## Report on the Inland Vessels Life Saving Appliances Amendment Rules, 2025
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes the Inland Vessels Life Saving Appliances Amendment Rules, 2025, as published in the Gazette of India. This amendment modifies the Inland Vessels Life Saving Appliances Rules, 2022. The core purpose of this amendment, based on the provided text, is to refine the approval process for lifesaving appliances by clarifying the role of classification societies and the Mercantile Marine Department, and by providing additional clarity on tonnage calculation. The key findings highlight the introduction of "classification society" definition and the acceptance of International standards for life saving appliance.
**2. Introduction:**
The purpose of this report is to provide an informative overview of the Inland Vessels Life Saving Appliances Amendment Rules, 2025, based solely on the text provided in the official notification. This report aims to analyze the amendments and their potential impact on stakeholders.
**3. Policy Overview:**
This document amends the Inland Vessels Life Saving Appliances Rules, 2022. The core objective of the amendments, as inferred from the text, is to clarify and refine the standards and procedures for the approval and classification of life-saving appliances used on inland vessels.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
This amendment appears to address a need for clearer guidelines regarding the approval and certification of lifesaving appliances on inland vessels. The inclusion of a formal definition for "classification society" and the specifications concerning tonnage calculations for vessels of different sizes suggest an effort to standardize these aspects, potentially aiming to improve consistency and safety across the inland waterways sector.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
The following key changes are introduced by the amendment:
* **Change 1: Definition of "Classification Society"**: The amendment inserts a new clause (ab) in rule 2(1) defining "classification society" as a recognized organization within the meaning of clause (zo) of section 3 of the Act which is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies.
* **Original Policy Part Changed:** Rule 2, subrule 1.
* **New Rule:** Definition of Classification Society is introduced.
* **Effect of Change:** This provides a clear and specific definition, ensuring that only recognized and internationally affiliated organizations can act as classification societies. This could limit the number of recognized organizations.
* **Change 2: Explanation of Gross Tonnage Calculation**: The amendment inserts an explanation in rule 2(1) clause (c) to clarify how gross tonnage is to be calculated for vessels of different sizes, referencing the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969, for vessels of 24 meters or above, and the Merchant Shipping Tonnage Measurement of Ships Rules, 1987 for vessels less than 24 meters.
* **Original Policy Part Changed:** Rule 2, subrule 1, clause (c).
* **New Rule:** Specific methods for tonnage measurement introduced for vessels of different sizes.
* **Effect of Change:** This clarifies the method of tonnage calculation based on size of the vessel reducing ambiguity and ensuring consistent application of regulations.
* **Change 3: Approval of Lifesaving Appliances**: The amendment substitutes subrule 1 of rule 7, specifying that every lifesaving appliance shall be approved by the Classification Society or by the Mercantile Marine Department.
* **Original Policy Part Changed:** Rule 7, subrule 1.
* **New Rule:** Approval of Lifesaving appliance now to be approved by Classification Society or the Mercantile Marine Department.
* **Effect of Change:** The amendment makes clear that the approval of lifesaving appliances can be granted subject to compliance with the standards specified in a) the International Life Saving Appliance Code provided in the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974; or b) the International Organisation for Standardisation.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
Based on the text, the directly affected stakeholders include:
* Owners and operators of inland vessels.
* Classification societies involved in certifying vessels.
* The Mercantile Marine Department.
* Manufacturers and suppliers of life-saving appliances.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agencies/Bodies:** The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Classification Societies, and the Mercantile Marine Department.
* **Timelines/Procedures:** The rules came into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette (May 28th, 2025, as indicated in the document).
* **Implementation of Changes:** Classification Societies and the Mercantile Marine Department will need to update their procedures and standards to incorporate the new definition of "classification society," the clarified tonnage calculation methods, and revised approval process for lifesaving appliances.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The likely intended outcomes of these changes include:
* **Increased Clarity and Standardization:** The defined terminology and specification of tonnage calculation will reduce ambiguity in the application of the rules.
* **Enhanced Safety Standards:** By specifying international standards for life-saving appliances approval.
* **Improved Regulatory Oversight:** The clarification of roles and responsibilities may streamline the certification and approval process.
**9. Conclusion:**
The Inland Vessels Life Saving Appliances Amendment Rules, 2025, represents a refinement of existing regulations aimed at enhancing safety and standardization within the inland waterways sector. The clarification of key definitions, tonnage calculations, and approval processes for lifesaving appliances should contribute to a more consistent and effective regulatory framework. These changes are significant for vessel owners, operators, classification societies, and manufacturers of lifesaving equipment, as they establish clearer guidelines for compliance and certification.
Key Entities Referenced
Inland Vessels Life Saving Appliances First Amendment Rules, 2024: Draft rules published for amendment related to life saving appliances on inland vessels.
Inland Vessels Act, 2021: The Act under which the amendment rules are made; specifically, subsection 1 of section 106, section 51, section 98, and clauses of subsection 2 of section 106 are referenced.
Government of India: The governing body issuing the notification.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: The ministry responsible for the notification.
