unless it is satisfied that the rates charged on any

inland173[mechanically propelled vessel] or group of such vessels in respect of such passengers or goods have been reduced to such an extent as to disclose an intention to force any other inland173e [mechanically propelled vessel] or group of such vessels to cease from carrying such passengers or goods.]

172[(3) In case of any dispute relating to the fixation of the maximum or the minimum rate per kilometre which may be charged in respect of any class of passengers or of freight on goods of any description carried in inland mechanically propelled vessel between any stations lying in two States, any one of the States may report the matter to the Central Government who shall decide the same.]

The175[State Government] may make rules providing for the appointment, constitution, procedure and functions of Committees to advise the owners, agents and charterers of inland176[mechanically propelled vessels] on questions affecting the interests of passengers and shippers of goods.]

- The provisions of Chapter VIII ofthe Motor Vehicles Act, 1939-, shall mutatis mutandis apply, in relation to the insurance of mechanically propelled vessels against third party risks as they apply in relation to motor vehicles, subject to the following modifications, namely:-

(a) throughout in Chapter VIII,-

(i) references to "motor vehicle" or "vehicle" shall be construed as references to "mechanically propelled vessel";

(ii) references to "public place" shall be construed as references to "inland water", and such other consequential amendments as the rules of grammar may require shall also be made;

(b) in section 94,-

(i) in sub-section (3), for clause (c), the following clause shall be substituted, namely:-

(B) in the proviso, in clause (i) for sub-clauses (b) and (c), the following sub-clauses shall be substituted, namely :-

"(b) if it is a public service vessel, engaged as a conductor of the vessel or in examining tickets on the vessel, or

(c) if it is a vessel used or adapted for the carriage of goods solely or in addition to passengers (hereinafter referred to as goods service vessel), being carried in the vessel, or";

(ii) in sub-section (2),-

(A) in clause (a), for the words "goods vehicle, a limit of fifty thousand rupees", the words "goods service vessel, a limit of two lakhs and fifty thousand rupees' shall be substituted,

(B) in clause (b),-

(1) in sub-clause (i), for the words "fifty thousand rupees" the words "two lakhs and fifty thousand rupees" shall be substituted:

(2) in sub-clause (ii),-

(a) inparagraph (3), for the words "one lakh", the words "five lakhs" shall be substituted;

(b) in paragraph (4), the words "where the vehicle is a motor cab, and five thousand rupees for each individual passenger in any other case" shall be omitted;

(C) in clause (d), for the words "a limit of rupees two thousand", the words "a limit often thousand rupees" shall be substituted;

(D) insection 96,-

(i) in sub-section (2), in clause (b),-

(A) for sub-clause (i), the following sub-clause shall be substituted, namely :--

"(i) a condition excluding the use of the mechanically propelled vessel -

(a) for hire or reward, where the vessel is on the date of the contract of insurance, a vessel not covered by a certificate of registration, or

(b) for organised racing or speed testing, or

(c) for purpose not allowed by the certificate of registration under which the vessel is used, where the vessel is a public service vessel or a goods service vessel, or";

(B) in sub-clause (ii),-

(1) for the words "not duly licensed", the words and figures "not holding a certificate granted underChapter III-of the Inland Vessels Act, 1917" shall be substituted,

(2) for the words "a driving licence", the words and figures "a certificate granted underChapter III-of the Inland Vessels Act, 1917" shall be substituted;

(ii) in sub-section (2A), after the words "obtained from a Court", the words "in the State of Jammu and Kashmir or" shall be inserted;

(iii) in the proviso to sub-section (2A) and in sub-section (6), after the words "corres-pondii^g law", the words "of the State of Jammu and Kashmir or" shall be inserted;

(e) aftersection 105, the following section shall be inserteri, namely:-

105A. Duty of driver in case of accident and injury to a person.- When any person is injured or any property of third party is damaged as a result of an accident in which an inland mechanically propelled vessel is involved the master or the driver of the vessels or other person in charge of the vessel shall-

