Inland Vessels (Manning) Rules, 2022

[07 June 2022]

G.S.R. 422(E).-Whereas draft of the Inland Vessels (Manning) Rules, 2022 was published, as required under sub-section (1) of section 106 of the Inland Vessels Act, 2021 (24 of 2021), vide notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways vide number G.S.R. 142 (E) dated the 22nd February, 2022 in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part-II, Section 3, Sub-section (i) dated the 22nd February, 2022 and modified thereafter vide G.S.R. 316 (E) dated 26th April, 2022 inviting objections and suggestions from all persons likely to be affected thereby before the expiry of the period of thirty days from the date on which copies of the Gazette containing the said notification were made available to public;

And, whereas, copies of the said Gazette notification were made available to the public on 22nd February, 2022;

And, whereas the objections and suggestions received from the public in respect of the said draft rules have been considered by the Central Government.

Now, therefore in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 34, section 35, sub-section (1) of section 36, sub-section (3) of section 37, sub-sections (1) and (4) of section 38, section 39, sub-section (2) of section 41 read with clauses (z) to (zg) of sub-section (2) of section 106 of the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, namely.

Rule - 1. Short title Commencement.

(1)     These rules may be called the Inland Vessels (Manning) Rules, 2022.

(2)     They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

Rule - 2. Definitions.

(1)     In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires-

(a)      "Act" means the Inland Vessels Act 2021(24 of 2021);

(b)      "zone" means any inland water area, as the State Government may, by notification, declare, depending on the following maximum significant wave height criteria, as Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3, for the purpose of these rules -

(i)       Zone 1 means an area where the maximum significant wave height does not exceed 2.0 metres;

(ii)      Zone 2 means an area where the maximum significant wave height does not exceed 1.2 metres; and

(iii)     Zone 3 means an area where the maximum significant wave height does not exceed 0.6 metres.

(c)      "gross tonnage of a vessel (GT)" is the gross tonnage calculated as per the International Tonnage Convention1969; and

(d)      "total power of engines kW" means the total power of propulsion engines.

(2)     Words and expressions used and not defined in these rules but defined in the Act, shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Act.

Rule - 3. Inland vessels.

For the purpose of these rules, inland vessels shall be classified as per the following categories-

(A)     The inland vessels, which fall in Category A, are decked vessels of any of the following types-

(a)      vessels, other than house boats, which are more than 24 metres in length and house boats of more than 30 metres in length;

(b)      vessels which carry more than 50 passengers on board;

(c)      all vessels equipped for tow, having a bollard pull capacity exceeding10 tonnes;

(d)      vessels designed and built to carry petroleum goods, chemicals or liquefied gases bulk as cargo;

(e)      vessels carrying dangerous goods; and

(f)       vessels of 300 gross tonnage and above.

(B)     Category B - Vessels not covered under Category A or Category C.

(C)     Category C - Vessels of less than 10 m in length.

Rule - 4. Minimum manning.

(1)     Every inland vessel shall have minimum manning on-board as specified in subrule (3).

(2)     The minimum manning applicable to each inland vessel, shall be recorded by the Surveyor in the Certificate of Survey, in accordance with the type and size of the vessel, its operating area, engine capacity and such other factors as may be decided by the Central Government, from time to time.

(3)     Every mechanically-propelled inland vessel shall have on board minimum following crew when in operation

(4)     Every non-mechanically propelled inland vessel defined under sub-clause (ii) of clause (y) of section 3 of the Act of less than 15 metres length shall be manned by minimum one General Purpose Rating and every non-mechanically propelled craft of 15 metres or more in length shall be manned by minimum of two General Purpose Ratings.

(5)     Any mechanically propelled inland vessel of total propulsion power not exceeding 425 kW shall be deemed to have complied with the requirements of master and engineer provided that such vessel has, as her master and engineer, a person possessing both certificates of appropriate class.

(6)     The Designated Authority may specify minimum manning of higher order than prescribed in sub-rule (3), if other factors like nature of trade of the vessel, length of voyage necessitate such additional manning, in the interest of safety of life, property, environment and the inland waterways.

Rule - 5. Appointment of examiners and examination centres.

