The Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021.
The Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021, is a law enacted by the Indian Parliament to provide a modern legal framework for the development, maintenance, and management of marine navigation aids in India. The Act came into force on July 31, 2021, and replaced the outdated Lighthouse Act, 1927.
Key Provisions and Objectives of the Act:
Modernization: The Act aims to move beyond the traditional concept of lighthouses as the sole aid to navigation. It incorporates modern technologies and services, such as:
Vessel Traffic Services (VTS): A service that monitors and manages vessel traffic to enhance safety and efficiency and protect the environment.
DGPS (Differential Global Positioning System): A system that improves the accuracy of GPS readings for maritime navigation.
Radar Beacons: Devices that respond to radar signals from vessels, providing them with their position.
Repeal of the Lighthouse Act, 1927: The new Act repeals the 94-year-old Lighthouse Act, which was deemed insufficient to address the technological advancements and modern needs of the maritime sector.
Institutional Framework:
Director General of Aids to Navigation: The Act establishes a Director General who is responsible for advising the central government and overseeing the management of marine navigation aids.
Central Advisory Committee (CAC): The government can appoint a CAC with members representing affected interests and special knowledge to provide advice on matters related to marine aids to navigation.
Training and Certification: The Act mandates training and certification for operators of marine navigation aids and vessel traffic services to ensure they meet international standards.
Marine Aids to Navigation Dues: The Act provides for the levy and collection of marine aids to navigation dues from ships arriving at or departing from any port in India. The funds collected are used for the development and maintenance of these aids.
Heritage Lighthouses: A unique provision of the Act allows for the designation of certain lighthouses as "heritage lighthouses." These lighthouses, while not necessarily used for active navigation, are preserved for their historical, educational, cultural, and tourism value.
Penalties: The Act includes a new schedule of offenses and penalties for damaging or obstructing navigation aids and for non-compliance with the Act's directives.
The Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021, is a significant step towards modernizing India's maritime sector, aligning it with global best practices and international conventions for safe and efficient shipping. Do write to us if you need any further assistance.
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