Notification of Inland Vessels Special Category Vessels Autonomous and Semi Autonomous Rules 2025

REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99 The Gazette of India CG-DL-E-21102025-267059 EXTRAORDINARY PART II-Section 3-Sub-section (i) PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY NEW DELHI, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2025/ASVINA 23, 1947 No. 670] MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 14th October, 2025 G.S.R. 754(E).—The draft of the Inland Vessels (Special Category Vessels: Autonomous and Semi-Autonomous) Rules, 2025, which the Central Government proposes to make, in exercise of the powers conferred under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 98 and sub-section (1) and (2) of section 42 read with clause (zh) of sub-section (2) of section 106 of the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, is hereby published as required by sub-section (1) of section 106 of the said Act for information of all persons likely to be affected thereby; and notice is hereby given that the said draft rules shall be taken into consideration after the expiry of thirty days from the date on which the copies of this notification, as published in the Official Gazette, are made available to the public; Objections or suggestions, if any, to these draft rules may be sent to the Director (IWT-II), Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Room No. 545, Transport Bhawan, 1-Parliament Street, New Delhi-110001, or by email at dircoord2-psw@gov.in and naveen.deswal@nic.in within the period specified above; The objections or suggestions which may be received from any person concerning the said draft rules, within the period so specified will be considered by the Central Government. DRAFT RULES 1. Short title and commencement. (1) These Rules may be called the Inland Vessels (Special Category Vessels: Autonomous and Semi-Autonomous) Rules, 2025. (2) These rules shall come into force on the date of their final publication in the Official Gazette. 2. Definitions. - (1) In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires - (a) "Act" means the Inland Vessels Act, 2021 (24 of 2021); (b) “autonomous vessels” means a mechanically propelled inland vessel that operates without onboard crew or significantly reduced manning and is remotely monitored and/or controlled; (c) "classification society” means a recognized organization within the meaning of clause (zo) of section 3 of the Act, which is a member of International Association of Classification Societies; (d) "control centre" means a designated shore-based facility responsible for the real-time monitoring and control of autonomous or semi-autonomous vessels; (e) "fair season" means the period showing fair conditions of wind and sea as may be specified by the Directorate General of Shipping, India or by such other authority as may be prescribed by Central Government; (f) "foul season” means the period showing foul conditions of wind and sea as may be specified by the Directorate General of Shipping, India or by such other authority as may be prescribed by Central Government; and (g) “semi-autonomous vessels” means a mechanically propelled inland vessel that incorporates centralized or advanced automated systems but retains onboard crew for operation and supervision; (2) Words and expressions used and not defined in these rules but defined in the Act, shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Act. 3. Scope and application. - (1) The following classes of mechanically propelled inland vessels shall be considered as special category vessels, considering their design, construction, and purpose: (a) Fully autonomous inland vessels which are remotely monitored and/or controlled; (b) Semi-autonomous inland vessels with centralized control systems and onboard crew. (2) The requirements in the Inland Vessels rules framed under the Act shall apply to special category vessels identified pursuant to sub-rule (1). (3) Standards for design and construction- (a) The standards for design and construction of these vessels shall be governed by Inland Vessels (Design and construction) Rules, 2024, as amended. (b) The automation related components or other components of such vessels not covered under sub rule 3(a) shall be designed, and constructed in accordance with the standards specified by: (i) Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS); or (ii) a classification society; or (iii) International Standards Organisation (c) The owner shall furnish a declaration regarding standards for design and construction followed, in Form No. 1 of these rules to the designated authority or such person or organization, as may be delegated by the State Government under sub-section (4) of section 12 of the Act. (4) Manning- (a) The manning requirements for these special category vessels shall be determined based on a risk-based assessment conducted by the designated authority, taking into account: (i) the