Chapter VIII NAVIGATION SAFETY AND SIGNALS

(1) The specifications and requirements of signals and equipment based on classification and categorisation of mechanically propelled vessels, to be complied with by such vessels shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government. (2) The fog and distress signals to be carried and used, the steering and sailing rules to be complied with and the different protocols for exhibition and display of different standards of lights, shapes and signals, by any mechanically propelled vessel plying in inland waters shall be such, as may be prescribed by the Central Government. (3) The owner or master of every mechanically propelled vessel, while in the inland water limit, shall comply with the rules made under sub-sections (1) and (2), and shall not carry or exhibit any lights or shapes or use any fog or distress signals, other than that required to be exhibited under this Chapter or the rules made thereunder.

(1) Every mechanically propelled vessel shall adopt necessary measures to prevent collision and to ensure safe navigation through inland waters. (2) If any damage to person or property arises in the inland water limit due to non-observance of any of the rules made under this Chapter by any mechanically propelled vessel, the damage shall be deemed to have been occasioned by the wilful default of the person in-charge of such vessel at that time, unless it is shown to the satisfaction of the court that the circumstances of the case demanded deviance from the applicable rules. (f) sailing vessels or sailing boats registered under the enactment hereby repealed shall be deemed to have been registered under the Act; (g) mortgages of any mechanically propelled inland vessels recorded in any register book maintained at any port in India under the enactment hereby repealed shall be deemed to have been recorded in the register book under the corresponding provision of this Act; (h) any licence, certificate of competency or service, certificate of survey, licenses or any other certificate or document issued, made or granted under the enactment hereby repealed and in force at the commencement of this Act shall be deemed to have been issued, made or granted under this Act and shall, unless cancelled under this Act, continue in force until the date shown in the certificate or document, as the case may be. (3) The matters specifically provided in this section, shall not be held to prejudice or affect the general application of section 6 of the General Clauses Act, 1897 (X of 1897).

The master of a mechanically propelled vessel, while in the inland water limit, on finding or encountering a dangerous derelict or any other hazard to navigation in the inland waterways, shall immediately send a signal to indicate the danger or distress, or any such information to other mechanically propelled vessels in the vicinity and to the concerned State Government: Provided that no fees or charges shall be levied on any mechanically propelled vessel, in using any device for communicating any information under this section.

(1) The master of any mechanically propelled vessel, while in the inland water limit, who has received any signal of distress from any vessel or aircraft within the inland water limit, shall proceed immediately to the assistance of the persons in distress by acknowledging the receipt of such signal to the vessel in distress. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the master of a mechanically propelled vessel shall be released from the obligation to render assistance as provided in the said sub-section, if he is unable to do so, or in the special circumstances of the case, considers it unreasonable to act as provided in the said sub-section, or if the requirement for assistance is being complied with by other vessels, or the assistance is no longer required. (3) The master of any mechanically propelled vessel, while in the inland water limit, shall render assistance to every person found in danger of being lost in the inland waters. (4) The master of any mechanically propelled inland vessel may abstain from complying with sub-section (3), if in his judgment, he is unable to or, in the special circumstances of the case, such assistance may not be rendered without serious danger to his vessel, or to the persons on board and, in such event shall inform the respective authorities regarding his inability of such non-compliance.

(1) The Central Government shall, by rules made in this behalf, specify the class or category of mechanically propelled inland vessels to be equipped with navigation aids, life saving appliances, fire detection and extinguishing appliances and communication appliances. (2) The owner, operator or master of all mechanically propelled inland vessels shall comply with the requirements of navigation aids, life saving appliances, fire detection and extinguishing appliances and communication appliances as specified in sub-section (1). (3) The State Government may appoint or authorise such officers as surveyors to inspect and ensure that the mechanically propelled inland vessels comply with the applicable requirements specified in sub-section (1). (4) If the surveyor, on inspection, finds that the mechanically propelled inland vessel is not so provided with life saving and fire appliances in conformity with the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder, he shall issue a notice to the master or owner or operator in writing pointing out the deficiency, and unless the master or owner or operator complies with the said notice and report such compliance to the surveyor, the said vessel shall not proceed to conduct any voyage.