Minister of State for Shipping Milind Deora introduced an amendment bill for the Merchant Shipping Act 1958 in the Parliament.
The government wants to amend the Act to provide for the enforcement of the anti-fouling systems (AFS) Convention 2001. Under the global convention, a list of harmful anti-fouling systems was prepared.
The amendment would make it mandatory for Indian flag vessels to comply with Anti-Fouling Systems and to obtain a certificate of compliance thereof.
This will enable the vessels to engage in international shipping activities without having to approach government of other countries, who have ratified the Convention for such certificates. The Bill further provides for the levy of the penalty for non-compliance of the provisions of the Convention.
In 1958, the government introduced Merchant Shipping Act to ensure development and efficient maintenance of the Indian mercantile marine in a manner best suited to serve the national interest.
The Act has been amended from time to time in light of the experience gained in its implementation and also to give effect to the provisions of various International Conventions to which India has acceded.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.