level of automation; (ii) the operating zone; (iii) the type of operation (cargo, passenger, survey or otherwise); (iv) the duration of the voyage; and (v) the availability and adequacy of redundancy systems. (b) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (3), semi-autonomous vessels shall carry at least one Master, one Engine Driver, and one GP Rating in accordance with the manning scale prescribed under section 4, sub-section (3) of the Inland Vessels (Manning) Rules, 2022, as amended. Provided that the designated authority may reduce the crew requirement, other than the Master, for such vessels: (i) based on the zone of operation; and (ii) if the voyage duration is less than four hours. (iii) vessel safety and stability (iv) navigation and communication reliability; and (v) compliance with the applicable provisions of the Act and rules made thereunder. (c) Autonomous vessels shall operate without onboard crew subject to remote monitoring and shore based support in accordance with approval by designated authority. (d) The training and certification requirements for crew operating or supervising special category vessels shall be: (i) as per the Inland Vessels (Manning) Rules, 2022, as amended; and (ii) subject to any additional training, experience, or skill requirements that the competent authority may prescribe from time to time. (e) In cases where crew are not physically present onboard, it shall be mandatory to maintain continuous communication systems, and real-time monitoring infrastructure between the vessel and the designated control centre. (5) Survey and Certification- The vessel identified as special category vessel pursuant to sub-rule (1), shall be designed, constructed, and maintained under the survey of a classification society, notwithstanding anything contained in rule 4 of the Inland Vessels (Design and Construction) Rules, 2024, as amended. (6) Threshold of Compliance for Special Category Vessels- (a) All existing semi-autonomous and autonomous inland vessels operating prior to the commencement of these rules shall continue to comply with the requirements that were applicable before the coming into force of these rules; Provided that where such a vessel undergoes a major conversion, modification, or replacement of its navigation systems, propulsion systems, control architecture, or automated components, the provisions of these rules shall apply to the altered systems or components. (b) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (a), all such existing vessels shall within two years from the date of commencement of these rules, comply with the provisions relating to: (i) stability information and calculation of freeboard; as specified under rules 13 and 15 of Inland Vessels (Design and construction) Rules, 2024, as amended. (ii) redundancy, communication, and fail-safe mechanisms. (c) Every new semi-autonomous or autonomous inland vessel shall be: (i) designed, constructed, equipped, maintained, and operated in full compliance with the provisions of these rules; and (ii) assessed for fitness for intended service by the designated authority, taking into account the level of autonomy, zone of operation, and type of service. (d) No certificate of survey shall be issued under the Act to any new semi-autonomous or autonomous inland vessel unless such vessel is in full compliance with the applicable design, construction, automation, navigation, safety, and control standards specified in these rules. (7) Harmonization with other special category rules and regulatory frameworks- a. Where a vessel is designated as a special category vessel under these rules and is also governed by other special category rules framed under the Act, it shall comply with all applicable rules to the extent they are not inconsistent. b. The Designated Authority or authorities appointed under Section 43 of the Act shall determine the principal classification of the vessel based on dominant functionality, risk profile, and construction; however, the certificate of fitness in Form No. 3 appended to these rules shall have mention of all other special category rules and their extent of application on these vessels. 4. Certification and statutory requirements.- The vessel identified as special category vessel pursuant to sub-rule (1) of rule 3, shall ensure following compliances - (1) Safety Measures and Load line Requirements: (a) The vessel shall be provided with safety gear and equipment in accordance with its area of operation as prescribed in these rules. (b) The maximum carrying capacity of the vessel shall be determined by such criteria as may be prescribed in these rules, which may include but not limited to: (i) the specification of a safety load line or load line limits to ensure buoyancy; (ii) other condition necessary to ensure the safe voyage of such vessel, in addition to those provided elsewhere under the Act. (c) The maximum carrying capacity of the vessel shall be endorsed in the certificate of