Andaman and Nicobar Islands publish the draft Model Inland Vessel Rules, 2026

13 October 2026

The Port Management Board of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has published the draft Andaman and Nicobar Islands Model Inland Vessel Rules, 2026 for public comment. Inland vessels in India are governed by the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, which replaced the Inland Vessels Act, 1917 and provides for a single certificate of registration valid across the country, uniform rules framed by the Centre as model rules and adopted by the States and Union Territories, and a central database of vessels and crew. The same Board also put out a vacancy notice for two posts of Inland Vessel Surveyor and draft recruitment rules for crew posts such as Serang, Seacunny, Engine Driver and Master. Inland water transport matters at the Centre come under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.