The Inland Vessels Act, 2021
Parliament enacted the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, Act No. 24 of 2021, dated 11 August 2021, to regulate inland vessels across India and promote safe, uniform and accountable inland water transport. It covers vessel construction, survey, registration, staffing, navigation, insurance, pollution, accidents and related administration. The text is current as on 30 June 2026 and records amendment by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026.
What the law governs
The Inland Vessels Act, 2021, Act No. 24 of 2021, dated 11 August 2021, applies throughout India. Parliament enacted it to support economical and safe inland water transport, establish uniform navigation law, protect life and cargo, prevent pollution and improve administrative transparency and accountability.
The Inland Vessels Act, 2021 is concerned with vessels plying in inland waters. Its stated scope does not deal with land ownership, land title or property transfers. It may still matter to people or businesses operating vessels, cargo terminals or other vessel services within inland waters.
Who is affected
The Inland Vessels Act, 2021 applies in different ways to:
- Mechanically propelled vessels registered under the legislation.
- Vessels registered under other Indian laws, or foreign laws, when endorsed or recognised for use within inland waterways.
- Special category vessels using inland waterways.
- Non-mechanically propelled inland vessels.
- Vessel owners, masters, crew, service providers, service users, insurers and authorities responsible for administration or enforcement.
The Central Government or the relevant State Government may extend a chapter or provision to another class of vessels or region of inland waters by notification in the Official Gazette.
Key provisions
The Inland Vessels Act, 2021 provides for:
- Declaration of inland water areas into zones.
- Administrative roles for the Central Government and State Governments, including competent and designated authorities.
- Survey, construction, alteration and classification of mechanically propelled vessels.
- Vessel registration, certificates, registry books and a central vessel database.
- Registration of vessel modifications, ownership transfer controls and vessel mortgages.
- Crew training, minimum age, manning requirements, examinations and competency certificates.
- Safety inspections and fitness certification for special category vessels.
- Navigation lights, signals, distress assistance, lifesaving equipment, fire safety and communications.
- Pollution prevention certificates, reception facilities, inspections and incident investigations.
- Wreck, salvage, liability, insurance, vessel detention and accident inquiries.
- Regulation of dangerous goods, trade permissions, pilotage, offences, penalties and appeals.
- Enrolment, marking, construction standards and safety requirements for non-mechanically propelled vessels.
Commencement and amendment status
The Inland Vessels Act, 2021 brought sections 1 and 106 into force on 16 February 2022. Sections 2 to 105 and 107 to 114 came into force on 7 June 2022. The supplied text is stated to be current as on 30 June 2026 and lists the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 as an amendment.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Does the Inland Vessels Act, 2021 affect the title to my property near an inland waterway?
The supplied text regulates inland vessels and navigation, not land ownership or title transfers. It may be relevant if the property is used for vessel operations, cargo loading or unloading, or related activities within inland waters.
Must a mechanically propelled inland vessel be registered?
The Inland Vessels Act, 2021 includes requirements for registration and a certificate of registration. It also covers vessel marking, duplicate and provisional certificates, modifications, suspension and cancellation.
Does the law cover boats without mechanical propulsion?
Yes. Chapter XVII applies to non-mechanically propelled inland vessels and covers enrolment, vessel marking, construction and safety standards, State Government regulation and a welfare fund.
When did the Inland Vessels Act, 2021 come into force?
Sections 1 and 106 came into force on 16 February 2022. Sections 2 to 105 and 107 to 114 came into force on 7 June 2022.