fitness. (2) Appointment of officers and grant of certificate of fitness: - The State Government shall appoint or authorize such number of officers, as may be necessary for the purpose of implementation and enforcement of the provisions under the Chapter VII of the Act and these rules. (a) The authorized officer shall be empowered to: (i) receive and process applications for fitness certification of these vessels; (ii) conduct inspections and surveys; (iii) issue, suspend, or cancel certificates of fitness; and (iv) record and maintain reasons for refusal, suspension, cancellation, or other enforcement actions taken under these rules. (b) Upon an application made by the owner, operator, or master of any mechanically propelled inland vessel, as per Form No. 2 appended to these Rules, the authorized officer shall issue a certificate of fitness indicating the carrying capacity of the vessel, upon being satisfied that the vessel: (i) meets the prescribed safety, structural, and stability standards; (ii) is equipped with the requisite safety equipment; (iii) bears appropriate load line markings, as applicable; and (iv) complies with the provisions of the Inland Vessels Act, 2021 and these rules, (c) The certificate of fitness in Form No. 3 appended to these rules shall be issued subject to fulfilment of such conditions as may be prescribed in these rules, which may include but not limited to: (i) possession of a valid survey and insurance certificate; (ii) payment of applicable fees; (iii) procedures for renewal (iv) inspection requirements, including annual or such other periodicity as may be specified by the State Government over and above the Inland Vessels Survey and Certification Rules 2022 as amended; and (v) operational restrictions. (d) A model format of the application for certificate of fitness in Form No. 2 appended to these rules and the certificate of fitness in Form No. 3 appended to these rules is annexed for reference and adoption by State Governments for uniformity with these rules. (e) Single certificate of fitness for multiple special category rules: Wherever a vessel falls within the jurisdiction of more than one set of Special Category Vessel Rules, a single Certificate of Fitness shall be issued in respect thereof. This certificate shall incorporate the requirements and in accordance with sub-rule (7) of rule 3 of these rules. (3) Inter-State Operation and powers/responsibilities: (a) the home State shall be the sole authority for issuing the certificate of fitness for a special category vessel. (b) Such vessels holding a valid certificate of fitness issued by the home State shall be permitted to operate in any other State, without requiring a duplicate or separate certification from other State, provided that: (i) the certificate of fitness issued by the home State is accepted by the State in which the vessel is intended to be operated; and (ii) prior intimation is given to the intended State of operation, and any conditions imposed by that State are duly complied with. (c) The Central Government shall facilitate Inter-state data exchange mechanisms for the validation and verification of Certificates of Fitness issued by the home State, shall be through 'Jalyan' and 'Navic', Central database portal, developed under the Act and Inland Vessels (Central Database and Allied Matters) Rules 2024, enabling seamless operation of special category vessels across States. (4) Inspection by Surveyor: - (a) A surveyor appointed under the Act, other than for the purpose of a scheduled survey, may at any reasonable time, board a special category vessel for the purpose of inspection. Such inspection may include, but not be limited to, examination of: (i) the hull; (ii) equipment; (iii) machinery; and (iv) any part or properties of the vessel. (b) The owner, operator, agent, master, or any person in charge of the vessel shall: (i) provide all necessary access and facilities to the surveyor for conducting the inspection or survey; and (ii) furnish such information regarding the vessel, its machinery, equipment, or any part thereof, as the surveyor or any authorized officer may reasonably require. (5) Enforcement of Compliance and Suspension or Cancellation of Certificate of Fitness: - (a) A vessel identified as a special category vessel pursuant to these rules shall obtain the certificate of fitness in Form No. 2 appended to these rules within a period of twelve months from the date of commencement of these rules. (b) If any mechanically propelled inland vessel identified as a special category vessel under these rules is found to be in non-compliance with the provisions of the Act or the rules made thereunder, the State Government may issue a notice of rectification to the owner, operator, master, or person in charge of the vessel, specifying the nature of non-compliance and the time within which such rectification must be completed. (c) In the event that the non-compliance continues beyond the time specified in