The Bill provides a dedicated legal framework for coastal trade and regulate all types of vessels, including ships, boats, sailing vessels, and mobile offshore drilling units.
Key Provisions of Bill
- License for Coasting Trade: It removes the requirement of trading license for Indian vessels while foreign vessels require a license issued by the Director General of Shipping (DGS).
- Coasting trade refers to the carriage of goods or passengers by sea from one place or port in India to another.
- Strategic Plan and Database: It mandates the formulation of a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan (revised biennially) and formation of a National Database for Coastal Shipping.
- Authority to DGS: It grants DGS the authority to seek information, issue directions, and enforce compliance.
- Central Government: It empowers the Central Government to provide exemptions and regulatory oversight, ensuring streamlined and efficient coastal shipping operations in India.
Significance
- Decongest road and rail network by propelling inland waterways and riverine economies.
- Reducing dependence on foreign vessels for critical areas by developing a coastal fleet owned and operated by Indian entities.
- Reduced Logistics cost, promotes green transport and regional development of coastal areas.
