**Summary:**
This document summarizes the response of the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2148, answered on August 1, 2025, regarding the Inland Vessel Manning Rules 2022. The question raised by Shri Shafi Parambil concerned the applicability of extensive training requirements under these rules to drivers of small houseboats used for tourism, particularly in Kerala, and the potential impact on their livelihoods.
The Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, stated that the Inland Vessels Manning Rules 2022, framed under Section 34 of the Inland Vessels Act 2021, specify training, qualification, and certification requirements for crews of mechanically propelled vessels operating in inland waters throughout India.
Furthermore, the Minister noted that after discussions with stakeholders, including Maritime Boards, Inland Water Transport Departments in States/UTs, and representatives from Kerala, draft rules for pleasure craft and canal cruise boats/houseboats are under finalization. This suggests a potential revision or addendum to the existing rules to address concerns related to these specific vessel categories.
Key Entities Referenced
Inland Vessel Manning Rules 2022: A set of regulations concerning the training, qualification, and certification of crews operating mechanically propelled vessels in inland waters throughout India.
SHRI SHAFI PARAMBIL: Member of Parliament who raised a question in the Lok Sabha regarding the Inland Vessel Manning Rules 2022.
PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for ports, shipping and waterways.
SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL: Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS answering the question in the Lok Sabha.
Inland Vessels Act 2021: An act of the Parliament of India related to inland vessels. Section 34 is mentioned in the context of powers conferred for the Inland Vessels Manning Rules, 2022.
Kerala: A state in India, specifically mentioned in relation to concerns about the impact of the Inland Vessel Manning Rules 2022 on houseboat drivers' livelihoods.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India, where the question regarding Inland Vessel Manning Rules was raised.
Maritime Boards: Governmental organizations responsible for maritime affairs, consulted regarding the draft pleasure craft and canal cruise boats houseboats rules.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2148
ANSWERED ON 01.08.2025
INLAND VESSEL MANNING RULES 2022
2148. SHRI SHAFI PARAMBIL:
Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state:
प(cid:517)न, पोत प(cid:303)रवहन एवं जलमाग(cid:330) मं(cid:361)ालय
(a) whether the extensive training under the Inland Vessel Manning Rules 2022
applies to the drivers of small houseboats generally used for tourism purpose, if so,
the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government is aware of the constraints caused by the mandatory
training rules on the livelihood of the small houseboat drivers in Kerala, if so, the
details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has revised the Inland Vessel Manning Rules, 2022 by
incorporating special short-term training for the small houseboat drivers; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
(SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)
(a) In exercise of the powers conferred under section 34 of the Inland Vessels Act
2021 (24 of 2021) and the Inland Vessels (Manning) Rules, 2022 framed thereunder,
the requirements for training, qualification and certification of crews for mechanically
propelled vessels operating in inland waters through out India have been provided.
(b) to (d) After discussions with stakeholders, Maritime Boards, Inland Water Transport
Departments in States/UTs including representatives from Kerala, draft pleasure craft
and canal cruise boats (houseboats) rules for these two categories of vessels are
under finalization.
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