The Department of Fisheries & Ports (E), Kerala, on October 12, 2026, issued the Draft Kerala Inland Vessels (Mechanically Propelled) Manner of giving information of any wreck, abandonment, damage, casualty, accident, explosion or loss and the powers of the District Magistrate and the Procedures to be followed in holding inquiry into accidents in the Inland Waters Rules, 2026.
The following has been stated: -
•The Government of Kerala has notified the Kerala Inland Vessels (Mechanically Propelled) Manner of Giving Information of Wrecks, Accidents and Casualties and Procedures for Inquiry Rules, 2026, under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021.
•The Rules require owners, operators or masters of mechanically propelled inland vessels to immediately report accidents, wrecks, damage, explosions, losses and other incidents to the nearest police station and the concerned Port Officer.
•Reports must include details of casualties, vessel damage, environmental impacts, oil spills and other navigation hazards.
•The police are required to investigate and report to the Judicial Magistrate, while the Port Officer must conduct a preliminary inquiry, initiate rescue measures where necessary and submit a report to the District Magistrate.
•The Rules also prescribe the District Magistrate’s and State Government’s roles in further inquiry and action.
Objections or suggestions if any, may be given within 30 days.
The detailed notification is given in the document below.
[Notification No.: G.O.(P)No.19/2026/F&P]