(1)     The Chief Examiner appointed under section 36 of the Act, by the respective State Government shall be responsible for the examination and issue of certificate of competency to the persons desirous of obtaining such certificates of competency.

(2)     The Chief Examiner shall be assisted by suitable number of Examiners appointed by the respective State Government.

(3)     The list of examination centres, norms and standards applicable to such examination centres and the conduct of examinations or assessments shall be specified by the respective State Government by circulars issued from time to time.

(4)     Each examination center shall announce its examination schedule for various grades based on the assessment of local needs, ensuring adequate frequency of the examination so that the candidates do not have to wait for more than 6 months to appear in the examination from the date of application.

(5)     No person shall be appointed as Chief Examiner unless he fulfils the following qualification and experience-

(a)      Possesses a Ministry of Transport Master (Foreign Going) or Marine Engine Operator (MEO) Class I Certificate of Competency issued by Director General of Shipping with minimum 8 years experience as Certificated Officer on ships or State Maritime Boards or Director General of Shipping or Ports; or

(b)      Possesses a Ministry of Transport First Mate (Foreign Going) or Marine Engine Operator (MEO) Class II Certificate of Competency issued by Director General of Shipping with minimum 10 years experience as Certificated Officer on ships or State Maritime Boards or Directorate General of Shipping or Ports; or

(c)      Possesses academic qualification of Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and above along with an Inland Vessel Master Class I or Inland Engineer Certificate with a minimum of 20 years of service onboard in inland vessels as Certificated Officer of which at least 5 years shall be in the capacity of a Master or Chief Engineer.

(d)      Possesses a Master [Near Coastal Voyage Vessel (NCV)] or Marine Engine Operator (MEO) Class III (Near Coastal Voyage Vessel-Chief Engineer Officer) Certificate with a minimum of 20 years of sailing experience of which at least 5 years shall be in the capacity of Master or Chief Engineer.

(e)      Possesses qualifications as in (a), (b), (c) or (d) above and experience as a faculty or examiner in an Institute or Department approved by Competent Authority or Directorate General of Shipping or Mercantile Marine Department.

Explanation.- The tenure of experience as faculty or examiner may be counted towards shipboard or inland vessel experience required under clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) of this sub-rule.

(6)     A Chief Examiner shall discharge the following duties-

(a)      supervise overall conduct of examinations for various grades of Certificate of Competency in the State;

(b)      supervise overall issuance of various grades of certificates of competency; and

(c)      fix the frequency and schedule of examination for various grades of certificate of competency in the State.

(7)     No person shall be appointed as an examiner unless he fulfils the following qualification and experience-

(a)      Possesses a Ministry of Transport Master (Foreign Going) or Marine Engine Operator (MEO) Class I Certificate of Competency issued by Director General of Shipping with minimum 5 years experience as Certificated Officer on ships or State Maritime Boards or Directorate General of Shipping or Ports; or

(b)      Possesses a Ministry of Transport First Mate (Foreign Going) or Marine Engine Operator (MEO) Class II Certificate of Competency issued by Director General of Shipping with minimum 7 years experience as Certificated Officer on ships or State Maritime Boards or Directorate General of Shipping or Ports; or

(c)      Possesses academic qualification Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and above along with an Inland Vessel Master Class I or Inland Engineer Certificate with a minimum of 15 years of service onboard inland vessels as Certificated Officer of which at least 5 years shall be in the capacity of a Master or Chief Engineer; or

(d)      Possesses a Master [Near Coastal Voyage Vessel (NCV)] or Marine Engine Operator (MEO) Class III (Near Coastal Voyage Vessel -Chief Engineer Officer) Certificate with a minimum of 15 years of sailing experience of which at least 5 years shall be in the capacity of Master or Chief Engineer; and

(e)      Possesses qualifications as in (a), (b), (c) or (d) above and experience as a faculty or examiner in an Institute or Department approved by Competent Authority or Directorate General of Shipping or Mercantile Marine Department.

Explanation.- The tenure of experience as faculty or examiner may be counted towards shipboard or inland vessel experience required under clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) of this sub-rule.

(8)     An Examiner shall discharge the following duties, namely.