the notice issued under sub-section (1) of section 46 of the Act the State Government may after giving the concerned person an opportunity to be heard and recording reasons in writing suspend or cancel the Certificate of Fitness granted to such vessel under these rules. (d) A vessel whose certificate of fitness has been suspended or cancelled under sub-section (2) of section 46 of the Act shall: (i) cease to operate until such suspension is revoked; or (ii) in the event of cancellation, cease to operate until a new certificate of fitness in Form No. 3 appended to these rules is granted in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. (6) Appeal: - State Government shall appoint an appellate authority for grievance redressal under these rules. An aggrieved applicant may file an appeal against the decision of refusal, suspension or cancellation of fitness certificate to the designated appellate authority of the State Government within 30 days from the date of communication of such order. 5. Obligations of the Owner of vessel. – (1) Safe operation of vessel - Subject to compliance with safe operating conditions, the owner shall adhere to the operational conditions specified in the certificate of fitness granted by the authorized officer of State Government. (2) Penalties for Non-Compliance- (a) The owner of the vessel shall ensure compliances with all relevant provisions of the Act and rules framed thereunder applicable to them in addition to these rules. The following valid documents are mandatory for these vessels for plying in Inland Waters: (i) Certificate of Registration; (ii) Certificate of Survey; (iii) Insurance Policy; (iv) Certificate of Fitness; and (v) Certificate of Prevention of Pollution. (b) The owner shall make available all the above requisite documents at all times and shall produce the same on demand to the officers or authorities appointed by the State Government under relevant provisions of the Act. (c) Failure to comply with any provision of these rules shall render the owner liable to penalties, fines, or other actions as may be imposed under section 87 of the Inland Vessels Act, 2021. 6. Power to Remove Difficulties. - The Central Government may, by order in the Official Gazette, issue directions to remove any difficulty in implementation of these rules. Form No. 1 DECLARATION BY OWNER REGARDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARD FOR THE VESSEL To The Surveyor/Designated Authority, [Insert Name of State/UT Maritime Board or Authorized Entity].......................... [Insert Address]......................................................................................... Date (DD/MM/YYYY): ................................................................................. Subject: Declaration on Compliance with Design and Construction Standards of the Vessel I, ............................... son/daughter of .................................[Father's/Mother's Name], aged ............years, residing at ......................................................being the owner of the vessel described below, hereby solemnly declare and affirm as follows: 1. Vessel Details: ii Name of Vessel: ...................................................................................... iii Type of Vessel [e.g., Passenger, Cargo, Dredger, Survey, etc.]: .......................... iv Hull Identification Number (if available): .................................................... V Material of Construction [e.g., Steel, GRP/FRP, Wood, etc.]: .......................... vi Length Over All (LOA): ........................meters vii Breadth (B): ........................meters viii Depth (D): ........................meters ix Draft: ........................meters X Year of Construction [YYYY]: ..................................................................... xi Place of Construction [Workshop/Shipyard Name and Address]: ...................... xii Builder's Name [If applicable]: ................................................................. 2. I hereby declare that the above-mentioned vessel has been designed and constructed in accordance following standards: ......................................................................... 3. I undertake full responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided and compliance with the statutory design and construction standards. I am aware that any false statement or misrepresentation may lead to penalties, cancellation of registration, or other legal consequences under the Act. 4. I shall ensure that the vessel is maintained in seaworthy condition and will not undergo any structural alterations or modifications without obtaining prior approval from the designated authority. Place:..................................................................................................... Date [DD/MM/YYYY]: .............................................................................. Signature of the Owner: ........................................... Name of the Owner: ........................................... Mobile Number: ........................................... Email ID: ........................................... Address: ........................................... Form No. 2 APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS (Under Section 43(2) of the Inland Vessels Act, 2021) To: The Authorised Officer [Name of Port/State IWT/MB] ................................................................. [Address] .......................................................................................... 