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The Marine Aids To Navigation Bill, 2021

SECTION Section 1

Untitled Section

(i)
Bill No. 60 of 2021
THE MARINE AIDS TO NAVIGATION BILL, 2021
——————
ARRANGEMENT OF CLAUSES
——————
SECTION Section 10

Untitled Section

5.Duties of Director General.
SECTION Section 100

Untitled Section

CHAPTER IX
M
ARKING OF WRECKS
SECTION Section 101

Untitled Section

21.The Central Government may, if considers necessary, give directions to any officer
referred to in sub-section ( 1) of section 4 to mark any wreck in such manner as may be
prescribed.
Management
of local aids
to navigation
by Central
Government.
Power of
Central
Government
to remove or
alter
obstructions
to aids to
navigation .
Power of
Central
Government to
train and
certify
operators of
aids to
navigation and
vessel traffic
services.
Certification .
Accreditation
of training
organisations .
Marking of
wrecks.
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SECTION Section 102

Untitled Section

22.The cost for marking the wreck shall be borne by or recovered from the owner or
the operator of such vessel in such manner as may be prescribed.
SECTION Section 103

Untitled Section

CHAPTER X
DEVELOPMENT OF HERITAGE LIGHTHOUSES
SECTION Section 104

Untitled Section

23.(1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, designate
any aid to navigation under its control as a heritage lighthouse.
(2)The Central Government shall develop the heritage lighthouses designated under
sub-section (1), in addition to their function as aids to navigation or otherwise, for educational,
cultural and tourism purposes, in such manner as may be prescribed.
SECTION Section 105

Untitled Section

CHAPTER XI
MARINE AIDS TO NA VIGATION DUES
SECTION Section 106

Untitled Section

24.(1) There shall be levied and collected the marine aids to navigation dues, at such
rates, as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify from time
to time.
(2)The marine aids to navigation dues levied under sub-section (1) shall be collected
by the proper officer in respect of every ship arriving at or departing from any port in India,
from such person, in such manner and at such time, as may be prescribed.
(3)The proceeds of the marine aids to navigation dues collected shall be credited to
the Consolidated Fund of India in such manner as may be prescribed.
(4)Every owner causing any ship to arrive at or depart from any port in India shall,
self-assessing its liability to pay dues, file a return before the proper officer in such form and
manner, as may be prescribed.
SECTION Section 107

Untitled Section

25.The marine aids to navigation dues levied under this Act shall be utilised for
fulfilling the obligations and carrying out the purposes of this Act.
SECTION Section 108

Untitled Section

26.(1) The owner shall credit the marine aids to navigation dues into the account of
the Central Government in such manner as may be prescribed.
(2)The payment of marine aids to navigation dues shall be verified by the proper
officer in respect of––
(a)the port at which the marine aids to navigation dues has been paid;
(b)the amount of the payment;
(c)the date on which the marine aids to navigation dues became payable; and
(d)the name, tonnage and other proper description of the ship in respect of
which the payment is made,
for the purpose of granting clearance.
SECTION Section 109

Untitled Section

27.(1) The proper officer to whom the return has been furnished under sub-section (4)
of section 24 shall, after making or causing to be made such inquiry as he thinks fit and after
satisfying himself that the particulars stated in the return are correct, by order, assess the
amount of marine aids to navigation dues payable by the owner or the master of the ship.
(2)If the return has not been furnished to the proper officer under sub-section (4) of
SECTION Section 11

Untitled Section

6.Central Advisory Committee.
SECTION Section 110

Untitled Section

section 24, he shall, after making or causing to be made such inquiry as he thinks fit, by order,
assess the amount of marine aids to navigation dues payable by the owner or the master of
the ship.
(3)For the purposes of levy of marine aids to navigation dues, the tonnage of a ship or
sailing vessel shall be reckoned as under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, for such dues
payable on a ship’s tonnage including the tonnage of any space added under the said Act to
the tonnage of ships by reason of such space being utilised for carrying cargo.
(4)In order to ascertain the tonnage of any ship for the purpose of levying marine aids
to navigation dues, the proper officer may, if he deems it fit, require the production of any
Reimbursement
for marking
wrecks.
Power of
Central
Government
to designate
any aid to
navigation as
heritage
lighthouse.
Levy and
collection of
marine aids to
navigation
dues.
Utilisation of
marine aids to
navigation
dues.
Receipts
relating to
marine aids to
navigation
dues and their
verification.
Assessment of
marine aids to
navigation
dues and
ascertainment
of tonnage.
44 of 1958.
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documents, the appearance of any person and the inspection of any vessel, in such manner
as may be prescribed.
SECTION Section 111

Untitled Section

28.(1) If the owner of any ship refuses or neglects to pay the amount of marine aids to
navigation dues payable under this Act in respect of the ship, the proper officer may seize
the ship along with its equipment or any part thereof, and detain the same until the amount
of the marine aids to navigation dues, together with the costs of the seizure and detention is
paid.
(2)If any part of such marine aids to navigation dues remains unpaid after the expiry of
thirty days following the date of the seizure, the proper officer may cause the ship or other
thing seized to be sold, and with the proceeds of the sale may satisfy the marine aids to
navigation dues remaining unpaid, together with the costs of the sale and shall repay the
surplus, if any, to the person by whom the same were payable.
SECTION Section 112

Untitled Section

29.The officer whose duty it is to grant a port clearance for any ship shall not grant the
port clearance until the amount of marine aids to navigation dues payable in respect of the
ship under this Act and of any fines imposed thereunder has been paid, or until security for
the payment thereof has been given to his satisfaction.
SECTION Section 113

Untitled Section

30.If any dispute arises as to whether marine aids to navigation dues, expenses or
costs are payable in respect of any ship under this Act or as to the amount of such dues,
expenses or costs, such dispute shall, on an application made in this behalf by either of the
disputing parties, be heard and determined by a civil court having jurisdiction at the place
where the dispute arose.
SECTION Section 114

Untitled Section

31.(1) If the master of any ship in respect of which marine aids to navigation dues is
payable at any port causes the ship to leave such port without having paid such dues, the
proper officer at that port may, by writing, require the proper officer at any other port in India
to which the ship may proceed, to recover the marine aids to navigation dues remaining
unpaid.
(2)Any proper officer to whom such a requisition is directed, shall proceed to levy
such sum as if it were payable under this Act at the port at which he is the proper officer, and
a certificate by the proper officer at the port at which the marine aids to navigation dues first
became payable, stating the amount payable, shall be sufficient proof in any proceeding
under this Act that such amount is payable.
SECTION Section 115

Untitled Section

32.The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, exempt—
(a)any ship belonging to the Central Government or any State Government,
which is not carrying cargo or passengers for freight or fares; or
(b)any other ship, or classes of ships or ships performing specified voyages,
from the payment of marine aids to navigation dues either wholly or to such extent as may be
specified in that notification.
SECTION Section 116

