Passenger ships operating

Applicable to: Special Trade Passenger Ships operating within inter-island of Andaman and Nicobar islands

Effective Date: Initially for a period of two years from the date of issue

Superseded Circulars: Earlier letter issued by the Directorate vide its letter No. 40-NT (1)/2004 dated 1.12.2004

Key Changes and Requirements

1. Issuance of Certificate “B” — Section 242 of Merchant Shipping Act 1958

Certificate “B” will now be issued by Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) surveyors for Special Trade Passenger Ships operating within inter-island of Andaman and Nicobar islands, other than those plying between Andaman and Southern group of Island, at Port Blair.

Inspection: IRS surveyors will inspect the vessels as per Section 242 of the MS Act.
Certification: IRS surveyors will issue Certificate “B” in the prescribed format on behalf of the Central Government.
Exemption: Special Trade Passenger Ships sailing from ports other than Port Blair are exempted from carrying Certificate “B”.

2. IRS Surveyor Appointment and Familiarization — Section 238, 239, 244, 245, 256 of MS Act

IRS surveyors appointed for this purpose will undergo at least two inspections under the supervision of Surveyor in Charge (SIC), MMD, Port Blair before they are entrusted for independent inspection. They will also familiarize themselves with other relevant sections of the MS Act.

Fees: Owner/operator shall deposit IRS surveyor’s visit fee payable at IRS Port Blair.

Important Note

This order supercedes the earlier letter issued by the Directorate vide its letter No. 40-NT (1)/2004 dated 1.12.2004. However, inspection & issuance of Certificate “B” at Port Blair to Special Trade Passenger Ships operating between Port Blair and Mainland and Southern Group of Islands by SIC, MMD, Port Blair shall continue.

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