[Shipping Ministry Notification
G.S.R. 562(E) dated 3 July, 2026]
The Ministry of Ports,
Shipping and Waterways has notified the Inland
Vessels (Prior Approval for Alteration or Modification) Rules, 2026,
which came into force on 3
July 2026. The rules require vessel owners and operators to
obtain prior approval before carrying out significant alterations or
modifications affecting the safety, stability or structural integrity of inland
vessels.
·
The
Rules have been framed under the Inland
Vessels Act, 2021 after considering public comments on the
draft rules published in July 2025.
·
They
apply to major alterations
or modifications including:
o substantial changes in vessel dimensions
or capacity;
o change in vessel type or primary function;
o increase or decrease in gross tonnage by
more than 10%;
o change in propulsion system, main engine
or fuel type;
o substantial extension of service life;
o modifications affecting subdivision; and
o changes affecting watertight or
weathertight integrity.
·
Vessel
owners or operators proposing such modifications must submit an application to the designated authority
specifying the nature and scope of the proposed alteration before undertaking
any work.
·
The
designated authority will evaluate the proposal for its impact on vessel safety, strength, stability and
structural integrity and may order an independent technical assessment
by a naval architect, marine engineer, surveyor or classification society,
where necessary.
·
Alterations
must comply with the Inland
Vessels (Design and Construction) Rules, 2024, including
applicable safety and design standards.
·
Where
modifications may affect vessel
safety or the environment, the designated authority may require
a comprehensive safety
assessment and implementation of mitigation measures.
·
Vessels
maintained under the survey of a classification
society must also notify the concerned classification society
before undertaking such modifications.
·
On
approval, the designated authority will issue a Certificate of Prior Approval, which must
be displayed onboard the
vessel at all times. The vessel owner must also complete any
required recording of the alteration or re-registration under the Inland Vessels (Registration and other
Technical Issues) Rules, 2022.
·
Minor
alterations or modifications
not requiring prior approval must nevertheless be reported in writing within 30 days
to the designated authority in the prescribed form.
·
Approval
for alterations or modifications will be granted only if they:
o ensure the safety of the vessel, crew,
passengers and the environment;
o maintain or enhance the vessel's
structural integrity and stability; and
o undergo a stability analysis where
stability is affected, with operations remaining within approved stability
limits.
·
The
Rules also prescribe a standard
application form requiring details of the proposed
modification, supporting technical documents, registration certificate, proof
of fee payment and a declaration by the vessel owner.