Untitled Section

33.Where the marine aids to navigation dues has been paid in respect of any ship in
excess of the amount payable under this Act, no claim to refund of such excess payment shall
be admissible, unless it is made within six months from the date of such payment.
SECTION Section 117

Untitled Section

34.The fees to be charged for providing assistance to ships for rendering special
services to vessels shall be at such rates as may be prescribed.
SECTION Section 118

Untitled Section

CHAPTER XII
F
INANCE, ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT
SECTION Section 119

Untitled Section

35.The Central Government shall cause to be maintained a separate account of all
amounts received by way of marine aids to navigation dues, expenses, costs and fines under
this Act and of all expenditure incurred for the purposes of this Act, and shall cause such
account to be laid before the Central Advisory Committee, as soon as possible after the close
of each financial year.
SECTION Section 12

Untitled Section

7.Proceedings of Central Advisory Committee not to be invalidated.
SECTION Section 120

Untitled Section

36.(1) The Central Government shall cause to be laid before the Central Advisory
Committee before the close of each financial year a statement of the estimated receipts under,
Recovery of
marine aids to
navigation
dues.
Refusal of
port
clearance.
Determination
of disputes as
to liability for
payment.
Marine aids to
navigation
dues payable
at one port
recoverable at
another.
Exemption.
Refund of
excess
payments .
Fees.
Receipt and
expenditure.
Annual
report.
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and expenditure for the purposes of this Act, during the forthcoming year.
(2)The statement of estimated receipts and expenditure shall be prepared in consultation
with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, in such manner as may be prescribed.
SECTION Section 121

Untitled Section

CHAPTER XIII
OFFENCES AND PENALTIES
SECTION Section 122

Untitled Section

37.(1) Whoever, intentionally commits any act or omits to do any act, which results in
obstruction of, or reduction in, or limitation of, the effectiveness of, any aid to navigation or
vessel traffic service, shall be liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend up to six
months or with fine which may extend up to one lakh rupees, or with both.
(2)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), no person shall be liable
for punishment, if that––
(a)act or omission was necessary to save a life or a vessel; and
(b)such person took all reasonable steps to avoid the obstruction, reduction or
limitation.
SECTION Section 123

Untitled Section

38.(1) Whoever, negligently commits any act or omits to do any act, which results in
obstruction of, or reduction in, or limitation of, the effectiveness of, any aid to navigation or
vessel traffic service, shall be liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend up to three
months or with fine which may extend up to fifty thousand rupees, or with both.
(2)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), no person shall be liable
for punishment, if that––
(a)act or omission was necessary to save a life or a vessel; and
(b)such person took all reasonable steps to avoid the obstruction, reduction or
limitation.
SECTION Section 124

Untitled Section

39.(1) Whoever, intentionally commits any act or omits to do any act, which results in
damage to or destruction of any aid to navigation or vessel traffic services, shall be liable to
imprisonment for a term which may extend up to twelve months or with fine which may extend
up to five lakh rupees, or with both.
(2)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), no person shall be liable
for punishment, if that––
(a)act or omission was necessary to save a life or a vessel; and
(b)such person took all reasonable steps to avoid the damage or destruction.
SECTION Section 125

Untitled Section

40.(1) Whoever, negligently commits any act or omits to do any act, which results in
damage to or destruction of any aid to navigation or vessel traffic services, shall be liable to
imprisonment for a term which may extend up to six months or with fine which may extend up
to one lakh rupees, or with both.
(2)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), no person shall be liable
for punishment, if that––
(a)act or omission was necessary to save a life or a vessel; and
(b)such person took all reasonable steps to avoid the damage or destruction.
SECTION Section 126

Untitled Section

41.(1) Whoever, commits any act or omits to do any act, which results in damage to or
destruction of any heritage lighthouse, shall be liable to imprisonment for a term which may
extend up to six months or with fine which may extend up to one lakh rupees, or with both.
(2)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), no person shall be liable
for punishment, if that––
(a)act or omission was necessary to save a life or a vessel; and
(b)such person took all reasonable steps to avoid the destruction, fouling,
damage, reduction or limitation.
Intentionally
obstructing
aids to
navigation or
vessel traffic
services.
Negligently
obstructing
aids to
navigation or
vessel traffic
services.
Intentionally
destroying or
damaging aids
to navigation
or vessel
traffic
services.
Negligently
destroying or
damaging aids
to navigation
or vessel
traffic
services.
Causing
damage to
heritage
lighthouse.
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SECTION Section 127

Untitled Section

42.Every owner or master of a ship, who evades or attempts to evade the payment of
marine aids to navigation dues, expenses or costs payable in respect of the ship under this
Act, shall be liable for fine, which may extend up to five times the amount of the sum so
payable.
SECTION Section 128

Untitled Section

43.Every owner or master of a ship, who fails to comply with any direction issued by
a vessel traffic service provider relating to a vessel traffic service under this Act, shall be
liable to fine which may extend up to one lakh rupees.
SECTION Section 129

Untitled Section

44.(1) No court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act, except upon a
complaint in writing made by any officer authorised in this behalf by the Central Government.
(2)No court inferior to that of a Metropolitan Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate of the
first class shall try any offence under this Act.
SECTION Section 13

Untitled Section

CHAPTER IV
MANAGEMENT OF GENERAL AIDS TO NA VIGATION
SECTION Section 130

Untitled Section

45.Whoever commits any offence under this Act or any rules made thereunder, may
ordinarily be inquired into and tried by a court within whose local jurisdiction––
(a)such offence was committed; or
(b)such person may be found; or
(c)in any court which the Central Government may, by notification, direct in this
behalf; or
(d)in any court in which he might be tried under any other law for time being in
force.
SECTION Section 131

Untitled Section

CHAPTER XIV
M
ISCELLANEOUS
SECTION Section 132

Untitled Section

46.(1) The Central Government may, after previous publication, make rules for carrying
out the purposes of this Act.
(2)In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such
rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:––
(a)duties of the Director General under section 5;
(b)procedure and conduct of business of Central Advisory Committee and
sub-committees constituted under sub-section (5) of section 6;
(c)manner of appointment of the Competent Authority under sub-section ( 2)
and its functions under sub-section (3), of section 12;
(d)standards for establishment and operation of vessel traffic services under
SECTION Section 133

Untitled Section

section 13;
(e)ancillary activities relating to aids to navigation under sub-section ( 1)
and ancillary activities relating to vessel traffic services under sub-section ( 2), of
SECTION Section 134

Untitled Section

section 18;
(f)form and manner of certificate, to be issued and the conditions subject to
which such certificate is to be issued by the accredited training organisation and
validated by the Director General under section 19;
(g)criteria for accreditation of training organisation under sub-section ( 2) of
SECTION Section 135