1. Vessel and Ownership Details Particular | Details ----------------------------+-------------------------------------------------- Name of the Vessel | Registration Number (if any)| Name of Owner/Operator | Address of Owner/Operator | Contact Details | 2. Vessel Specifications Particular | Details ----------------------------+-------------------------------------------------- Type of Vessel | ☐ Passenger ☐ Cargo ☐ Others: Hull Material | ☐ Steel ☐ Wooden ☐ GRP ☐ FRP ☐ Composite ☐ Others: Propulsion Type | ☐ OBM ☐ Inboard Engine Engine Type | ☐Diesel/Petrol ☐ Electric-Battery Powered ☐ CNG/LNG ☐ | Hydrogen ☐ Methanol ☐ Others: Dimensions (L x B x D) | ______m × ______m × ______m Draft | ______m Year of Build | Engine Details (if | applicable) | Operational Area | : 3. Purpose of Application ☐ Initial Certification ☐ Renewal of Certificate No. 4. Special Category Endorsement: i. ........................................ (e.g. Material Based) ii. ........................................ (e.g. Fuel Based) iii. ........................................ (e.g. autonomous/semiautonomous/others) 5. Declaration: I hereby declare that the details provided above are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and I shall comply with the provisions of the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, and the Rules made thereunder. All required safety gear, machinery, and operational conditions are in conformity with applicable standards. Signature of Owner/Operator: Date: ______/______/20______ Place: Form No 3 CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS FOR SPECIAL CATEGORY VESSEL (Issued under Section 43(2) of the Inland Vessels Act, 2021) Certificate No.: Date of Issue: ______/______/20______ Valid Until: ______/______/20______ Issuing Authority: 1. Vessel Identification Particular | Details ----------------------------+-------------------------------------------------- Name of Vessel | Registration Number | Owner/Operator Name | & Address | Hull Material | ☐ Steel ☐ Wooden ☐ GRP ☐ FRP ☐ Composite ☐ Others: Propulsion Type | ☐ OBM ☐ Inboard Engine Engine Type | ☐ Diesel/Petrol ☐ Electric-Battery Powered ☐ CNG/LNG ☐ | Hydrogen ☐ Methanol ☐ Others: Type of Vessel | Operation Area | 2. Principal Particulars Particular | Details ----------------------------+-------------------------------------------------- Length Overall (LOA) | ........m Breadth | ........m Depth | ........m Draft | ........m Engine Type & Power | Passenger Capacity (if any) | ........persons Cargo Capacity (if any) | ........MT 3. Safety Compliance & Load Line The vessel has been surveyed and found compliant with: • Safety equipment requirements as per categorization • Buoyancy and floatation adequacy • Load line markings affixed and verified (☐ Yes ☐ Not Applicable) • Engine and propulsion systems (where applicable) • Navigational and structural safety • Fire and life-saving appliances 4. Conditions of Operation (if any) ☐ Restricted to fair weather/daylight operations ☐ Maximum persons allowed: ☐ Max cargo load: ______MT ☐ Operational area limited to: ☐ Others: 5. Certification: I hereby certify that the vessel described above has been inspected and is fit for operation as a Special Category Vessel in accordance with the provisions of the Inland Vessels Act, 2021 and the rules made thereunder. +--------------------+-----------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ | Category | Criteria | Details/Remarks | +====================+=====================================================+=================+ | (i) Material-Based | ☐ Wooden ☐ GRP ☐ FRP ☐ Other: | | +--------------------+-----------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ | (ii) Fuel-Based | ☐ Electric-Battery Powered ☐CNG/LNG ☐Hydrogen ☐ | | | | Methanol ☐ Others: | | +--------------------+-----------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ | (iii) Technology- | ☐ Autonomous ☐ Semi-Autonomous ☐ Remote-Operated | | | Based | ☐ Other: | | +--------------------+-----------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ Surveyor's Name: Designation: Signature and Seal: Date: ______/______/20______ Note: This certificate shall be carried on board at all times. Any alteration to the structure, machinery, or configuration without prior survey and approval shall render this certificate invalid. [F. No. IWT-II-12011/5/2025-IWT-II] P. K. ROY, Jt. Secy. (IWT-II)