On May 28, 2025, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issued a fresh notification to amend the Inland Vessels (Fire Extinguishing Equipment) Rules, 2022. The amendments are part of ongoing efforts to improve safety measures for inland vessels and to prevent fires. The purpose of this change is to clarify how gross tonnage (GT) is calculated based on the size of vessels. These rules will be called Inland Vessels (Fire Fighting Appliances) (First Amendment) Rules, 2025.
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Clarification on Calculation of Gross Tonnage
The primary focus of the 2025 revision is the clarification of the gross tonnage (GT) calculation. The amendment provides that the gross tonnage shall be calculated in accordance with the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969, for ships of 24 meters or more in length. On the other hand, ships smaller than 24 meters will comply with the Merchant Shipping (Tonnage Measurement of Ships) Rules, 1987. This update helps establish clear guidelines for vessel classification and ensures consistency in the way tonnage is measured, benefiting both ship-owners and regulators.
No Objections Raised During the Public Consultation
The ministry had earlier published the draft Inland Vessels (Fire Extinguishing Equipment) (First Amendment) Rules, 2024 on October 29, 2024. The draft was made available to the public for a period of 30 days with any objections or suggestions. However, the Central Government received no objections or suggestions during the consultation period, which means that the draft rules were accepted without changes. This smooth consultation process indicates broad agreement with the proposed amendments.
Impact on Inland Vessel Safety
The updated regulations are designed to increase fire safety standards in the inland shipping sector. With the increasing number of vessels operating on rivers and inland waterways, it is important to ensure that safety standards keep pace with the growing fleet. Fire extinguishers on these ships are critical to the safety of both passengers and cargo in the event of an emergency. The Inland Vessels (Fire Extinguishing Equipment) Amendment Rules, 2025, are aligned with international best practices while addressing the specific needs of the Indian inland water transport sector.
By clarifying tonnage calculation methods, these updated rules also streamline the regulatory process for ship-owners. Compliance with safety standards, including the use of proper fire extinguishers, will be easier to manage and monitor. The change is a step towards improving the security infrastructure of India’s inland waterways and shipping sector.
The Inland Vessels (Fire Extinguishing Equipment) Amendment Rules, 2025, is an important step towards enhancing the safety and regulation of inland vessels. By addressing gross tonnage calculations and aligning them with global standards, the rule provides clarity for the industry while improving overall fire safety measures. These updates are part of the government’s commitment to strengthening the inland waterways sector and ensuring the safe operation of vessels across the country.
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