Untitled Section

section 20;
(h)manner of marking wrecks under section 21;
(i)manner of recovering cost from the owner of the vessel for marking the wreck
under section 22;
Evading
payment of
marine aids to
navigation
dues.
Non-
compliance
with
directions of
vessel traffic
service
provider.
Cognizance of
offences.
Place of trial
and
jurisdiction of
court.
Power of
Central
Government
to make rules.
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(j)development of heritage lighthouses designated under sub-section ( 2) of
SECTION Section 136

Untitled Section

section 23;
(k)manner of, collection of marine aids to navigation dues by proper officer
levied under sub-section (2) and crediting the proceeds of the dues so collected under
sub-section (3), of section 24;
(l)form and manner of filing return under sub-section (4) of section 24;
(m)manner of payment of marine aids to navigation dues to the Central
Government under sub-section (1) of section 26;
(n)manner of production of documents, appearance of any person and inspection
of any vessel by proper officer under sub-section (4) of section 27;
(o)rates of fees for special services under section 34;
(p)form and manner of statement of estimated receipts and expenditure to be
prepared in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India under
sub-section (2) of section 36;
(q)any other matter which is required to be, or may be, prescribed, for the
purposes of carrying out the purposes of this Act.
SECTION Section 137

Untitled Section

47.The Central Government may delegate to any of its officers all or any of the
functions and powers conferred upon it under this Act.
SECTION Section 138

Untitled Section

48.(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the Director General shall, in the
discharge of his functions and duties under this Act, be bound by such directions on questions
of policy as the Central Government may give to him in writing from time to time.
(2)The decision of the Central Government whether a question is one of policy or not
shall be final.
SECTION Section 139

Untitled Section

49.No suit, prosecution or other proceedings shall lie against the Central Government
or any officer appointed under this Act for anything done or in good faith purporting to be
done under this Act or the rules made thereunder.
SECTION Section 14

Untitled Section

8.Management of general aids to navigation.
SECTION Section 140

Untitled Section

50.(1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central
Government may, by order, published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions not
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act as may appear to be necessary or expedient for
removing the difficulty:
Provided that no such order shall be made under this section after the expiry of three
years from the commencement of this Act.
(2)Every order made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made,
before each House of Parliament.
SECTION Section 141

Untitled Section

51.Every rule made and every notification issued under this Act shall be laid, as soon
as may be after it is made or issued, before each House of Parliament while it is in session for
a total 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 such rule, or notification or both Houses agree that the rule, should not be made or the
notification should not be issued, the rule or notification 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 or notification.
SECTION Section 142

Untitled Section

52.(1) The Lighthouse Act, 1927 is hereby repealed.
(2)Notwithstanding the repeal of the Lighthouse Act, 1927 (herein referred to as the
repealed Act),––
(a)any notification, rule, regulation, bye-law, order or exemption issued, made or
granted under the repealed Act shall, until revoked, have effect as if it had been issued,
made or granted under the provisions of this Act;
Delegation of
powers by
Central
Government.
Power of
Central
Government
to issue
directions.
Protection of
action taken
in good faith.
Power to
remove
difficulties.
Laying of
rules and
notifications
before
Parliament.
Repeal and
savings.
17 of 1927.
17 of 1927.
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(b)any office established or created, officer appointed and anybody elected or
constituted under the repealed Act shall continue and shall be deemed to have been
established, created, appointed, elected, or constituted, as the case may be, under this
Act;
(c)any document referring to the repealed Act shall be construed as referring to
this Act or to the provision of this Act;
(d)any fine levied under the repealed Act may be recovered as if it had been
levied under this Act;
(e)any offence committed under the repealed Act may be prosecuted and
punished as if it had been committed under this Act;
(f)any proceeding pending before any court under the repealed Act may be tried
or disposed of under the corresponding provisions of this Act;
(g)the officers appointed under the provisions of the repealed Act and continuing
during the commencement of this Act shall continue as if they have been appointed
under this Act;
(h)any person appointed under or by virtue of the repealed Act shall be deemed
to have been appointed to that office under or by virtue of this Act;
(i)any inspection, investigation or inquiry ordered to be done under the
provisions of the repealed Act shall continue to be proceeded with as if such inspection,
investigation or inquiry was ordered to be done under the corresponding provisions
of this Act.
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STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS
The Lighthouse Act, 1927 (the said Act) was enacted to consolidate and amend the law
relating to the provision, maintenance and control of lighthouse by the Government in
India.Prior to the year 1927, there was no uniform system of management of lighthouse
services in British India which included Myanmar, Pakistan, Bangladesh and also various
Princely States. As a first step to centralise the administration of lighthouses, the government
decided to enact the said Act to administer thirty-two lighthouses in the then six districts,
namely Aden, Karachi, Bombay, Madras, Calcutta and Rangoon.
SECTION Section 143

Untitled Section

2.Over the period of time, maritime sector has undergone massive change and there
have been enormous technological development in the field of marine aids to navigation
such as vessel traffic services and diversification of aids to navigation to include technical
aids other than lighthouses and lightships. Since, the role of marine aids to navigation has
moved from a purely passive one based on “Visual Aids to Navigation” to “Radio and Digital
Based Aids to Navigation”, the roles of the Government and the Director General appointed
under section 3 of the said Act have considerably widened. However, lack of statutory
framework for such technological advancement has resulted in operational difficulties.
SECTION Section 144

Untitled Section

3.Therefore, in order to provide appropriate statutory framework to reflect the
technological advancement in marine aids to navigation and the expanded role of regulators
and operators thereof so as to be in compliance with the obligation under the maritime
treaties and international instruments to which India is a party, the Government has decided
to make the proposed legislation by repealing the said Act.
SECTION Section 145

Untitled Section

4.The Marine Aids to Navigation Bill, 2021, inter alia, provides for the following,
namely:—
(a)to use the term “marine aids to navigation” instead of “lighthouse” in order
to statutorily recognise and enable further use of modern forms of aids to navigation;
(b)renaming of the existing Director General of Lighthouse and Lightships as
the Director General of Marine Aids to Navigation;
(c)to provide a framework for establishment, operation and management of aids
to navigation;
(d)to provide a framework for establishment, operation and management of
vessel traffic services;
(e)to empower the Central Government to appoint by notification, the Director
General of Marine Aids to Navigation and a Competent Authority for Vessel Traffic
Services;
(f)to empower the Central Government to provide by the rules the standards of
regulation and operation of vessel traffic services;
(g)to provide for training and certification for operators of marine aids to
navigation and vessel traffic services;
(h)to provide for marking of wrecks;
(i)to empower the Central Government for identification and development of
heritage lighthouses;
(j)to provide for levy of marine aids to navigation dues in the place of the
existing light-dues, levied on all vessels entering into or departing from a port in India;
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(k)to provide for offences and penalties for obstruction and damage to marine
aids to navigation or vessel traffic services;
(l)to empower the Central Government to make rules for carrying out the purposes
of the proposed legislation.
SECTION Section 146

