47. Navigation safety, lights and signals.—(1) The specifications and requirements of signals and
equipment based on classification and categorisation of mechanically propelled vessels, to be complied
with by such vessels shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government.
(2) The fog and distress signals to be carried and used, the steering and sailing rules to be complied
with and the different protocols for exhibition and display of different standards of lights, shapes and
signals, by any mechanically propelled vessel plying in inland waters shall be such, as may be prescribed
by the Central Government.
(3) The owner or master of every mechanically propelled vessel, while in the inland water limit, shall
comply with the rules made under sub-sections (1) and (2), and shall not carry or exhibit any lights or
shapes or use any fog or distress signals, other than that required to be exhibited under this Chapter or the
rules made thereunder.
48. Obligation to ensure safe navigation.—(1) Every mechanically propelled vessel shall adopt
necessary measures to prevent collision and to ensure safe navigation through inland waters.
(2) If any damage to person or property arises in the inland water limit due to non-observance of any
of the rules made under this Chapter by any mechanically propelled vessel, the damage shall be deemed
to have been occasioned by the wilful default of the person in-charge of such vessel at that time, unless it
is shown to the satisfaction of the court that the circumstances of the case demanded deviance from the
applicable rules.
49. Distress signal.—The master of a mechanically propelled vessel, while in the inland water limit,
on finding or encountering a dangerous derelict or any other hazard to navigation in the inland waterways,
shall immediately send a signal to indicate the danger or distress, or any such information to other
mechanically propelled vessels in the vicinity and to the concerned State Government:
Provided that no fees or charges shall be levied on any mechanically propelled vessel, in using any
device for communicating any information under this section.
50. Assistance to vessels in distress and persons in distress.—(1) The master of any mechanically
propelled vessel, while in the inland water limit, who has received any signal of distress from any vessel
or aircraft within the inland water limit, shall proceed immediately to the assistance of the persons in
distress by acknowledging the receipt of such signal to the vessel in distress.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the master of a mechanically propelled
vessel shall be released from the obligation to render assistance as provided in the said sub-section, if he
is unable to do so, or in the special circumstances of the case, considers it unreasonable to act as provided
in the said sub-section, or if the requirement for assistance is being complied with by other vessels, or the
assistance is no longer required.
(3) The master of any mechanically propelled vessel, while in the inland water limit, shall render
assistance to every person found in danger of being lost in the inland waters.
(4) The master of any mechanically propelled inland vessel may abstain from complying with subsection (3), if in his judgment, he is unable to or, in the special circumstances of the case, such assistance
may not be rendered without serious danger to his vessel, or to the persons on board and, in such event
shall inform the respective authorities regarding his inability of such non-compliance.
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51. Life saving, fire safety and communication appliances.—(1) The Central Government shall, by
rules made in this behalf, specify the class or category of mechanically propelled inland vessels to be
equipped with navigation aids, life saving appliances, fire detection and extinguishing appliances and
communication appliances.
(2) The owner, operator or master of all mechanically propelled inland vessels shall comply with the
requirements of navigation aids, life saving appliances, fire detection and extinguishing appliances and
communication appliances as specified in sub-section (1).
(3) The State Government may appoint or authorise such officers as surveyors to inspect and ensure
that the mechanically propelled inland vessels comply with the applicable requirements specified in subsection (1).
(4) If the surveyor, on inspection, finds that the mechanically propelled inland vessel is not so
provided with life saving and fire appliances in conformity with the provisions of this Act and the rules
made thereunder, he shall issue a notice to the master or owner or operator in writing pointing out the
deficiency, and unless the master or owner or operator complies with the said notice and report such
compliance to the surveyor, the said vessel shall not proceed to conduct any voyage.