MARINE AIDS TO NAVIGATION BILL 2021

MARINE AIDS TO NAVIGATION BILL 2021

Context:

On 19th July 2021, the government introduced the Marine Aids to Navigation Bill 2021  in the Rajya Sabha.

Significance of the Bill:

• It aims to repeal the Lighthouse Act of 1927 to make way for shifting to modern aids from lighthouses for marine navigation.
• It was passed in the Lok Sabha in March.

Scope of the Bill:

• The Bill applies to the entire of India including different maritime zones including continental shelf, territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.
• The Bill defines aid to navigation as a device, system, or service external to the vessels designed to upgrade the security and effectiveness of vessels and vessel traffic.
• The Bill provides that no individual will be permitted to operate on any aid to navigation, or any vessel traffic service in any place except if he holds a valid training certificate.
• Any dispute related to the marine aids to navigation expenses, dues, or costs, will be heard by a civil court having jurisdiction at the place where the dispute started.

Penalties under the Bill:

• As indicated by reports, the Bill additionally gives offenses and punishments. For example, deliberately causing a deterrent of, decrease in, or restriction of, the adequacy of any guide to navigation or vessel traffic service, will be punishable with imprisonment of up to 6 months, or a fine up to 1 lakh rupees, or both.

Lighthouse Act of 1927:

• It is aimed at the maintenance, development and management of marine aids to navigation around the country.
• It was enacted by the Britishers in 1927.