Untitled Section

5.The notes on clauses explain in detail the various provisions contained in the Bill.
SECTION Section 147

Untitled Section

6.The Bill seeks to achieve the above objectives.
N
EW DELHI; MANSUKH MANDAVIY A
The 4th March, 2021.
————
PRESIDENT'S RECOMMENDATION UNDER ARTICLE 117 OF THE
CONSTITUTION OF INDIA
————
[Letter No. LH-1 1012/1/2019-SL dated 10 March, 2021 from Shri Mansukh
Mandaviya, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (Independent Charge) and
Chemicals & Fertilizers to the Speaker, Lok Sabha]
The President, having been informed of the subject matter of the proposed Bill,
recommends under clause 1 of article 117 of the Constitution of India, the introduction of the
Marine Aids to Navigation Bill, 2021 in Lok Sabha.
15
Notes on Clauses
SECTION Section 148

Untitled Section

Clause 2 of the Bill seeks to define various expressions used in the proposed legislation,
which, inter alia, include “accredited training organisation”, “aid to navigation”, “Director
General”, “general aid to navigation”, “heritage lighthouse”, “local aid to navigation”, “marine
aids to navigation dues”, etc.
SECTION Section 149

Untitled Section

Clause 3 of the Bill seeks to empower the Central Government to designate any aids
to navigation as general aids to navigation.
SECTION Section 15

Untitled Section

9.Powers of Central Government relating to aids to navigation.
SECTION Section 150

Untitled Section

Clause 4 of the Bill seeks to provide for the appointment of the Director General of
Aids to Navigation, Deputy Director Generals and Directors. It further provides for the
demarcation of districts.
SECTION Section 151

Untitled Section

Clause 5 of the Bill seeks to empower the Central Government to specify the duties to
be carried out by the Director General.
SECTION Section 152

Untitled Section

Clause 6 of the Bill seeks to empower the Central Government to appoint a Central
Advisory Committee and to provide for its functions and appointment of sub-committees
under the Central Advisory Committee.
SECTION Section 153

Untitled Section

Clause 7 of the Bill seeks to provide that no act or proceeding of the Central Advisory
Committee may be invalidated due to the reasons specified therein.
SECTION Section 154

Untitled Section

Clause 8 of the Bill seeks to provide that the development, maintenance and management
of general aids to navigation in India shall vest with the Central Government.
SECTION Section 155

Untitled Section

Clause 9 of the Bill seeks to provide for the powers of Central Government with regard
to aids to navigation.
SECTION Section 156

Untitled Section

Clause 10 of the Bill seeks to provide that the authority for development, maintenance
and management of vessel traffic services in India shall vest with the Central Government
and further to provide that the said Government shall authorise any person as vessel traffic
service provider.
SECTION Section 157

Untitled Section

Clause 11 of the Bill seeks to provide the powers of the Central Government in respect
of vessel traffic services.
SECTION Section 158

Untitled Section

Clause 12 of the Bill seeks to empower the Central Government to appoint a Competent
Authority for Vessel Traffic Services and to provide by rules the functions to be discharged
by it.
SECTION Section 159

Untitled Section

Clause 13 of the Bill seeks to empower the Central Government to make rules for
standards of establishment and operation of vessel traffic services in India.
SECTION Section 16

Untitled Section

CHAPTER V
MANAGEMENT OF VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES
SECTION Section 160

Untitled Section

Clause 14 of the Bill seeks to empower the Central Government to authorise any officer
to enter upon and inspect any local aids to navigation as specified therein. Every person
having the charge of, or concerned in the management of, any local aid to navigation shall
furnish to the officer so authorised to inspect such aid to navigation, all such information as
the officer may require.
SECTION Section 161

Untitled Section

Clause 15 of the Bill seeks to empower the Central Government to direct local authorities
in the management of local aids to navigation and the circumstances in which such power
may be exercised so as to have control of local aids to navigation.
SECTION Section 162

Untitled Section

Clause 16 of the Bill seeks to empower the Central Government to undertake the
superintendence and management of a local aid to navigation at the request of a local
authority.
SECTION Section 163

Untitled Section

Clause 17 of the Bill seeks to empower the Central Government to issue directions to
remove or alter obstructions to the functioning of aids to navigation.
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SECTION Section 164

Untitled Section

Clause 18 of the Bill seeks to provide that marine aids to navigation and vessel traffic
services are to be operated and maintained by trained personnel holding a valid certificate
which shall be valid and effective throughout the territory of India.
SECTION Section 165

Untitled Section

Clause 19 of the Bill seeks to provide that the certificate issued under clause 18 by an
accredited training organisation shall be in such form and manner as the Central Government
may provide by rules.
SECTION Section 166

Untitled Section

Clause 20 of the Bill seeks to empower the Central Government for the accreditation of
training organisations in order to enable the creation of trained operators for the operation
and maintenance of aids to navigation, vessel traffic services and other ancillary functions.
SECTION Section 167

Untitled Section

Clause 21 of the Bill seeks to provide for the statutory recognition of existing
responsibilities with regard to marking of wrecks.
SECTION Section 168

Untitled Section

Clause 22 of the Bill seeks to provide that the cost for marking of wrecks shall be borne
by the owner or the operator of such vessel in the manner as may be provided by rules.
SECTION Section 169

Untitled Section

Clause 23 of the Bill seeks to empower the Central Government to designate and
develop lighthouses having historical value as heritage lighthouses for educational, cultural
and tourism purposes in addition to their role as marine aids to navigation.
SECTION Section 17

Untitled Section

10.Management of vessel traffic services.
SECTION Section 170

Untitled Section

Clause 24 of the Bill seeks to provide for the levy and collection of marine aids to
navigation dues upon any ship arriving at or departing from any port in India.
SECTION Section 171

Untitled Section

Clause 25 of the Bill seeks to provide for utilisation of marine aids to navigation dues
for fulfilling the obligations and purposes of the proposed legislation.
SECTION Section 172

Untitled Section

Clause 26 of the Bill seeks to empower the Central Government to provide by rules the
manner of collecting the payment of marine aids to navigation dues and its verification by
the proper officer.
SECTION Section 173

Untitled Section

Clause 27 of the Bill seeks to provide for the manner of assessment of the marine aids
to navigation dues and ascertainment of tonnage of vessel.
SECTION Section 174

Untitled Section

Clause 28 of the Bill seeks to provide for the manner in which any outstanding marine
aids to navigation dues may be recovered.
SECTION Section 175

Untitled Section

Clause 29 of the Bill seeks to provide for the refusal of port clearance to any ship in the
event of non-payment of the marine aids to navigation dues.
SECTION Section 176

Untitled Section

Clause 30 of the Bill seeks to provide for the manner in which disputes relating to the
payment of marine aids to navigation dues are to be heard and determined.
SECTION Section 177

Untitled Section

Clause 31 of the Bill seeks to provide that the marine aids to navigation dues payable
at one port may be recovered at another port and also provides for the manner in which the
same may be recovered.
SECTION Section 178