(a)      supervise and conduct examinations for various grades of Certificate of Competency at an examination centre;

(b)      issuance of various grades of certificates of competency;

(c)      evaluate the persons who have undergone exams and training programmes and to report the list of successful candidates to the Chief Examiner; and

(d)      Assist Chief Examiner in the discharge of his duties and responsibilities.

(9)     For the purposes of this Rule and sub-section (1) of section 37 of the Act, the respective State Governments may evaluate the report provided by examiners to the Chief Examiner.

Rule - 6. Issuance of certificate of competency.

(1)     No candidate shall be granted a Certificate of Competency under these rules unless he secures minimum marks or aggregate marks, as the case may be, which have decided to be the minimum marks required to declare successful candidates.

(2)     The examination for each grade of Certificate of Competency shall comprise of a written and oral examination which shall be based on the syllabus for each grade of examination, as may be decided by the Competent Authority and notified in the form of circulars from time to time.

(3)     Sub-rule (2) shall not apply to issuance of Certificate of Service issued under these rules.

(4)     A Certificate of Competency may be issued for the following grades, namely.

(a)      Deck Department-

(i)       Master Class 1 Certificate;

(ii)      Master Class 2;

(iii)     Master Class 3 or Serang Certificate.

(b)      Engine Department-

(i)       Inland Engineer Certificate;

(ii)      Engine Driver Class 1;

(iii)     Engine Driver Class 2 Certificate.

Rule - 7. Master and Deck Department.

(1)     Examination for the grant of Certificate of Competency as inland vessel Master Class 1, Master Class 2 and Master Class 3 or Serang shall be held by the examiner at the places of examination in the respective State Government on such dates as may be published by the examination centre.

(2)     Every application for examination shall be filled and submitted in Form No. 3 appended to these rules together with copies of documents stated therein and such application along with the supporting documents required for ascertaining eligibility of the candidate as per the provisions of rule 9, rule 10, rule 11, rule 13, rule 14 and rule 15 shall be submitted at the examination centre as per the scheduled date as may be declared by the respective examination centres or the Designated Authority, as the case may be.

(3)     The general responsibilities and authority of Master of a vessel are indicated in the schedule to these rules.

Rule - 8. Minimum requirements for certification of Master Class 1 of an inland vessel.

(1)     Every candidate for certification as Master Class 1 shall-

(a)      hold a valid Certificate of Competency as Master Class 2 of an inland vessel issued under these rules;

(b)      have a minimum onboard service of 3 years after 2nd Class Master, out of which one year as 2nd Class Master (in-charge of the vessel) of inland vessels for minimum 12 months in vessels not less than 500 GT;

(c)      produce a medical certificate as to his physical fitness in Form No. 1 appended to these rules from an Inland Waterways Authority of India or Designated Authority empanelled MBBS medical practitioner or medical officer of district government health centre or municipality approved doctor;

(d)      have successfully attended approved Preparatory Course for Master Class 1, which shall be an approved course by the competent authority and the minimum course duration, contents and structure of the Preparatory Course for Master Class 1 shall be as per the training programmes approved by the competent authority and notified form of guidelines or circulars, from time to time;

(e)      have completed the four basic safety courses for inland vessels approved by competent authority, namely.

(i)       Elementary First Aid (EFA);

(ii)      Proficiency in survival techniques (PST);

(iii)     Personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR);

(iv)    Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF); and

(v)      Security Training For Seafarers With Designated Security Duties (STSDSD).

(2)     Notwithstanding anything contained in this rule, the State Government may stipulate requirements, other than those specified in sub-rule (1) above, as mandatory for any particular area of inland water, which requires compliance with the said requirements to ensure safe navigation or operation of inland vessel.

Rule - 9. Minimum requirements for certification of Master Class 2 of an inland vessel.