(a) take all reasonable steps to secure medical attention for the injured person, and, if

necessary, convey him to the nearest hospital, unless the injured person or his guardian in case he is a minor, desires otherwise;

(b) give on demand by a police officer any information required by him, or, if no police officer is present, report the circumstances of the occurrence at the nearest police station as soon as possible, and in any case within twenty-four hours of the occurrence.";

(f) insection 106,-

(A) in sub-section (2), for the word and figures "section 89", the word, figures and letter "section 105A" shall be substituted;

(B) in sub-section (2A), in the proviso, for the words "transport vehicle", the words "public service vessel or goods service vessel" shall be substituted;

(g) insection 107, for the words "whether by payment of a tax or otherwise for authority to use the vehicle in a public place to produce such evidence as may be prescribed by those rules to the effect that either", the words "for a certificate of survey or a certificate of registration in respect of such vessel to produce such evidence as may be prescribed to the effect that either" shall be substituted;

(h) insection 108,-

(A) for the words "transport vehicle", wherever they occur, the words "public service vessel or goods service vessel" shall be substituted, and such other consequential amendments as the rules of grammar may require shall also be made;

(B) in sub-section (1) in clause (a),-

(1) for the words "twenty-five thousand rupees for the first fifty vehicles", the words

"one lakh rupees for the first fifty mechanically propelled vessels" shall be substituted.

(2) for the words "one hundred and fifty thousand rupees", the words "two lakhs and fifty thousand rupees" shall be substituted;

(i) forsection 110tosection 110B, the following sections shall, respectively, be substituted, namely,-

110. Claims Tribunals. - (1) The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette constitute one or more Inland Vessels Accidents Claims Tribunals (hereinafter referred to as the Claims Tribunals) for such area as may be specified in the notification for the purpose of adjudicating upon claims for compensation in respect of accidents involving the death of, or bodily injury to, persons arising out of the use of mechanically propelled vessels or damage to any property of a third party so arising, or both: Provided that where such claim includes a claim for compensation in respect of damage to property exceeding rupees ten thousand the claimant may, at his option, refer the claim to a civil court for adjudication and where a reference is so made, the Claims Tribunal shall have no jurisdiction to entertain any question relating to such claim.

(2) A Claims Tribunal shall consist of such number of members as the State Government may think fit to appoint and where it consists of two or more members, one of them shall be appointed as the Chairman thereof.

(3) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a member of a Claims Tribunal unless he-

(a) is, or has been, a Judge of a High Court, or

(b) is, or has been, a District Judge, or

(c) is qualified for appointment as a Judge of the High Court.

(4) Where two or more Claims Tribunals are constituted for any area the State Government may, by general or special order, regulate the distribution of business among them.

110A. Application for compensation.-

(1) An application for compensation arising out of an accident of the nature specified in sub-section (1) ofsection 110may be made-

(a) by the person who has sustained the injury, or

(b) where death has resulted from the accident, by all or any of the legal representatives of the deceased, or

(c) by any agent duly authorised by the person injured or all or any of the legal

representatives of the deceased, as the case may be : Provided that where all the legal representatives of the deceased have not joined in any such application for compensation, the application shall be made on behalf of or for the benefit of all the legal representatives of the deceased and the legal representatives who have not so joined, shall be impleaded as respondents to the application.

(2) Every application under sub-section (1) shall be made to be Claims Tribunal having jurisdiction over the area in which the accident occurred, and shall be in such form and shall contain such particulars as may be prescribed.

(3) No application for compensation under this section shall be entertained unless it is made within six months of the occurrence of the accident : Provided that the Claims Tribunal may entertain the application after the expiry of the said period of six months if it is satisfied that the applicant was prevented by sufficient cause from making the application in time.

110AA. Option regarding claim for compensation in certain cases. - Notwithstanding anything contained inthe Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923-, where the death or bodily injury to any person gives rise to a claim for compensation under this Act and also underthe Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923-, the person entitled to compensation may claim such compensation under either of those Acts but not under both.