G.S.R. 349E: Notification number related to the draft amendment rules.
G.S.R. 673 E: Notification number, dated the 29th October, 2024, related to the draft amendment rules.
Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Subsection i: Official publication where the notification was published.
Central government: The governing body enacting the rules.
Inland Vessels Life Saving Appliances Rules, 2022: The rules being amended by the current notification.
Inland Vessels Life Saving Appliances Amendment Rules, 2025: The title of the rules established by this notification.
Official Gazette: The official publication where the rules will be published.
International Association of Classification Societies: An association of classification societies, relevant to the definition of 'classification society' within the rules.
International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969: A convention used to calculate the gross tonnage of vessels of 24 meters or above.
Merchant Shipping Tonnage Measurement of Ships Rules, 1987: Rules used to calculate the gross tonnage of vessels less than 24 meters.
Classification Society: An organization that approves lifesaving appliances under these rules.
Mercantile Marine Department: An organization that approves lifesaving appliances under these rules.
International Life Saving Appliance Code: A code provided in the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974.
Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974: A convention related to safety standards.
International Organisation for Standardisation: An international standards organization.
F. No. IWT11011912021IWT7: File number associated with the notification.
P. K. ROY: Jt. Secy. IWT. Likely an individual associated with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi110064: The printing and publishing location.
Controller of Publications, Delhi110054: The entity responsible for publishing the document.
28th May, 2025: Date of the notification.
JYAISTHA 7, 1947: Date in the Indian national calendar.
29th October, 2024: Date when the draft notification was published and made available to the public.
7th June, 2022: Date when the principal rules were published.
G.S.R. 425E: Notification number of the principal rules.
रजिस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
सी.जी.-डी.एल.-अ.-28052025-263447
CG-DxLx-xEG-I2D8H0x5x2x0 25-263447
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असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग II—खण्ड 3—उप-खण्ड (i)
PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (i)
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 306] नई दिल्ली, बधु वार, मई 28, 2025/ज्य ेष्ि 7, 1947
No. 306] NEW DELHI, WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2025/JYAISTHA 7, 1947
पत्तन, पोत पररवहन और िलमाग गमत्रं ालय
अजधसचू ना
नई दिल्ली, 28 मई, 2025
सा.का.जन. 349(अ).— अंतिेिीय िलयान (िीवन रक्षक उपकरण) (पहला संिोधन) जनयम, 2025 का प्रारूप,
अंतिेिीय िलयान अजधजनयम, 2021 (2021 का 24) की धारा 106 की उपधारा (1) की अपेक्षानुसार, भारत के रािपत्र,
असाधारण, भाग II, खंड 3, उपखंड (i), तारीख 29 अक्टूबर, 2024 म ेंभारत सरकार के पत् तन, पोत पररवहन और िलमाग ग
मंत्रालय की अजधसूचना स.ं सा.का.जन. 673(अ), तारीख 29 अक्टूबर, 2024 द्वारा उन सभी व् यजक्त यों स े जिनके उससे
प्रभाजवत होने की संभावना ह,ै ऐसी तारीख जिसको, उक्त अजधसूचना को अतं वर्लगत करने वाली रािपत्र की प्रजतया ं
िनसाधारण को उपलब् ध करवाई गई थीं, स े तीस दिन की अवजध की समाज त स े पूवग आक्षेप और सझु ाव आमंजत्रत करते हुए
प्रकाजित दकया गया था ;
उक्त रािपत्र अजधसूचना की प्रजतयां िनसाधारण को तारीख 29 अक्टूबर, 2024 को उपलब्ध करा िी गई थीं ;
और उक्त प्रारुप जनयमों के संबधं म ें केंद्रीय सरकार को िनसाधारण स े कोई आक्षेप और सझु ाव प्राप्त नहीं हुए थ े।
अत:, अब, केन्द द्रीय सरकार, अंतिेिीय िलयान अजधजनयम, 2021 की धारा 51 की उपधारा (1) और धारा 98 की
उपधारा (1) के खंड (ड.) के साथ परित धारा 106 की उपधारा (2) के खंड (यि) और खंड (ययक) द्वारा प्रित्त िजियों का
3484 GI/2025 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)]
प्रयोग करत े हुए अतं िेिीय िलयान (िीवन रक्षक उपकरण) जनयम, 2022 का संिोधन करने के जलए जनम्न जलजखत जनयम
बनाती ह,ै अथागत,् -
1. (1) इन जनयमों का संजक्ष त नाम अंतिेिीय िलयान (िीवन रक्षक उपकरण) संिोधन जनयम, 2025 ह ै।
(2) ये रािपत्र म ेंइनके प्रकािन की तारीख को प्रवृत् त होंग े ।
2. अंतिेिीय िलयान (िीवन रक्षक उपकरण) जनयम, 2022 (जिसे इसम ें इसके पश्चात् उि जनयम कहा गया ह)ै के
जनयम 2 के उपजनयम (1) म-ें
(क) खडं (क) के पश्चात ् जनम्नजलजखत खंड अन्दतःस्ट्थाजपत दकया िाएगा, अथागत,-