(1)     Every candidate for certification as Master Class 2 shall-

(a)      be in possession of valid Master Class 3 or Serang Certificate of Competency issued under these rules;

(b)      have a minimum service of 36 Months out of which 12 Months shall be as Serang;

(c)      shall produce a medical certificate as to his physical fitness in Form No. 1 appended to these rules from an Inland Waterways Authority of India or Designated Authority empanelled MBBS medical practitioner or medical officer of district government health centre or municipality approved doctor;

(d)      have successfully attended approved Preparatory Course for Master Class 2, which shall be an approved course by the competent authority and the minimum course duration, contents and structure of the Preparatory Course for Master Class 2 shall be as per the training programmes approved by the competent authority, and notified in the form of guidelines or circulars, from time to time; and

(e)      have completed the four basic safety courses for inland vessels approved by competent authority namely:

(i)       Elementary First Aid (EFA);

(ii)      Proficiency in survival techniques (PST);

(iii)     Personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR);

(iv)    Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF); and

(v)      Security Training For Seafarers With Designated Security Duties (STSDSD).

(2)     Notwithstanding anything contained in this rule, the State Government may stipulate requirements, other than those specified in sub-rule (1) above, as mandatory for any particular area of inland water, which requires compliance with the said requirements to ensure safe navigation or operation of inland vessel.

Rule - 10. Minimum requirements for certification of Master Class 3 or Serang of an inland vessel.

(1)     Every candidate for certification as Master Class 3 or Serang shall be;

(a)      A Citizen of India;

(b)      Not less than twenty one years of age;

(c)      Medically fit and produce a medical certificate as to his physical fitness in Form No. 1 appended to these rules from an Inland Waterways Authority of India or Designated Authority empanelled MBBS medical practitioner or medical officer of district government health centre or municipality approved doctor;

(d)      have successfully attended approved Preparatory Course for Master Class 3 or Serang, which shall be an approved course by the competent authority and the minimum course duration, contents and structure of the Preparatory Course for Master Class 3 or Serang shall be as per the training programmes approved by the competent authority and notified in the form of guidelines or circulars, from time to time, shall have minimum service of 36 Months on inland vessels; and

(e)      have completed the four basic safety courses for inland vessels approved by competent authority namely.

(i)       Elementary First Aid (EFA);

(ii)      Proficiency in survival techniques (PST);

(iii)     Personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR);

(iv)    Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF); and

(v)      Security Training For Seafarers With Designated Security Duties (STSDSD).

(2)     Notwithstanding anything contained in this rule, the State Government may stipulate requirements, other than those specified in sub-rule (1) above, as mandatory for any particular area of inland water, which requires compliance with the said requirements to ensure safe navigation or operation of inland vessel.

(3)     Existing Serangs serving on Inland Vessels shall be allowed to serve as Serangs and given maximum 2 years of time to undergo new training program.

Rule - 11. Minimum requirements for certification of Master Class 3 or Serang of an inland vessel for existing Lascars or Deck Hands prior to enactment of these rules.

(1)     For the purposes of certification of Lascars or Deck Hands, who have started services in inland vessels before the enactment of these rules, the following conditions shall apply-

(a)      shall be 8th class pass from a board recognized by the Central or State Government;

(b)      be able to read and write in Hindi or English or Regional Language of the State;

(c)      meeting any one of the following minimum service criteria

(i)       four years of service on Inland vessels or sea going vessels of not less than 500 GT; or

(ii)      five years on vessels of not less than 24 metres in length; or

(iii)     six years on vessel not less than 15 metres in length; or

(iv)    such candidates who have served on the vessels of Defence, Police, Provincial Armed Constabulary or other Paramilitary forces for 5 years or more; and

(d)      performed at least one year of service which shall be as helmsman or an Assistant Master (Deck) or Seacunny.

(2)     Notwithstanding anything contained in this rule, the State Government may stipulate requirements, other than those specified in sub-rule (1) above, as mandatory for any particular area of inland water, which requires compliance with the said requirements to ensure safe navigation or operation of inland vessel.

Rule - 12. Minimum requirements for certification of Master Class 3 or Serang of an inland vessel for new entrants through rating route.

(1)     For the purposes of certification of new entrants through rating route, including existing Lascars or Deck Hands or General Purpose Rating they shall meet the following requirements-

(i)       passed 10th class examination from board recognised by the Central or State Government;

(ii)      successfully completed General Purpose Rating Course at National Inland Navigation Institute, Patna or similar training establishment approved by the State; and

(iii)     have minimum three years of services on Inland vessels or sea going vessels out of which one year of the service shall be as Helmsman or as Seacunny.