Untitled Section

Clause 32 of the Bill seeks to empower the Central Government to exempt any ship or
class of ships from the payment of the marine aids to navigation dues.
SECTION Section 179

Untitled Section

Clause 33 of the Bill seeks to provide for refund of excess amount paid in respect of the
marine aids to navigation dues.
SECTION Section 18

Untitled Section

11.Powers of Central Government relating to vessel traffic services.
SECTION Section 180

Untitled Section

Clause 34 of the Bill seeks to empower the Central Government to provide by rules the
rates of fees to be charged for special services rendered to ships.
SECTION Section 181

Untitled Section

Clause 35 of the Bill seeks to provide that the Central Government shall maintain
separate account for marine aids to navigation dues for proper accounts and furnish returns,
statements, etc., to the Central Advisory Committee.
SECTION Section 182

Untitled Section

Clause 36 of the Bill seeks to provide that the Central Government shall cause an
annual report of receipts and expenditure to be laid before the Central Advisory Committee.
17
SECTION Section 183

Untitled Section

Clause 37 of the Bill seeks to provide that intentionally obstructing an aid to navigation
or a vessel traffic service would constitute an offence and shall be punishable as specified
therein.
SECTION Section 184

Untitled Section

Clause 38 of the Bill seeks to provide that negligently obstructing an aid to navigation
or a vessel traffic service would constitute an offence and shall be punishable as specified
therein.
SECTION Section 185

Untitled Section

Clause 39 of the Bill seeks to provide that intentionally destroying or damaging an aid
to navigation or a vessel traffic service would constitute an offence and shall be punishable
as specified therein.
SECTION Section 186

Untitled Section

Clause 40 of the Bill seeks to provide that negligently destroying or damaging an aid
to navigation or a vessel traffic service would constitute an offence and shall be punishable
as specified therein.
SECTION Section 187

Untitled Section

Clause 41 of the Bill seeks to provide that causing damage to a heritage lighthouse
would constitute an offence and shall be punishable as specified therein.
SECTION Section 188

Untitled Section

Clause 42 of the Bill seeks to provide penalty for evading marine aids to navigation
dues.
SECTION Section 189

Untitled Section

Clause 43 of the Bill seeks to provide penalty for non-compliance of directions of
vessel traffic service provider.
SECTION Section 19

Untitled Section

12.Competent Authority for vessel traffic services.
SECTION Section 190

Untitled Section

Clause 44 of the Bill seeks to provide for the manner in which cognizance of offences
committed under the proposed legislation may be taken.
SECTION Section 191

Untitled Section

Clause 45 of the Bill seeks to provide for the place of trial and appropriate court for trial
of offences committed under the proposed legislation.
SECTION Section 192

Untitled Section

Clause 46 of the Bill seeks to empower the Central Government to make rules to carry
out the purposes of the proposed legislation.
SECTION Section 193

Untitled Section

Clause 47 of the Bill seeks to empower the Central Government to delegate to its
officers any power or function conferred upon it by the proposed legislation.
SECTION Section 194

Untitled Section

Clause 48 of the Bill seeks to empower the Central Government to issue directions to
the Director General on all matters of policy, which shall be final.
SECTION Section 195

Untitled Section

Clause 49 of the Bill seeks to protect the actions, of the Central Government, the
Director General or any other officer or employee thereof, done under this Act in good faith.
SECTION Section 196

Untitled Section

Clause 50 of the Bill seeks to provide that if any difficulty arises in giving effect to the
provisions of the proposed legislation within a period of three years from the date of its
commencement, the Central Government may, by order, published in the Official Gazette,
make such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of the proposed legislation, as
appears to it to be necessary or expedient for removing the difficulty.
SECTION Section 197

Untitled Section

Clause 51 of the Bill seeks to provide for laying of every rule, regulation and notification
made under the proposed legislation, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House
of Parliament.
SECTION Section 198

Untitled Section

Clause 52 of the Bill seeks to provide for the repeal of the Lighthouse Act, 1927 and
saving of certain actions taken under the said Act.
18
FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM
SECTION Section 199

Untitled Section

Clause 6 of the Bill requires the consultation of Central Advisory Committee for alteration
of rates of marine aids to navigation dues.
SECTION Section 2

Untitled Section

CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
SECTION Section 20

Untitled Section

13.Standards for establishment and operation of vessel traffic services.
SECTION Section 200

Untitled Section

2.Clause 24 of the Bill empowers the Central Government for the levy and collection of
marine aids to navigation dues and credit the sum so collected into the Consolidated Fund of
India.
SECTION Section 201

Untitled Section

3.Clause 25 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to utilise the marine aids to
navigation dues for fulfilling obligations and purposes of the Bill.
SECTION Section 202

Untitled Section

4.Clause 32 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to exempt any ship from the
payment of marine aids to navigation dues.
SECTION Section 203

Untitled Section

5.Clause 33 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to refund the excess amount
paid in respect of the marine aids to navigation dues.
SECTION Section 204

Untitled Section

6.Clause 34 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to provide by rules the rates
for charging of fees for services rendered to ships.
SECTION Section 205

Untitled Section

7.In line with existing practice of light dues, the marine aids to navigation dues will
also be credited into the Consolidated Fund of India under a separate head of account. The
annual expenditure on fulfilling the obligation and purpose of this Bill will be equivalent of
the annual collection of marine aids to navigation dues and met out through the budgetary
allocation of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
SECTION Section 206

Untitled Section

8.The Bill, if enacted, will not involve any additional expenditure from the Consolidated
Fund of India, either recurring or non-recurring.
19
MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLA TION
SECTION Section 207

Untitled Section

Clause 46 of the Marine Aids to Navigation Bill, 2021 seeks to empower the
Central Government to make rules for: (a) duties of the Director General under section 5;
(b)procedure and conduct of business of Central Advisory Committee and
sub-committees constituted under sub-section (5) of section 6; (c) manner of
appointment of the Competent Authority under sub-section (2) and its functions under
sub-section (3), of section 12; (d) standards for establishment and operation of vessel
traffic services under section 13; (e) ancillary activities relating to aids to navigation
under sub-section (1) and ancillary activities relating to vessel traffic services under
sub-section (2), of section 18; (f) form and manner of certificate, to be issued and the
conditions subject to which such certificate is to be issued by the accredited training
organisation and validated by the Director General under section 19; (g) criteria for
accreditation of training organisation under sub-section (2) of section 20; (h) manner of
marking wrecks under section 21; (i) manner of recovering cost from the owner of the
vessel for marking the wreck under section 22; (j) development of heritage lighthouses
designated under sub-section (2) of section 23; (k) manner of collection of marine aids
to navigation dues by proper officer levied under sub-section (2) and crediting the
proceeds of the dues so collected under sub-section (3) of section 24; (l) form and
manner of filing return under sub-section (4) of section 24; (m) manner of payment of
marine aids to navigation dues to the Central Government under sub-section (1) of
SECTION Section 208

