Draft Aids to Navigation Bill 2020

Q. Why is it in News?

A. The Ministry of Shipping has issued the draft of Aids to Navigation Bill, 2020 for suggestions from the stakeholders and general public.

Q. What is the need for the new law?

Role of authorities has changed drastically: With the advent of modern technologically improved aids to maritime navigation, the role of authorities regulating and operating maritime navigation has changed drastically. 

Therefore the new law encompasses a major shift from lighthouses to modern aids of navigation.

Q. What will be benefit of Aids to Navigation Bill, 2020?

The draft bill is proposed to replace the almost nine decades old Lighthouse Act, 1927, to incorporate the global best practices, technological developments and India's International obligations in the field of Aids to Marine Navigation.

Q. What are the salient features of the draft?

• The bill aims to regulate state-of-the-art technologies of marine navigation which was earlier used to tangle in statutory provisions of Lighthouse Act, 1927.
• The draft bill provides for empowering Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) with additional power and functions such as Vessel Traffic Service,  Wreck flagging, Training and certification, and Implementation of other obligations under International Conventions, where India is a signatory. 
• It also provides for identification and development of heritage lighthouses.
• The draft bill comprises a new schedule of offences, along with commensurate penalties for obstructing and damaging the aids to navigation, and non-compliance with directives issued by the Central Government and other bodies under the draft bill.