(2)     Notwithstanding anything contained in this rule, the State Government may stipulate requirements, other than those specified in sub-rule (1) above, as mandatory for any particular area of inland water, which requires compliance with the said requirements to ensure safe navigation or operation of inland vessel.

Rule - 13. Minimum requirements for certification of Master Class 3 or Serang of an inland vessel for new entrants through cadet training route.

(1)     For the purposes of certification of new entrants through cadet training route, they shall meet the following requirements-

(a)      candidates who have passed class 12th class examination from board recognised by the Central or the State Government;

(b)      successfully completed Inland Vessel Cadets Training from any training institute approved by the State Government, which conducts training programmes approved by the Competent Authority; and

(c)      shall have two years of services on Inland vessels or sea going vessels provided the total service has been performed as Inland Vessel cadet apprentice with onboard vessel Structured Training Program verified in record book and approved or conducted by the State Government, which conducts the requisite training programmes approved by the Competent Authority and should have performed at least six months watch keeping service under qualified Master Class 1 or Class 2 or Class 3 Serang on board the vessel plying in the port or Inland vessels of the State.

(2)     Notwithstanding anything contained in this rule, the State Government may stipulate requirements, other than those specified in sub-rule (1) above, as mandatory for any particular area of inland water, which requires compliance with the said requirements to ensure safe navigation or operation of inland vessel.

(3)     A certificate of service shall be issued in Form No. 2 appended to these rules shall have the same effect as a certificate of competency granted under these rules.

Rule - 14. Engineering department.

(1)     Examination for the grant of certificate of competency as Inland Engineer Certificate, Engine Driver Class 1 Certificate, Engine Driver Class 2 shall be held by the examiner at the places of examination in the respective State Governments, on such dates as may be published by the examination centre.

(2)     Every application for examination shall be filled and submitted in Form No. 3 appended to these rules together with copies of documents stated therein and such application along with the supporting documents required for ascertaining eligibility of the candidate, shall be submitted at the examination centre before the scheduled date as may be declared by the respective examination centres or the designated authority.

Rule - 15. Minimum requirements for certification of Engineer of an Inland vessel.

(1)     Every candidate for certification as Inland Vessel Engineer shall be

(a)      in possession of Engine Driver Class 1 Competency Service issued under the Act along with academic qualification or Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and above;

(b)      there shall be minimum onboard service of 3 years on vessels having propulsion power more than 750 kW, after 1st Class Engine Driver competency out of which one year as 1st Class Engine Driver (Engine room incharge) of Inland Vessels;

(c)      shall produce a medical certificate as to his physical fitness in Form No. 1 appended to these rules from an Inland Waterways Authority of India or Designated Authority empanelled MBBS medical practitioner or medical officer of district government health centre or municipality approved doctor;

(d)      shall have successfully attended approved Preparatory Course for Inland Vessel Engineer, which shall be an approved course by the Competent Authority; and

(e)      have completed the four basic safety courses for inland vessels approved by the Competent Authority namely.

(i)       Elementary First Aid (EFA);

(ii)      Proficiency in survival techniques (PST);

(iii)     Personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR);

(iv)    Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF); and

(v)      Security Training For Seafarers With Designated Security Duties (STSDSD).

(2)     For the purpose of this rule, the minimum course duration, contents and structure of the Preparatory Course for Inland Vessel Engineer shall be notified by the Competent Authority in the form of guideline or circulars, from time to time.

Rule - 16. Minimum requirements for certification of Engine Driver Class 1 of an inland vessel.

(1)     Every candidate for certification as Engine Driver Class 1 shall-

(a)      be in possession of valid 2nd Class Engine Driver, Certificate of Competency issued under the Act;

(b)      minimum service of 36 Months out of which 12 Months shall be as 2nd Class Engine Driver;

(c)      Produce a medical certificate as to his physical fitness in Form No. 1appended to these rules from an Inland Waterways Authority of India or Designated Authority empanelled MBBS medical practitioner or medical officer of district government health centre or municipality approved doctor;

(d)      have successfully attended approved Preparatory Course for Engine Driver Class1, which shall be an approved course by the Competent Authority; and

(e)      have completed the four basic safety courses for inland vessels approved by Inland Waterways Authority of India or Director General Shipping or State Government namely.