“(कख) “वगीकरण सोसायटी” स,े अजधजनयम की धारा 3 के खंड (यण) अथागन्दतगतग कोई ऐसा मान्दयताप्राप्त संगिन अजभप्रेत
ह,ै िो वगीकरण सोसायरटयों के अंतरागष्ट्रीय सगं म का सिस्ट्य ह ै;”;
(ख) खडं (ग) के पश्चात ्जनम्नजलजखत स्ट्पष्टीकरण अन्दतःस्ट्थाजपत दकया िाएगा, अथागत,-
“स्ट्पष्टीकरण- इस खंड के प्रयोिन के जलए, 24 मीटर स े अजधक के िलयानों के सकल टन भार की गणना पोतों के
टन भार माप के संबंध म ेंअतं राष्ट्रग ीय अजभसमय ,1969 के अनसु ार की िाएगी, िबदक 24 मीटर स ेकम के िलयानों के सकल
टन भार की गणना वाजणज्य नौवहन (पोतों के टन भार माप) जनयम, 1987 के जनयम 3 के अनुसार की िाएगी ;”;
3. उि जनयमों के जनयम 7 के उपजनयम (1) के स्ट्थान पर जनम्नजलजखत उपजनयम रखा िाएगा, अथातग :-
“(1) इन जनयमों के अधीन प्रत्यके िीवन रक्षक उपकरण को वगीकरण सोसायटी द्वारा या वाजणजज्यक समुद्री जवभाग द्वारा
अनुमोदित दकया िाएगा ।
(1क) यथाजस्ट्थजत, अनुमोिन या इसके स्ट्वरूप का अनुमोिन उपजनयम (1) के अधीन प्रिान दकया िाएगा िो जनम्नजलजखत
जवजनर्िष्टग मानकों के अनुपालन के अध्यधीन होगा-
(क) समुद्र म ें िीवन सुरक्षा के जलए अजभसमय, 1974 म ेंप्रित्त अंतरागष्ट्रीय िीवन रक्षक उपकरण सजं हता ; या
(ख) अंतरागष्ट्रीय मानकीकरण सगं िन ।”
[फा.स.ं आईडबल्यूटी-11011/91/2021- आईडबल्यूटी (7)]
पी के रॉय, संयुक्त सचिव (आईडब्ल्यूटी-II)
रटपण :- मूल जनयम भारत के रािपत्र, असाधारण, भाग II, खंड 3, उपखंड (i) तारीख 7 िून, 2022 म ेंअजधसूचना संखयाकं
सा.का.जन. 425(अ) तारीख 7 िून, 2022 द्वारा प्रकाजित दकए गए थ े।[भाग II—खण् ड 3(i)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 3
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 28th May, 2025
G.S.R. 349(E).— Whereas draft of the Inland Vessels (Life Saving Appliances) (First Amendment) Rules,
2024 were 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 number G.S.R. 673 (E), dated
the 29th October, 2024, in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (i), dated the 29th October,
2024, 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 Gazette containing the said notification were made available to the public;
And whereas copies of the said notification were made available to the public on 29th October, 2024;
And whereas no objections and suggestions were received from the public in respect of the said draft rules by
the Central government.
Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 51 and clause (e) of sub-
section (1) of section 98 read with clause (zl) and (zza) of sub-section (2) of section 106 of the Inland Vessels Act, 2021,
the Central Government hereby makes the following rules to amend the Inland Vessels (Life Saving Appliances) Rules,
2022, namely. –
1. (1) These rules may be called the Inland Vessels (Life Saving Appliances) Amendment Rules, 2025.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. In the Inland Vessels (Life Saving Appliances) Rules, 2022 (hereinafter referred to as the said rules), in rule 2, in
sub-rule (1),–
(a) after clause (a), the following clause shall be inserted,namely:–
“(ab) “classification society” means a recognised organisation within the meaning of clause (zo) of section 3 of
the Act which is a member of theInternational Association of Classification Societies;”;
(b) in clause (c), the following explanation shall be inserted, namely:–
“Explanation.– For the purposes of this clause, gross tonnage of vessels of 24 meters or above shall be calculated
according to the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969, whereas gross tonnage of
vessels less than 24 meters shall be calculated according to rule 3 of the Merchant Shipping (Tonnage
Measurement of Ships) Rules, 1987;”;
3. In rule 7 of the said rules, for sub-rule (1), the following sub-rulesshall be substituted, namely:–
“(1) Every life-saving appliance under these rules shall be approved by the Classification Society or by the
Mercantile Marine Department.
(1A)The approval or type-approval, as the case may be, shall be granted under sub-rule (1), subject to
compliance with the standards specified in–
(a) the International Life Saving Appliance Code provided in the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea,
1974; or
(b) the International Organisation for Standardisation.”.
[F. No. IWT-11011/91/2021-IWT(7)]
P. K. ROY, Jt. Secy. (IWT-II)
Note: The principal rules were published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (i),
dated the 7th June, 2022, vide notification number G.S.R. 425(E), dated the 7th June, 2022.
Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064
and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.