110B. Award of Claims Tribunal.- On receipt of an application for compensation made undersection 110A, the Claims Tribunal shall, after giving the parties an opportunity of being heard, hold an inquiry into the claim and may make an award determining the amount of compensation which appears to it to be just and specifying the person or persons to whom compensation shall be paid, and in making the award the Claims Tribunal shall specify the amount which shall be paid by the insurer or owner or master or driver of the vessel involved in the accident or by all or any of them, as the case may be";

(j) insection 110C, for the words, figures and lettres "section 195-andChapter XXXV of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898-", the words, figures and letters "section 195-andChapter XXVI of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973-" shall be substituted]".

- (1) If any inland178[mechanically propelled vessel] proceeds on a voyage in contravention ofsection 3-179[orsection 19A-], the owner and the master of the 178[mechanically propelled vessel] shall each be punishable with fine, which may extend to one thousand rupees.

(2) If the master or any other officer on board an inland178[mechanically propelled vessel] which proceeds on a voyage in contravention ofsection 3-179[orsection 19A-] is a licensed pilot, he shall be liable to have his licence as a pilot suspended or cancelled, for any period, by the180[State Government].

a [mechanically propelled vessel]- If the certificate of survey is not kept affixed in an inland181[mechanically propelled vessel] as required bysection 10-182[or if the registration mark is not displayed as required bysection 19H-], the owner and the master of the181[mechanically propelled vessel] shall each be punishable with fine which may extend to one hundred rupees.

- If the owner or master of an inland184[mechanically propelled vessel] without reasonable cause neglects or refuses-

(a) to deliver up a certificate of survey when required undersection 14-so to do; or

(b) to deliver up a certificate of registration when required undersection 19N-so to do; or

(c) to surrender a certificate of registration as required bysection 19-0-, he shall be punishable with fine, which may extend to one hundred rupees.]

If an inland186[mechanically propelled vessel] has on board or in any part thereof a number of passengers which is greater than the number set forth in the certificate of survey as the number of the owner and the master shall each be punishable with fine which may extend to185[one hundred rupees] for every passenger over and above that number.

If an inland cargo set forth in the certificate of survey as the quantity of cargo which the vessel or the part thereof is, in the judgment of the surveyor, fit to carry, the owner and the master shall, each, in punishable with fine which may extend"

(b) in the case of any second or subsequent offence, to one thousand rupees].

(a) proceeds on any voyage in an inland [mechanically propelled vessel] as the master or engineer of such vessel without being at the time entitled to, and possessed of, a engine-driver's licence], as the case may be, as required under this Act, or person without ascertaining that he is at the time entitled to, and possessed of, such certificate188[or licence], he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees.

If any master wilfully fails to give notice, as required bysection 32-, of any wreck, abandonment, damage, casualty or loss, he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, and, in default of payment of such fine, with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months.

If any person, whose certificate is suspended or cancelled under this Act, fails to deliver up the certificate as required bysection 46-, he shall be punishable with fine, which may extend to five hundred rupees.

If any person, in contravention ofsection 50-, takes with him on board any inlandb [mechanically propelled vessel] any dangerous goods, or delivers or tenders any such goods for carriage on any inlanda [mechanically propelled vessel], he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees, and the goods shall be forfeited to Government.

If the master or the driver or other person in charge of the inland mechanically propelled vessel fails to report an accident in which his vessel is involved as required under Chapter VIA, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both, or, if having been previously convicted of an offence under this section, he is again convicted of an offence under this section, with imprisonemnt for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.

If any person uses a mechanically propelled vessel or causes or allows a mechanically propelled vessel to be used without a policy of insurance complying with the requirements of Chapter VIA, he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.