(i)       Elementary First Aid (EFA);

(ii)      Proficiency in survival techniques (PST);

(iii)     Personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR);

(iv)    Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF); and

(v)      Security Training For Seafarers With Designated Security Duties (STSDSD).

(2)     For the purpose of this rule, the minimum course duration, contents and structure of the Preparatory Course for Engine Driver Class 1 shall be such as may be specified by the Competent Authority in the form of guideline or circulars, from time to time.

Rule - 17. Minimum requirements for certification of Engine Driver Class 2 of an inland vessel.

(a)      age should not be less than 21 years;

(b)      shall have completed preparatory course of 1 month duration and possess a valid Course Completion Certificate;

(c)      produce a medical certificate as to his physical fitness in Form No. 1 appended to these rules from an Inland Waterways Authority of India or Designated Authority empanelled MBBS medical practitioner or medical officer of district government health centre or municipality approved doctor;

(d)      shall have minimum service of 36 Months on Inland Vessels;

(e)      existing Engine Driver Class 2 serving on Inland Vessels shall be allowed to serve as Engine Driver Class 2 and given maximum of 2 years time to undergo new training program.

Rule - 18. Certificate of Service.

(1)     A candidate who has served as a master or as an engineer of a vessel of the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy or Indian Army for a period of 5 years may be granted a certificate of service as a Master Class 1, Master Class 2, Master Class 3 or Serang, Inland Engineer, Engine Driver Class 1 or Engine Driver Class 2 depending on the size of vessel served and on successful completion of relevant preparatory course including the four basic safety courses from any institute recognised by the Competent Authority.

(2)     Candidates who are found to have complied with sub-rule (1) above, shall be exempted from written examination, but shall be required to qualify the oral examination:

Provided that relevant certificates of competence issued by the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy or Indian Army submitted by the applicant, shall be verified by the Designated Authority.

Rule - 19. Minimum requirements to join as General Purpose Rating of an inland vessel.

(1)     Every candidate for certification as General Purpose Rating shall-

(a)      be a citizen of India;

(b)      not be less than 18 years of age; and

(c)      have passed minimum 8th class for existing Deck or Engine Hands of inland vessel and passed minimum 10th for new entrants;

(d)      produce a medical certificate as to his physical fitness in Form No. 1 appended to these rules from an Inland Waterways Authority of India or Designated Authority empanelled MBBS medical practitioner or medical officer of district government health centre or municipality approved doctor.

(e)      If new entrant, shall have completed approved induction training for General Purpose Ratings at any institute conducting the respective training courses, which has been approved by the Competent Authority;

(f)       If Existing Deck or Engine Hand shall have completed minimum 2 years as assistant Deck or Engine Hand on an Inland Vessel and have obtained a Certificate of Proficiency from a Master Class 1 or Class 2 or Class 3 for Deck Hand or from Engineer or Engine Driver Class 1 or Class 2 for Engine Hand under whom he has completed last six months of training as assistant deck or engine hand.

Provided that, the existing Deck or Engine Hands shall be required to undergo an approved conversion course to General Purpose Rating and such Conversion Course shall be approved course by the Competent Authority.

(g)      have completed the four basic safety courses for inland vessels approved by Inland Waterways Authority of India or Director General Shipping or State Government namely.

(a)      Elementary First Aid (EFA);

(b)      Proficiency in survival techniques (PST);

(c)      Personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR);

(d)      Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF); and

(e)      Security Training For Seafarers with Designated Security Duties (STSDSD).

(2)     For the purpose of this rule, the minimum course duration, contents and structure of the conversion course to General Purpose Rating shall be as may be notified by the Competent Authority in the form of guideline or circulars, from time to time.

(3)     Existing Ratings or Lascars serving on Inland Vessels shall be allowed to serve as Ratings or Lascars and given minimum 2 years of time to undergo new training program.

Rule - 20. Reporting to Competent Authority.

The State Government shall report and update the Competent Authority with the information on data and details of certificates issued, granted, cancelled or suspended or such other remarks, made by the respective authority at regular intervals of not more than thirty days.

