The Marine Aids To Navigation Bill, 2021 Passed
The Marine Aids To Navigation Bill, 2021 Passed
Recently the Marine Aids to Navigation Bill 2021 has been passed by the Parliament.
The Bill replaces the ‘Lighthouse Act’, 1927 to incorporate best global practices, technological developments and India’s international obligations under –
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 and, The International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA)
Salient feature:
- Navigation and onboard support have been defined based on the state-of-the-art technologies of maritime navigation including interactive shipping services.
- Director General of Aids to Navigation and Central Advisory Committee shall be appointed to advise the Central Government on matters relating to aid to navigation.
- Presently, the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, provides support for maritime navigation.
- Any lamppost that aids navigation shall be designated as a Heritage Lighthouse, assisting in the development of lighthouses for educational, cultural and tourism purposes.
- It prescribes fines and punishments for offenses committed with intent to obstruct or cause damage to any aid in navigation. Training and certification will be provided for the handling of any support for shipping and shipping services.
Lighthouses: Lighthouses are constructed on shore or at sea level to assist in maritime navigation, to warn seafarers of hazards, to know their location and to transport them to their destination.
Source – PIB
[catlist]
