Full Text
REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
The Gazette of India
CG-DL-E-24092025-266347
EXTRAORDINARY
PART II-Section 3-Sub-section (i)
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
NEW DELHI, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2025/BHADRA 31, 1947
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 22nd September, 2025
G.S.R. 704(E).— The draft of the Inland Vessels (Special Category Vessels: Wooden, GRP/FRP
and Similar Material) Rules, 2025, which the Central Government proposes to make, in exercise of the
powers conferred under sub-section (1) and (2) of section 42 and clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 98
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 psw-usiwt2@gov.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: Wooden, GRP/FRP and Similar Materials) 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) "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.
(c) "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;
(d) "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.
(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 mechanically propelled inland vessels shall be classified as
special category vessel for the purposes of these rules, on the basis of their construction material-
(a) vessel constructed, whether wholly or substantially (40% or more of the structural weight) of
wood;
(b) vessel constructed, whether wholly or substantially (40% or more of the structural weight) of glass-
reinforced plastic (GRP), fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP), or other analogous composite materials,
including but not limited to high-speed crafts, landing crafts, hovercrafts, hydrofoils, and small
waterplane area twin hull (SWATH) vessels;
Provided that these rules shall not apply to Pleasure Craft and Canal Cruise Boats covered under the Inland
Vessels (Special Category: Pleasure Craft and Canal Cruise Boats) Rules, 2025.
(2) The following rules and its subsequent amendments shall apply to the vessels designated as special
category vessels in sub rule (1)-
(a) Inland Vessels (Registration and Other Technical Issues) Rules, 2022;
(b) Inland Vessels (Survey and Certification) Rules, 2022;
(c) Inland Vessels (Firefighting appliances) Rules, 2022;
(d) Inland Vessels (Life savings appliances) Rules, 2022;
(e) Inland Vessels (Prevention and containment of pollution) Rules, 2022;
(f) Inland Vessels (Safe Navigation, communication, and signals) Rules, 2022;
(g) Inland Vessels (Manning) Rules, 2022;
(h) Inland Vessels (Insurance, Limitation of Liability and Obligations of Service Providers and Service
Users) Rules, 2022;
(i) Inland Vessels (Central Database and Allied Matters) Rules, 2024; and
Inland Vessels (Prior Approval for Alteration and Modification), Rules 2025.
(3) Standards for design and construction-
(a) the provisions contained in Chapters II to IV and Chapter IX of the Inland Vessels (Design and
Construction) Rules, 2024, as amended, insofar as they are applicable for the vessel designated as
special category vessel in sub rule (1).
(b) alternatively, in lieu of any of the provisions in above mentioned rules, designated authority may
consider the standards, as specified by the:
(i) Bureau of Indian Standards or International Standards Organization; or
(ii) a classification society
(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) The vessel identified as special category vessel pursuant to sub-rule (1), shall be designed, constructed,
and maintained under the survey and supervision of the authority, in accordance with rule 4 of the Inland
Vessels (Design and Construction) Rules, 2024 and its subsequent amendments, based on the
categorization applicable to these vessels:
Provided that, in case the owner of the vessel willingly decides to have the vessel constructed and
maintained under the survey of a Classification Society, the survey carried out by such Classification
Society shall be in addition to the survey carried out by the designated authority or by such person or
organization as may be delegated by the State Government under sub-section (4) of section 12 of the Act.
(5) All existing vessels constructed of wooden, GRP, FRP or similar materials and operating before the date
of final publication of these rules shall comply with rule 5 of the Inland Vessels (Design and Construction)
Rules, 2024, as amended.
(6) 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 provisions of
rules mentioned under sub-section (2) and those special category rules to the extent they are not
inconsistent.
(b) the competent authority shall determine the principal classification of the vessel based on dominant
functionality, risk profile, and construction; however, the certificate of fitness shall have mention of
all other special category rules and their extent of application on these vessels.
(c) the more stringent of applicable standards of these rules shall prevail unless exempted by the
designated authority.
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 by the respective State Government.
(b) the maximum carrying capacity of the vessel shall be determined by such criteria as may be
prescribed by the State Government, 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.
(d) the designated authority may, in respect of these vessels, grant exemption from the requirement of
collision bulkheads, provided that alternate safety measures, deemed adequate and appropriate by
the authority, are duly implemented to ensure equivalent or enhanced safety standards.
(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) A model format of the application for certificate of fitness in Form No. 2 and the certificate of
fitness in Form No. 3 is annexed for reference and adoption by State Governments for uniformity
with these rules.
(c) Upon an application made by the owner, operator, or master of any mechanically propelled inland
vessel, as per Form 2 of these rules, the authorized officer shall, 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,
(v) issue a certificate of fitness indicating the carrying capacity of the vessel, as per Form 3 of
these rules.
(d) The certificate of fitness shall be issued subject to fulfillment of such conditions as may be
prescribed by the State Government, 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; and
(v) operational restrictions.
(e) The State Government or designated authority shall notify requirements based on operational area
risk assessments of these vessels as specified in Inland Vessels (National River Traffic and
Navigation System) Rules, 2025 while issuing certificate of fitness.
(f) A model format of the application for certificate of fitness in Form No. 2 and the certificate of
fitness in Form No. 3 is annexed for reference and adoption by State Governments for uniformity
with these rules.
(g) 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 (6) 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) Inter-state data exchange mechanism 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 as per the provision contained
in clause (f) of section 3, section 22, clauses (a), (o) and, (zza) of sub-section (2) of section 106,
and section 108 of the Act.
(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 within a period twelve months from the date of notification of these rules in the Official
Gazette.
(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 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 of all relevant provisions of the Act and rules framed
there under 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) Survey Certificate.
(iii) Insurance Policy.
(iv) Fitness Certificate.
(v) Prevention of Pollution Certificate.
(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 as per provision under section 110 of
the Act
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
____________ [Age], residing at _____________________ being the owner of the vessel described
below, hereby solemnly declare and affirm as follows:
1. Vessel Details:
(i). Name of Vessel: _____________________
(ii). Type of Vessel [e.g., Passenger, Cargo, Dredger, Survey, etc.]: _____________________
(iii). Hull Identification Number (if available): _____________________
(iv). Material of Construction [e.g., Steel, GRP/FRP, Wood, etc.]: _____________________
(v). Length Over All (LOA): ____________ meters
(vi). Breadth (B): ____________ meters
(vii). Depth (D): ____________ meters
(viii). Draft: ____________ meters
(ix). Year of Construction [YYYY]: ____________
(x). Place of Construction [Workshop/Shipyard Name and Address]: _____________________
(xi). 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 competent
authority.
Place: ____________________ [City/Town] ____________________
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 × B × D) ___________ m × ___________ m × ___________ m
Draft ___________ m
Year of Build ___________
Engine Details (if applicable)___________
Operational Area :___________
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 _____________________
Operational Area _____________________
2. Principal Particulars
Particular Details
Length Overall (LOA) ___________ m
Breadth ___________ m
Depth ___________ m
Particular Details
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:
(a) Safety equipment requirements as per categorization
(b) Buoyancy and floatation adequacy
(c) Load line markings affixed and verified (☐ Yes ☐ Not Applicable)
(d) Engine and propulsion systems (where applicable)
(e) Navigational and structural safety
(f) Fire and life-saving appliances
4. Conditions of Operation (if any):
☐ Restricted to fair weather/daylight operations
Max 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: |
(iv)............... | |
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-12011/6/2025-IWT-II]
P. K. Roy,Jt. Secy. (IWT-II)