SCHEDULE 1

MASTERS RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITY

[see rule 7 (3)]

The Master has overall responsibility on board the vessel. Assistance from the Company shall be given as advice only, leaving the final decision and responsibility with the Master.

He shall be responsible for proper ship safety and maintenance of the vessel including assigning tasks to all persons on board including-

(1)     watch keeping;

(2)     maintenance planning and follow-up;

(3)     emergency measures and drills;

(4)     cargo operations; and

(5)     all tasks relevant to safe ship operation.

The Master shall ensure that all emergency procedures are defined and maintained through planning, training and drills in view to minimize the consequences if accidents or incidents should occur, including anti-pollution and safety measures, in the best interest of crew, vessel and environment.

Master shall ensure that all lifesaving and safety equipments are kept in a proper order according to regulations at all times.

The Master shall be responsible to report to the Company about all the defects and other matters which could affect the safe operation of the ship or could present a risk of pollution and which require the assistance of the Company to ensure that they are rectified and implemented on board of all vessels concerned.

The Master is responsible for the vessel in accordance with rules and regulations issued by-

National authorities;

State Governments or Maritime Boards; and Classification societies.

and has full Authority to take the proper decision according to the circumstances.

The Master is responsible for the safe navigation at all times, crew relation, catering and welfare, good discipline, evaluation of crew performance training, familiarisation and working morale.

The Master is responsible for all necessary reporting and liaisons on board. He represents the Company, the owners as well as the charterers, and is the reporting line to the Company, owners, charterers, and any third party, if required.

The Master is responsible for accounting of the vessel, chest, provisions, control of purchasing, and if necessary to report any discrepancy.

One of his main functions is to keep himself professionally up to date, to provide his experience to the ships staff in a way to increase experience and professional updating.

The Master is responsible for the feedback line of data from the ship to the company or any third party, as may be required.

The Master is responsible for the seaworthiness, navigation, cargo and maintenance of his vessel, according to all mandatory regulations. He is responsible to identify all defects, to report them to the Company, to the Classification Society, to any third party if relevant, and, if this is not possible, to handle them directly on board. The Master shall assist the shore based management with information.

The Master is responsible for all reporting obligations on board.

FORM No. 1

Medical Certificate for appearing in Certificate of Competency

[see rules 8 (1) (c), 9 (1) (c), 10(1) (c), 15(1) (c), 16 (1) (c), 17 (c) and 19 (1) (d)]

To be filled in by Inland Waterways Authority of India empanelled MBBS medical practitioner or medical officer of district government health centre or municipality approved doctor.

1.        Name of applicant:

2.        Type of ID and Number

3.        Identification Marks

4.        (a) Does the applicant to the best of your Judgment suffer from any defect of vision? Yes/No If so, has it been corrected by suitable spectacle? Yes/No

(b) Can the applicant to the best of your judgment readily distinguish the pigmentary colours, red and green? Yes/No

(c) In your opinion is he able to distinguish with his eyesight At a distance of 25 meters in good day light?Yes/No

(d) In your opinion does the applicant suffer from a degree of Deafness which would prevent his hearing, the ordinary sound signals? Yes/No

(e) In the opinion does the applicant suffer from night blindness? Or deformity or lose of number which would interfere with

The efficient performance of his duties as a driver? Yes/No

If so, give your reasons in details:

I certify that I have personally examined the applicant.....................I also certify that while examining the applicant I have directed special attention to the distant vision and hearing ability the condition of the arms, legs, heads, hand joints of both extremities of the candidate and to the best of my judgment he is medically fit/not fit to hold a driving licence.

The applicant is not medically fit to hold a licence for the following reasons.

Signature

1.        Name and designation of the Medical Officer/Practitioner (Seal)

2.        Registration Number of Medical Officer

Date: Signature or thumb impression of the Candidate.

Note: The Medical Officer shall affix his signature over the Photograph affixed in such a manner that part of his signature is upon the photograph and part on the certificate.

