Skip to main content

The Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021.

Central

An Act to provide for the development, maintenance and management of aids to navigation in India; for training and certification of operator of aids to navigation, development of its historical, educational and cultural value; to ensure compliance with the obligation under the maritime treaties and international instruments to which India is a party and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Act number
20 of 2021
Ministry
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Enacted
31 Jul 2020

Source: IndiaCode Portal, Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India. Open on India Code Check against the official text before relying on it.

54 sections

  1. Section 1Short title, extent and commencement.
  2. Section 2Definitions.
  3. Section 3Power to designate general aid to navigation.
  4. Section 4Appointment of Director General, Deputy Director Generals and Directors.
  5. Section 5Duties of Director General.
  6. Section 6Central Advisory Committee.
  7. Section 7Proceedings of Central Advisory Committee not to be invalidated.
  8. Section 8Management of general aids to navigation.
  9. Section 9Powers of Central Government relating to aids to navigation.
  10. Section 10Management of vessel traffic services.
  11. Section 11Powers of Central Government relating to vessel traffic services.
  12. Section 12Competent Authority for Vessel Traffic Services.
  13. Section 13Standards for establishment and operation of vessel traffic services.
  14. Section 14Power to inspect local aids to navigation.
  15. Section 15Control of local aids to navigation by Central Government.
  16. Section 16Management of local aids to navigation by Central Government.
  17. Section 17Power of Central Government to remove or alter obstructions to aids to navigation.
  18. Section 18Power of Central Government to train and certify operators of aids to navigation and vessel traffic services.
  19. Section 19Certification.
  20. Section 20Accreditation of training organisations.
  21. Section 21Marking of wrecks.
  22. Section 22Reimbursement for marking wrecks.
  23. Section 23Power of Central Government to designate any aid to navigation as heritage lighthouse.
  24. Section 24Levy and collection of marine aids to navigation dues.
  25. Section 25Utilisation of marine aids to navigation dues.
  26. Section 26Receipts relating to marine aids to navigation dues and their verification.
  27. Section 27Assessment of marine aids to navigation dues and ascertainment of tonnage.
  28. Section 28Recovery of marine aids to navigation dues.
  29. Section 29Refusal of port clearance.
  30. Section 30Determination of disputes as to liability for payment.
  31. Section 31Marine aids to navigation dues payable at one port recoverable at another.
  32. Section 32Exemption.
  33. Section 33Refund of excess payments.
  34. Section 34Fees.
  35. Section 35Receipt and expenditure.
  36. Section 36Annual report.
  37. Section 37Intentionally obstructing aids to navigation or vessel traffic services.
  38. Section 38Negligently obstructing aids to navigation or vessel traffic services.
  39. Section 39Intentionally destroying or damaging aids to navigation or vessel traffic services.
  40. Section 40Negligently destroying or damaging aids to navigation or vessel traffic services.
  41. Section 41Causing damage to heritage lighthouse.
  42. Section 42Evading payment of marine aids to navigation dues.
  43. Section 43Noncompliance with directions of vessel traffic service provider.
  44. Section 44Cognizance of offences.
  45. Section 45Place of trial and jurisdiction of court.
  46. Section 46Power of Central Government to make rules.
  47. Section 47Delegation of powers by Central Government.
  48. Section 48Power of Central Government to issue directions.
  49. Section 48APower of Director-General appointed under Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 to issue directions.
  50. Section 49Protection of action taken in good faith.
  51. Section 50Power to remove difficulties.
  52. Section 51Laying of rules and notifications before Parliament.
  53. Section 52Repeal and savings.
  54. Section 42AAdjudication of penalties.