If any person without reasonable cause neglects or refuses to give information as to insurance or to produce the certificate of insurance under the provisions contained in Chapter VIA, he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one hundred rupees.]

a[mechanically propelled vessel] or life or limb- If any person employed or engaged in any capacity on board an inlanda [mechanically propelled vessel], by wilful breach or by neglect of duty, or by reason of drunkenness-

(a) does any act tending immediately to wreck, destroy or materially damage the vessel, or to endanger the life or limb of any person on board or belonging to the vessel, or

(b) refuses or omits to do any lawful act proper and requisite to be done by him for preserving the vessel from immediate wreck, destruction or material damage, or for preserving any such person from immediate danger to life or limb, he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with both.

- If any person employed or engaged in any capacity on board a mechanically propelled vessel commits any of the following offences, he shall be liable to be punished summarily as follows :-

(a) if he deserts from his mechanically propelled vessel he shall be guilty of the offence of desertion and be liable to forfeit all or any of the property he leaves on board of the vessel and of wages he has then earned and also to imprisonment which may extend to three months;

(b) if he neglects or refuses, without reasonable cause, to join his mechanically propelled vessel or to proceed on any voyage in his vessel or is absent without leave at any time within twenty-four hours of the vessel sailing from a port or ghat either at the commencement or during the progress of a voyage or is absent at any time without leave and without sufficient reason from his vessel or from his duty, he shall, if offence does not amount to desertion or is not treated as such by the master, be guilty of the offence of absence without leave and be liable to forfeit out of his wages a sum not exceeding two days' pay and in addition for every twenty-four hours of absence either a sum not exceeding six days' pay or any expenses properly incurred in hiring a substitute and also to imprisonment which may extend to two months.

- If any person employed or engaged in any capacity on board a mechanically propelled vessel commits any of the following offences, he shall be guilty of an offence against discipline and he shall be liable to be punished summarily as follows:-

(a) if he quits the mechanically propelled vessel without leave after her arrival at the port or ghat or port or ghat of delivery, he shall be liable to forfeit out of his wages a sum not exceeding one month's pay;

(b) if he is guilty of wilful disobedience to any lawful command or neglect of duty, he shall be liable to forfeit out of his wages a sum not exceeding two days' pay;

(c) if he is guilty of continued wilful disobedience to lawful command or continued wilful neglect of duty, he shall be liable to imprisonment which may extend to one month and also to forfeit over every twenty-four hours continuance of disobedience or neglect either a sum not exceeding six days' pay or any expenses properly incurred in hiring a substitute;

(d) if he assaults the master or any other officer of the vessel, he shall be liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both;

(e) if he combines with any of the officers to disobey to lawful command or to neglect duty or to impede the navigation of the vessel or retard the progress of the voyage, he shall be liable to imprisonemnt for a term which may extend to three months or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both;

(f) if he wilfully damages his mechanically propelled vessel or commits criminal misappropriation or breach of trust in respect of or wilful damage to any of her stores or cargo, he shall be liable to forfeit out of his wages a sum equal to the loss sustained and also imprisonment which may extend to three months.

- If any offence within the meaning of this Act of desertion or absence without leave or against discipline is committed or if any act of misconduct is committed for which the offender's agreement imposes fine and it is intended to enforce the fine,-

(a) an entry of the offence or acts shall be made in the official log-book and signed by the master and one of the persons employed or engaged in any capacity on board of the mechanically propelled vessel.

(b) the offender shall be furnished with a copy of the entry and have the same read over distinctly and audibly to him and may thereupon make such reply thereto as he thinks fit;

(c) a statement of a copy of the entry having been so furnished and entry having been so read over and the reply, if any, made by the offender shall likewise be entered and signed in the manner aforesaid;

(d) in any subsequent legal proceedings the entries by this section required shall, if practicable, be produced or proved, and, in default of such production or proof, the court hearing the case may in its discretion refuse to receive evidence of the offence or act of misconduct.]

-If any person contravenes any of the provisions of this Act for which no other penalty is provided in this act, he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees.]

a[mechanically propelled vessel]- Where the owner or master of an inlanda[mechanically propelled vessel] is convicted of an offence under is Act or any rule made thereunder committed on board, or in relation to, thata[mechanically propelled vessel], and is sentenced to pay afine, the Magistrate who passes the sentence may direct the amount of the fine to be levied by distress and sale of thea[mechanically propelled vessel] and the tackle, apparel and furniture thereof, or so much thereof as is necessary.