Untitled Section

section 26; (n) manner of production of documents, appearance of any person and
inspection of any vessel by proper officer under sub-section (4) of section 27; (o) rates
of fees for special services under section 34; (p) form and manner of statement of
estimated receipts and expenditure to be prepared in consultation with the Comptroller
and Auditor-General of India under sub-section (2) of section 36; (q) any other matter
which is required to be, or may be, provided by rules, for carrying out the purposes of
the proposed legislation.
SECTION Section 209

Untitled Section

2.The matters in respect of which the aforementioned rules may be made are
matters of procedure and administrative detail, and as such, it is not practicable to
provide for them in the proposed Bill itself. The delegation of legislative power is
therefore, of a normal character.
LOK SABHA
————
A
BILL
to provide for the development, maintenance and management of aids to navigation in India;
for training and certification of operator of aids to navigation, development of
its historical, educational and cultural value; to ensure compliance with the obligation
under the maritime treaties and international instruments to which India is a
party and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
————
(Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ports,
Shipping and W aterways)
MGIPMRND—1585LS(S3)—11.03.2021.
SECTION Section 21

Untitled Section

CHAPTER VI
I
NSPECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF LOCAL AIDS TO NA VIGATION
SECTION Section 22

Untitled Section

14.Power to inspect local aids to navigation.
SECTION Section 23

Untitled Section

15.Control of local aids to navigation by Central Government.
SECTION Section 24

Untitled Section

16.Management of local aids to navigation by Central Government.
SECTION Section 25

Untitled Section

CHAPTER VII
O
BSTRUCTION TO FUNCTIONING OF AIDS TO NA VIGATION
SECTION Section 26

Untitled Section

17.Power of Central Government to remove or alter obstructions to aids to navigation .
AS INTRODUCED IN LOK SABHA
(ii)
SECTION Section 27

Untitled Section

CHAPTER VIII
TRAINING AND CERTIFICA TION
SECTION Section 29

Untitled Section

18.Power of Central Government to train and certify operators of aids to navigation and
vessel traffic services.
SECTION Section 30

Untitled Section

19.Certification.
SECTION Section 31

Untitled Section

20.Accreditation of training organisations .
SECTION Section 32

Untitled Section

CHAPTER IX
MARKING OF WRECKS
SECTION Section 33

Untitled Section

21.Marking of wrecks.
SECTION Section 34

Untitled Section

22.Reimbursement for marking wrecks.
SECTION Section 35

Untitled Section

CHAPTER X
DEVELOPMENT OF HERITAGE LIGHTHOUSES
SECTION Section 36

Untitled Section

23.Power of Central Government to designate any aid to navigation as heritage lighthouse.
SECTION Section 37

Untitled Section

CHAPTER XI
MARINE AIDS TO NA VIGATION DUES
SECTION Section 38

Untitled Section

24.Levy and collection of marine aids to navigation dues.
SECTION Section 39

Untitled Section

25.Utilisation of marine aids to navigation dues.
SECTION Section 4

Untitled Section

1.Short title, extent and commencement.
SECTION Section 40

Untitled Section

26.Receipts relating to marine aids to navigation dues and their verification.
SECTION Section 41

Untitled Section

27.Assessment of marine aids to navigation dues and ascertainment of tonnage.
SECTION Section 42

Untitled Section

28.Recovery of marine aids to navigation dues.
SECTION Section 43

Untitled Section

29.Refusal of port clearance.
SECTION Section 44

Untitled Section

30.Determination of disputes as to liability for payment.
SECTION Section 45

Untitled Section

31.Marine aids to navigation dues payable at one port recoverable at another.
SECTION Section 46

Untitled Section

32.Exemption.
SECTION Section 47

Untitled Section

33.Refund of excess payments.
SECTION Section 49

Untitled Section

CHAPTER XII
F
INANCE, ACCOUNT AND AUDIT
SECTION Section 5

Untitled Section

2.Definitions.
SECTION Section 50

Untitled Section

35.Receipt and expenditure.
SECTION Section 51

Untitled Section

36.Annual report.
SECTION Section 52

Untitled Section

CHAPTER XIII
OFFENCES AND PENALTIES
SECTION Section 53

Untitled Section

37.Intentionally obstructing aids to navigation or vessel traffic services.
SECTION Section 54

Untitled Section

38.Negligently obstructing aids to navigation or vessel traffic services.
SECTION Section 55

Untitled Section

39.Intentionally destroying or damaging aids to navigation or vessel traffic services.
SECTION Section 56

Untitled Section

40.Negligently destroying or damaging aids to navigation or vessel traffic services.
SECTION Section 57

Untitled Section

41.Causing damage to heritage lighthouse.
(iii)
SECTION Section 58

Untitled Section

42.Evading payment of marine aids to navigation dues.
SECTION Section 59

Untitled Section

43.Non-compliance with directions of vessel traffic service provider.
SECTION Section 6

Untitled Section

CHAPTER II
D
ESIGNATION OF GENERAL AID TO NA VIGATION
SECTION Section 60

Untitled Section

44.Cognizance of offences.
SECTION Section 61

Untitled Section

45.Place of trial and jurisdiction of court.
SECTION Section 62

Untitled Section

CHAPTER XIV
M
ISCELLANEOUS
SECTION Section 63

Untitled Section

46.Power of Central Government to make rules.
SECTION Section 64

Untitled Section

47.Delegation of powers by Central Government.
SECTION Section 65

Untitled Section

48.Power of Central Government to issue directions.
SECTION Section 66

Untitled Section

49.Protection of action taken in good faith.
SECTION Section 67

Untitled Section

50.Power to remove difficulties.
SECTION Section 68

Untitled Section

51.Laying of rules and notifications before Parliament.
SECTION Section 69

Untitled Section

52.Repeal and savings.
C
LAUSES
1
Bill No. 60 of 2021
THE MARINE AIDS TO NAVIGATION BILL, 2021
A
BILL
to provide for the development, maintenance and management of aids to navigation in
India; for training and certification of operator of aids to navigation, development
of its historical, educational and cultural value; to ensure compliance with the
obligation under the maritime treaties and international instruments to which India
is a party and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
W
HEREAS India is signatory to maritime treaties and international instruments such as
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended; and International
Association of Marine Aids and Lighthouse Authorities Maritime Buoyage System;
A
ND WHEREAS it is considered necessary to give effect to the said treaties and
instruments which, inter alia, provide for aids to navigation, vessel traffic services and
marking of wrecks;
AND WHEREAS it is necessary to provide for and create a framework for the development,
maintenance and management of vessel traffic services in India; training and certification of
operators of aids to navigation; and the development of the historical educational and
cultural value of aids to navigation;
A
S INTRODUCED IN LOK SABHA
2
AND WHEREAS it is further necessary to create a framework for the levy and collection
of marine aids to navigation dues to discharge the sovereign functions of development,
maintenance and management of aids to navigation and vessel traffic services in India by
Government, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
B
E it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-second Year of the Republic of India as
follows:—
SECTION Section 7

