Shipping Ministry issues draft of Aids to Navigation Bill 2020

The Shipping Ministry of India has issued the draft of Aids to Navigation Bill, 2020 for suggestions from the stakeholders and the general public. The draft is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for boosting people’s participation and transparency in governance.

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Key-Points

The draft bill is proposed to replace the Lighthouse Act, 1927 to incorporate the best global practices, technological developments and India’s International obligations in the field of Aids to Marine Navigation.

The draft bill provides for empowering Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) with additional power and functions such as Vessel Traffic Service, Wreck flagging, training and certification, implementation of other obligations under International Conventions.

It also provides for identification and development of heritage lighthouses.

The draft bill comprises a new schedule of offences, along with commensurate penalties for obstructing and damaging the aids to navigation, and non-compliance with directives issued by the Central Government and other bodies under the draft bill.

The role of authorities regulating and operating maritime navigation has changed majorly with the development of modern technologically improved aids to maritime navigation. Hence, a new law was required that encompasses a major shift from lighthouses to modern aids of navigation.

The draft bill has been uploaded on the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships’ website where citizens can submit their suggestions and opinions regarding the draft bill. The suggestions can be emailed to the email id-atonbill2020@gmail.com latest by July 24, 2020.