The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has released draft amendments to the Inland Vessel (Design and Construction) Rules, 2024, and is inviting public objections and suggestions. This draft notification was issued on February 25, 2025.
The draft rules, known as the Inland Vessel (Design and Construction) (First Amendment) Rules, 2025, propose several modifications to enhance clarity, safety, and operational efficiency in inland vessel design and construction.
Key Proposed Amendments
Gross Tonnage Clarification
An explanation is added to clarify that Gross Tonnage for vessels above 24 meters will be calculated according to the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969, while vessels less than 24 meters will follow Rule 2 of the Merchant Shipping (Tonnage Measurement of Ships) Rules, 1991.
Definitions
New definitions are introduced for “machinery spaces” and “requirements of classification society” to provide clarity and standardization.
Category ‘A’ Vessel Regulations
Regulations for Category ‘A’ vessels operating in Zone 1 are amended to require design, construction, and maintenance under the survey of a classification society, in addition to surveys by the Designated Authority.
Regulations for Category A vessels operating in zone 2 and 3, and Category B and C vessels allow the owner to decide if they want the vessel to be surveyed by the designated authority, or a classification society.
Classification Society Standards
Several rules are amended to include “or the requirements of classification society” alongside the standards specified in the Schedule, providing flexibility and alignment with industry best practices.
Sill Height Exemption
A proviso is added to rule 18(3), allowing a sill height of not less than 50 mm for vessels below 100 GT operating in Zone 3.
Machinery Noise Reduction
Rule 52(1) is amended to mandate measures to reduce machinery noise in machinery spaces to 90 decibels or less, with provisions for insulation or acoustic protection if noise reduction is not feasible.
Remote Controls
A proviso is added to rule 68(1)(e) allowing indicators in lieu of remote controls for vessels less than 300 GT.
Vehicle Lashing Standards
Rule 97(4) is amended to require crafts to comply with relevant standards for lashing vehicles, as specified in the Schedule and by the Designated Authority.
Public Input Invited
The Ministry encourages all stakeholders to review the draft rules and provide their objections or suggestions by March 27, 2025.
Feedback should be sent to: Director (IWT), Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Room No. 536, Transport Bhawan, 1-Parliament Street, New Delhi-110001. Alternatively, feedback can be sent via email to: dsiwtpsw@gov.in and uttam.mishra27@gov.in.