Untitled Section

3.Power to designate general aid to navigation.
SECTION Section 70

Untitled Section

CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
SECTION Section 71

Untitled Section

1.(1) This Act may be called the Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021.
(2)It extends to the whole of India including the maritime zones of India as
specified in the T erritorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and Other
Maritime Zones Act, 1976.
(3)It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification
in the Official Gazette, appoint; and different dates may be appointed for different provisions
of this Act and any reference in any such provision to the commencement of this Act shall be
construed as a reference to the coming into force of that provision.
SECTION Section 72

Untitled Section

2.(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,––
(a)“accredited training organisation” means any organisation which is accredited
by the Central Government under section 20;
(b)“aid to navigation” means a device, system or service, external to vessels,
designed and operated to enhance safe and efficient navigation of individual vessels and
vessel traffic, but shall not be construed to include a reference to vessel traffic services,
unless otherwise specified;
(c)“Director General” means the Director General of Aids to Navigation appointed
under section 4;
(d)“district” means an area demarcated as a district for the purposes of this Act
under sub-section (1) of section 4;
(e)“general aid to navigation” means any aid to navigation, which the Central
Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare to be a general aid to
navigation for the purposes of this Act;
(f)“heritage lighthouse” means an aid to navigation designated as such under
SECTION Section 73

Untitled Section

section 23;
(g)“local aid to navigation” means any aid to navigation which is not a general aid
to navigation;
(h)“local authority “ means a State Government or other person having
superintendence and management over a local aid to navigation;
(i)“marine aids to navigation dues” means the dues levied under section 24;
(j)“notification” means a notification published in the Official Gazette of India and
the expression “notify” with its grammatical variation and cognate expressions shall be
construed accordingly;
(k)“owner” means the owner of a vessel including its registered owner, a person
to whom a share in the vessel belongs, bareboat charterer, manager and operator of the
vessel;
(l)“port” means any port as defined in the Indian Ports Act, 1908;
(m)“prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;
(n)“proper officer” in relation to any functions to be performed under this Act,
means the officer of customs who is assigned those functions by the Central Board of
Indirect Taxes and Customs constituted under the Central Boards of Revenue
Short title,
extent and
commencement.
Definitions.
80 of 1976.
15 of 1908.
5
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20
25
30
35
40
3
Act, 1963, and includes any person appointed by the Central Government to discharge
the functions of a proper officer under this Act;
(o)“rule” means rules made by the Central Government under this Act;
(p)“ship” includes a sailing vessel;
(q)“vessel” includes every description of water craft used or capable of being
used in the marine environment, such as ship, boat, sailing vessel, fishing vessel,
submersible, semi-submersible, hydrofoils, non-displacement crafts, amphibious crafts,
wing-in-ground crafts, pleasure crafts, barges, lighters, mobile offshore drilling units
or mobile offshore units;
(r)“vessel traffic service” means a service implemented under this Act to improve
the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic and to protect the environment.
(2)Words and expressions used but not defined in this Act, and defined in the Merchant
Shipping Act, 1958, shall have the same meanings respectively assigned to them in that Act.
SECTION Section 74

Untitled Section

CHAPTER II
D
ESIGNATION OF GENERAL AID TO NA VIGATION
SECTION Section 75

Untitled Section

3.The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, designate any
aid to navigation to be a general aid to navigation.
SECTION Section 76

Untitled Section

CHAPTER III
DIRECTOR GENERAL OF AIDS TO NA VIGA TION
SECTION Section 77

Untitled Section

4.(1) The Central Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint,––
(a)the Director General;
(b)Deputy Director Generals; and
(c)Directors for districts.
(2)For the purposes of sub-section (1), the Central Government may demarcate such
areas to be districts.
(3)Every officer appointed under sub-section (1) shall discharge his functions under
the general superintendence and control of the Director General.
SECTION Section 78

Untitled Section

5.The Director General shall advise the Central Government on matters relating to aids
to navigation and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Central Government
under this Act or in any other law for the time being in force.
SECTION Section 79

Untitled Section

6.(1) The Central Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint a
Central Advisory Committee.
(2)The Central Government shall consult the Central Advisory Committee in regard
to—
(a)the establishment or position of aids to navigation or of any works
appertaining thereto; or
(b)additions to or the alteration or removal of, any aid to navigation; or
(c)variations to any aid to navigation or of the mode of use thereof; or
(d)the cost of any proposal relating to aids to navigation; or
(e)appointment of any sub-committee under sub-section (3); or
(f)the making or alteration of any rules or rates of marine aids to navigation dues
under this Act.
(3)The Central Government may, if it deems necessary, appoint sub-committees for the
purposes of advising it in regard to any of the matters specified under this Act.
54 of 1963.
44 of 1958.
Power to
designate
general aid to
navigation.
Appointment
of Director
General,
Deputy
Director
General and
Director .
Duties of
Director
General.
Central
Advisory
Committee.
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
4
(4)The Central Advisory Committee and the sub-committees referred to in
sub-section (3) shall consist of such persons representing the interests affected by this Act
or having special knowledge of the subject matter thereof.
(5)The procedure and conduct of business of the Central Advisory Committee and the
sub-committees referred to in sub-section (3) shall be such as may be prescribed.
SECTION Section 8

Untitled Section

CHAPTER III
DIRECTOR GENERAL OF AIDS TO NA VIGATION
SECTION Section 80

Untitled Section

7.No act or proceeding of the Central Advisory Committee shall be invalidated merely
by reason of—
(a)any vacancy in, or any defect in its constitution; or
(b)any defect in appointment of a person acting as its member; or
(c)any irregularity in its procedure not affecting the merits of the case.
SECTION Section 81

Untitled Section

CHAPTER IV
MANAGEMENT OF GENERAL AIDS TO NA VIGATION
SECTION Section 82

Untitled Section

8.The development, maintenance and management of all general aids to navigation
shall be vested in the Central Government.
SECTION Section 83

Untitled Section

9.( 1) The Central Government, shall have the following powers relating to the
development, maintenance and management of general aids to navigation, namely:––
(a)establish and maintain aids to navigation;
(b)add to, alter or remove any aid to navigation;
(c)alter or vary any aid to navigation;
(d)authorise to inspect any aid to navigation which may affect the safety of
navigation;
(e)authorise to enter any property, whether public or private, for the purposes of
inspection of any aid to navigation;
(f)transport, or cause to be transported, any goods through any property, whether
public or private, for any purpose in connection with––
(i)the maintenance of an aid to navigation; or
(ii) the establishment of any aid to navigation;
(g)acquire any land as may be necessary for the purposes of this Act—
(i)to exercise its powers; or
(ii) for the maintenance of works.
(2)The Central Government shall, for the purposes of exercising its powers under
sub-section (1), authorise any of the officers referred to in sub-section ( 1) of section 4, by
general or special order in writing.
SECTION Section 84