FORM No. 2

Certificate of Service

[see rule 13 (1)]

No:

Name:

Son/wife/daughter of:

Permanent Address:

Present Address:

Date of Birth:

Height:

Marks of identification

PHOTO

Signature or Left Thumb Impression

Based on assessment of your service record in Army / Navy/ Coast Guard, your medical fitness certificate and the preparatory course for__________________________ together with the 4 basic safety course certificates, you have been found duly qualified to fulfil the duties of a__________________________(Master/Serang/Engineer/First class Engine Driver/Second class Engine Driver) on an Inland mechanically propelled Vessel (limitations, if any), I do hereby under the provisions of the rules issued under Inland Vessels Rules, 2022 grant you the certificate of competency as a___________(First class Master/Second class Master/Serang/Engineer/First class Engine Driver/Second class Engine Driver/ Lascar) on an inland mechanically propelled vessel (limitations, if any).

Date.....................

Place.....................

Name and signature of Chief Examiner

FORM No. 3

Application Form for appearing in Certificate of Competency

[see rule 7 (2) and 14 (2)]

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY TO ACT AS ENGINEER/ ENGINE DRIVER/ SERANG/ MASTER OF AN INLAND VESSEL.

Note.The applicant shall submit this form duly filled in along with the necessary certificates to the examination centre for permission to appear in the examination.

PART-A

Personal particulars

(1)     Name in full.

(2)     Surname.

(3)     Nationality.

(4)     Permanent Address.

(5)     Date of birth.

(6)     Place of birth.

PART-B

Particulars of all previous certificates (if any)

(1)     Number.

(2)     Competency of service.

(3)     Grade.

(4)     Where issued.

(5)     Date of issue.

(6)     Is the certificate at any time suspended or cancelled by court or authority (if yes, provide details)

...............................................................

...............................................................

PART-C

Certificate now required

(1)     Grade.

(2)     Competency.

PART-D

HAVE YOU A PPEARED FOR THIS EXAMINATION EARLIER? Yes/No.

If yes, mention year & month.

PART-E

Declaration to be made by applicant:

Note: Any person who makes, procures to be made or assists in making any false representation for the purpose of obtaining for himself, or any other person, a certificate either of competency or service, is for each offence liable to be punished for cheating under section 420 of the Indian Penal Code and also for knowingly giving false information to the public servant under section 182 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

DECLARATION

I do hereby declare that the particulars contained in Part A, B, C, D and E of this form are correct and true to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that the papers enumerated in Part-G and sent with this form are true and genuine documents, given and signed by the persons whose names appear on them, I further declare that the statement in Part-G contains true and correct account of the whole of my services without exception.

Date.....................

Signature of the Applicant

Present Address..........................................

..........................................

PART-F

CERTIFICATE OF THE EXAMINER

The declaration under Part-E above was signed in my presence and the fee of Rs.....................received.

Date: Examiner

PART-G

LIST OF TESTIMONIALS AND STATEMENT OF SERVICE ON RIVERS OR SHORE OR SEA

1.        If served on board vessel.

(i)       No. of testimonials or certificates(if any).

(ii)      Name of vessel where employed.

(iii)     Horse power of the engine on which worked.

(iv)    Port of registry and official no. of the vessel.

2.        Service particulars of the Applicant:

(i)       Capacity.

(ii)      Date of appointment

(iii)     Date of termination or leaving

(iv)    State, if continuing

(v)      Total period served

(a)      Years:

(b)      Months:

(c)      Days:

(vi)    Total service

(vii)   Total service on shore or river:

(viii)  Period served for which certificates are now produced.

(ix)    Period served for which no certificates are produced.

PART-H

CERTIFICATEOFTHEEXAMINER

Note. The examiner should fill up Part-H and I and forward this form to the Chief Examiner along with the testimonials and other certificates.

1.        Date and place of examination

2.        Insert passed or failed against each item below:

(i)       In written examination:

(ii)      In the viva examination:

3.        Rank for which passed:

PART-I

PERSONAL DESCRIPTION OF APPLICANT

1.        Height: Meters Centimeters

2.        Complexion:

3.        Personal marks or peculiarities, if any,

4.        Colour of

(a)      Hair.

(b)      Eyes.

I hereby certify that the particulars contained in Part-H and Part-I are correct.

Date.....................

Place.....................