Implementation of Inland Vessels Act 2021 needed for regulating water transportation & watersports

GUEST COULMN

Vipul Dhasmana

In February 2026, two motorboats collided on the Alaknanda river near the Dhari Devi temple situated in Srinagar area of Pauri district causing one boat to partially mount on to the other boat. Both the boats were driven by their operators at high speed without any coordination. During the collision, one boat was seen spinning out of control while an operator jumped into the water to escape. There was no casualty or injury. Luckily, passengers were not onboard at the time of the inland vessels accident. A video of the collision has gone viral on social media and the incident caused panic among spectators, highlighting the need for better regulation of boating activities in the area. Preliminary reports suggest high-speed, lack of coordination and strong river currents caused this mishap and the boating activity did not adhere to the strict safety protocols drafted by the local authorities. Local boats and rescuers intervened quickly, preventing a major tragedy and the licensing authority is reviewing safety standards in order to increase monitoring of boat operations. In another incident, a 28-year-old man from Dehradun, died in April 2025 during a river rafting trip in Rishikesh which took place in the Muni Ki Reti area after the inflatable raft got entangled in a strong current near the Garud Chatti bridge, throwing the man into the Ganga. He could not be saved despite rescue efforts.

As a matter of fact the local authorities were not aware of the Inland Vessels Act 2021 and its rules which have already come into force, to be followed pan India in any inland waters, by the operators of powered and non-powered inland vessels i.e. boats, barges, inflatable rafts etc.

What is the Inland Vessels Act 2021?

The Inland Vessels Act 2021 is an Act to promote economical and safe transportation and trade through inland waters, to bring uniformity in application of law relating to inland waterways and navigation within the country, to provide for safety of navigation, protection of life and cargo, and prevention of pollution that may be caused by the use or navigation of inland vessels, to ensure transparency and accountability of administration of inland water transportation, to strengthen procedures governing the inland vessels, their construction, survey, registration, manning, navigation and such other matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. IV Act 2021 applies to ‘inland vessels’ which includes any ‘mechanically propelled inland vessel’ or ‘non-mechanically propelled inland vessel’ which is registered and plying in inland waters i.e. rivers, dams, lakes, canals, and other navigable water within the territory of India.

Vessel includes every description of water craft used or capable of being used in inland waters, including any ship, boat, sailing vessel, tug, barge or other description of vessel including non-displacement craft, amphibious craft, wing-in ground craft, ferry, roll on-roll-off vessel, container vessel, tanker vessel, gas carrier or floating unit or dumb vessel used for transportation, storage or accommodation within or through inland waters.

Administrative role of State government

As per the IV Act 2021, the State government may, by notification, appoint one or more designated authorities within their respective jurisdiction for the purposes of exercising or discharging the powers, authority or duties conferred, by or under this Act and the rules made thereunder. The State government shall have the power to make rules and shall exercise the powers conferred on it, as provided by or under this Act. The Inland Waterways Authority of India shall be the competent authority for the purpose of exercising or discharging the powers, authority or duties conferred, by or under this Act.

Power of State government to make rules

The State government may, after previous publication, make rules for the provisions specified to be administered by it under this Act or as delegated to it by the Central Government for the purposes of effective implementation of the provisions of this Act. In order to implement the IV Act 2021 effectively, the Government of Uttarakhand must appoint qualified persons as registrar of inland vessels to grant certificate of registration, designated authority to grant certificate of survey and inland vessels surveyors to grant declaration of survey to the owners of inland vessels for plying of propelled, non-propelled and special category vessels. The navigable inland waters of Uttarakhand comprise rivers and dam reservoirs spread over Garhwal and Kumaon, hence, headquarters of an Inland Waterways Transport Department must be established at Dehradun with its offices in Garhwal and Kumaon for smooth functioning.

Office of Registrar of Inland Vessels

Vessel registration is the process of officially recording a vessel with the relevant maritime board or IWT department or equivalent authority. When a vessel is registered, it is assigned a “flag” of the country, which means the vessel is considered a part of that nation for legal and operational purposes. Registration is a formal process that includes submitting required documentation, ensuring the vessel meets safety and environmental standards, and paying necessary fees. Registration establishes the vessel’s identity and nationality, which is crucial for trade, maritime law, and insurance. It ensures compliance with the country’s laws, including safety standards, environmental regulations and labour laws in addition to providing certain protection to the vessel owner, such as the ability to claim in case of disputes or issues.

Office of the designated authority & survey

The designated authority shall facilitate survey and certification of all inland vessels after the surveyor submits a declaration of survey for a vessel. It ensures that the crew is well trained and certified to man the inland vessels. A vessel survey is a thorough inspection and assessment process carried out on a vessel or boat to evaluate its physical condition, operational performance, equipment and compliance with safety and legal standards. This process is performed by qualified marine surveyors or classification societies and includes examination of the vessel’s structure, machinery, safety gear, navigation systems, and, if applicable, cargo. The survey ensures vessel safety, seaworthiness and fitness for operation. It confirms compliance with international conventions and regulations, such as SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea). Survey also helps in planning for repairs, insurance, buying or selling and keeping the vessel “in class” with regulatory authorities.

The crew of a vessel consists of a team of skilled professionals responsible for the safe, efficient and smooth operation of the vessel, management of its cargo and welfare of passengers and crew members. As each member’s contribution is vital to the vessel’s safe operation, regulatory compliance and efficient performance at river, lake, etc. the Government of Uttarakhand must initiate organising its resources in smooth functioning of safe water transportation and water sports in order to boost up trade as well as adventure activities in the State by passing the benefits to the inland vessels operators hence introducing direct and indirect employment opportunities to the entrepreneurs especially the youth. The Inland Waterways Authority of India’s ‘One Nation One System’ objective is being achieved by initiating centralised vessel and crew registration. Everything you need for inland vessels registration, survey and certification is now online along with a simplified process for crew certification and licensing. The authority under the guidance of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has launched ‘Jalyan and Navic’ online platform to streamline the entire process through its exclusive portal along with an helpline desk for hand holding and solving any difficulty which could be faced by user during the entire process upto registration of an inland vessels.

(The author is a certified marine consultant and surveyor who has also served Andaman and Nicobar administration as inland vessels chief surveyor; views are personal)