Untitled Section

CHAPTER V
MANAGEMENT OF VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES
SECTION Section 85

Untitled Section

10.(1) The development, maintenance and management of vessel traffic services shall
be vested in the Central Government.
(2)For the purposes of sub-section (1), the Central Government may, by order, authorise
any person as vessel traffic service provider.
SECTION Section 86

Untitled Section

11.The Central Government, shall have the following powers relating to the
development, maintenance and management of vessel traffic services, namely:––
(a)declare and authorise vessel traffic service provider to operate a vessel
traffic service within an authorised area;
Proceedings
of Central
Advisory
Committee
not to be
invalidated.
Management
of general aids
to navigation.
Powers of
Central
Government
relating to
aids to
navigation.
Management
of vessel
traffic
services.
Powers of
Central
Government
relating to
vessel traffic
services.
5
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20
25
30
35
40
5
(b)accredit and approve vessel traffic service training and certification;
(c)establish and operate vessel traffic services, where it deems necessary;
(d)add to or alter or require any person to add to or alter any aspect of a vessel
traffic service.
SECTION Section 87

Untitled Section

12.(1) The Central Government shall, for the purposes of exercising its powers under
SECTION Section 88

Untitled Section

section 11, appoint a Competent Authority for vessel traffic services by notification in the
Official Gazette.
(2)The manner of appointment of the Competent Authority shall be such as may be
prescribed.
(3)The Competent Authority shall discharge such functions in such manner, as may
be prescribed.
SECTION Section 89

Untitled Section

13.The standards for establishing and operating vessel traffic services in India shall
be such, as may be prescribed.
SECTION Section 9

Untitled Section

4.Appointment of Director General, Deputy Director General and Director.
SECTION Section 90

Untitled Section

CHAPTER VI
I
NSPECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF LOCAL AIDS TO NA VIGATION
SECTION Section 91

Untitled Section

14.(1) The Central Government may authorise any officer referred to in sub-section (1)
of section 4 in writing, to enter upon at any time and inspect any local aid to navigation and
make such inquiries in respect thereof or of the management thereof as such officer thinks fit.
(2)Every person having the charge of, or concerned in the management of, any local
aid to navigation shall furnish to the officer authorised under sub-section (1) to inspect such
aid to navigation, all such information as the officer may require.
(3)Every local authority shall furnish to the Central Government all such returns and
other information in respect of the aids to navigation under its supervision and management,
or of any of them, as the Central Government may require.
SECTION Section 92

Untitled Section

15.(1) If the Central Government is satisfied, after an inspection under section 14 or
such other inquiry, that a direction under this sub-section is necessary or expedient for the
safety, or otherwise, in the interests of vessels, it may direct any local authority––
(a)to remove or discontinue or to refrain from moving or discontinuing any aid
to navigation under its superintendence and management or to make or refrain from
making any variation in the character or mode of use of any such aid to navigation; or
(b)to erect, place or maintain, or to refrain from erecting, placing or maintaining
any aid to navigation within the local limits within which the local authority exercises
its powers.
(2)A local authority shall not erect, place, remove or discontinue any aid to navigation
or vary the character or mode of use of any aid to navigation, unless it has given to the
Central Government at least one month’s notice in writing of its intention so to do:
Provided that, in cases of emergency, a local authority may take such action as it
deems necessary and shall give immediate notice of the same to the Central Government and,
so far as is possible, to all vessels approaching or in the vicinity of such aid to navigation.
(3)If any local authority––
(a)fails to comply with any direction made under sub-section (1); or
(b)fails to exercise or perform, or exercises or performs in an improper, inefficient
or unsuitable manner, any power or duty relating to the superintendence or management
of any aid to navigation conferred or imposed upon it by or under any law for the time
being in force; or
(c)fails to make adequate financial provision for the performance of any such
duty,
Competent
Authority for
vessel traffic
services.
Standards for
establishment
and operation
of vessel
traffic
services.
Power to
inspect Local
aids to
navigation.
Control of
local aids to
navigation by
Central
Government.
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
6
the Central Government may, by order in writing, require such local authority to comply with
the direction, or to make arrangements to the satisfaction of that Government for the proper
exercise of the power or performance of the duty, or to make financial provision to the
satisfaction of that Government for the performance of the duty, as the case may be, within
such period as it may specify.
(4)If the local authority fails to comply with an order made under sub-section ( 3)
within the specified period or within such further time as the Central Government may allow,
the Central Government may exercise the power or perform the duty or make the requisite
financial provision, as the case may be, and the local authority shall be liable to reimburse to
the Central Government any expenditure incurred by it in so doing.
SECTION Section 93

Untitled Section

16.The Central Government may, at the request of a local authority, undertake the
superintendence and management of any local aids to navigation on its behalf, and the local
authority shall pay to the Central Government such sums to defray the cost of superintendence
and management, as may be agreed.
SECTION Section 94

Untitled Section

CHAPTER VII
O
BSTRUCTION TO FUNCTIONING OF AIDS TO NA VIGATION
SECTION Section 95

Untitled Section

17.(1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify
restrictions on activities that interfere with or obstruct the operation of any aid to navigation
within the specified distance of such aid to navigation.
(2)Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,
where the functioning of any aid to navigation or vessel traffic service is being obstructed,
directly or indirectly, the Central Government may, if it deems fit, issue such directions as may
be necessary for the removal or alteration of such obstruction.
SECTION Section 96

Untitled Section

CHAPTER VIII
T
RAINING AND CERTIFICA TION
SECTION Section 97

Untitled Section

18.(1) No person shall be allowed to operate or work on, including any ancillary
activities as may be prescribed, any aid to navigation in any place unless he holds a valid
training certificate certifying that such person has been trained in the operation of such aid
to navigation.
(2)No person shall be allowed to operate or work on, including any ancillary activities
as may be prescribed, a vessel traffic service in any place unless he holds a valid training
certificate certifying that such person has been trained in the operation of vessel traffic
services.
(3)A certificate of training issued under this Act shall be valid and effective throughout
the territory of India.
SECTION Section 98

Untitled Section

19.A certificate mentioned in sub-sections (1) and (2) of section 18 shall be issued by
an accredited training organisation referred to in section 20, in such form, subject to such
conditions and in such manner, as may be prescribed.
SECTION Section 99

Untitled Section

20.(1) The Central Government shall accredit training organisations for imparting
training to, or conduct assessments of, persons in the operation of aids to navigation and
vessel traffic services.
(2)The Central Government shall accredit such training organisations which meet the
criteria, as may be prescribed, for imparting training to trainees or conduct assessment of
persons in the operation of aids to navigation and vessel traffic services.