Section 19 in National Waterways, Safety Of Navigation And Shipping Regulations, 2002
19. Instructions to the owner.-
(1)Owner of the vessel shall make sure that the vessel is riverworthy in all respect and has competent crew on it.(2)The owner shall(a)ensure that the vessel does not proceed on any voyage or be used for any service unless the vessel had a valid certificate of survey in force applicable for such voyage or service;(b)ensure that only qualified personnel with a valid certificate of competency certificate of service or licence are employed on board the vessel as master/serang, engineer or driver and the crew;(c)ensure that the crew provided is sufficiently huge and skilled to ensure the safety on those onboard and safe navigation;(d)provide insurance for his vessel against third party risks;(e)arrange displaying of the distinguishing mark (registration mark) in a conspicuous place;(f)ensure that the certificate of registration granted in respect of any vessel shall be used only for the lawful navigation of that vessel;(g)report alterations carried out in his vessel which do not correspond with the particulars relating to the vessel or the description entered in the certificate of registration to the registering authority;(h)if it is an abandoned vessel, in the naviagable channel, make arrangements for immediate marking of the vessel to avoid danger to other vessels;(i)make arrangements for the removal of a vessel from the navigation channel as early as possible or as directed by the competent officer;(j)forthwith give notice to the nearest competent officer, whenever-(i)a vessel has been wrecked, abandoned or materially damaged;(ii)any casualty happening to or on board any vessel, including loss of life, material damage to any other vessel or structures;(iii)a vessel has spilled oil into National Waterway.(3)If an owner fails to remove a vessel under clause (h) of sub-regulation (2), the Competent Officer shall cause the removal of such vessel and recover the cost of such removal from the owner.