Except in the case of an offence against any rule made undersection 53-, no Magistrate shall try an offence under this Act, or any rule made thereunder, unless he is a Presidency Magistrate,a or a Magistrate whose powers are not less than those of a Magistrate of the first class.

If any person commits an offence against this Act or any rule made theunder, he shall be triable for the offence in any place in which he may be found or which the195[State Government], by notification in the [Official Gazette], appoints in this behalf, or in any other place in which he might be tried under any other enactment for the time being in force.

(1) The197[State Government] may make rules to carry out the purposes of this Act not otherwise specially provided for

(2) Any rule made under this section may contain a provision that any person committing a breach of it shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.

202[mechanically propelled vessels].- The198[State Government] may,199[* * * * *] by notification in the200[Official Gazette], declare that all or any of the provisions of201[Chapters II, IIA and III] shall not apply in the case of any specified class of202[mechanically propelled vessels], or shall apply to them with such modifications as may be specified in the notification.

The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, exempt all or any mechanically propelled vessel belonging to or in the service of Government from payment of any fees payable by or under this Act.]

The204[Central Government] may, by notification in the205[Official Gazette], define how much of any tidal water shall be deemed to be an inland water for the purposes of this Act :206[* * * * * * * * * * *]

All fees payable under this Act may be recovered as fines under this Act.

207[mechanically propelled vessels] to be deemed pilots under section 31 of Act 15 of 1908-

(1) Subject to the provisions ofsection 31-, every master of an inland [mechanically propelled vessel] Who possesses a master's certificate granted under extended, be deemed, for the purposes of that section, to be the pilot of the207[mechanically propelled vessel] of which he is in charge.

Any certificate or licence granted by the Government210[of Bangladesh] in accordance with the provisions of any law for the time being in force in211[that country] corresponding to the provisions ofChapter II-orChapter III-of this Act may, on payment of the fees prescribed for the grant of a similar certificate or licence under this Act, be endorsed by-

(a) the Government of any State in India, or

(b) with the general or special sanction of the Government of such State, by any authority competent to grant a similar certificate or licence under this Act. and upon any such certificate or licence being so endorsed, it shall have effect as if it had been granted under this Act].

* * * * * * *].

- (1) The power to make rules conferred213[on the Central Government or a State Government] by this Act is subject to the condition of the rules being made after previous publication.

(2) All such rules shall, when made, be published in the214[Official Gazette], and shall thereupon have effect as if enacted in this Act.

215[(3) Every rule made by the Central Government under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for atotal period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule].

- (1) If immediately before the day on which this Act comes into force

in217[the territories which, immediately before the 1st November, 1956, were comprised in a Part B State], there is in force in218[those territories] any law which corresponds to this Act, such corresponding law shall, on that day, stand repealed.

(2) Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action taken in the exercise of any powers conferred by such corresponding law shall be deemed to have been done or taken in the exercise of the powers conferred by this Act, and any penalty incurred or proceeding commenced under such corresponding law shall be deemed to be a penalty incurred or proceeding commenced under this Act, as if this Act were in force on the day on which such thing was done, action taken and penalty incurred, or proceeding commenced.]

Footnotes:

[Seesections 6-(a) and19-(d)]Rs. For[mechanically propelled vessels] of less than 100 tons ... ... 25 For steam-vessels of 100 tons and up to 200 tons ... ... 40 For steam-vessels of 200 tons and up to 350 tons ... ... 50 For steam-vessels of 350 tons and up to 700 tons ... ... 60 For steam-vessels of 700 tons and up to 1,000 tons ... ... 80 For steam-vessels of 1,000 tons and up to 1,500 tons ... ... 100 For steam-vessels of 1,500 tons and upwards ... ... 120

.- [Repealed by the Repealing Act, 1927 (XII of 1927),section 2-and Schedule.]