NT Branch Circular No. NT/LSA/7 of 2006
 

Subject :-  Rescue boat exemption - Class XII vessels - reg.

 The Directorate General of Shipping has been receiving several requests from Owners / Managers of Tugs that are placed under Class  XII in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Life Saving Appliances Rules 1982 and 1991, for granting exemptions from the carriage of rescue boats on such Tugs

 Recalling the Merchant Shipping Life Saving Appliances Rules 1982 and Rules 1991 the requirements pertaining to the fitment of rescue boats on Class XII Tugs that operate within the port limits of any major or a minor port, there appears to be lack in the understanding and application of the requirement.

             The request for exemptions are based on the information that such Tugs when acquired and registered under the Indian Flag, were not equipped with a rescue boat.  Space restriction and the requirement of fitting a rescue boat in order to comply with the MS LSA Rules restricts the normal functioning of the Tugs for which the Tug was designed. 

             Having considered and examined the subject matter, the Nautical Adviser to the Govt. of India vide Rule 44 of MS LSA Rule 1991 hereby grants following exemptions.

1. Class XII vessels of less than 24 mt. lengths and less than 500 GT. are exempted from the requirement of fitting a rescue boat provided that such vessels operate within the port limits of a major or a minor port.
2. Class XII vessels of less than 24 mt. and less than 500 GT. not fitted with rescue boat may undertake a voyage from one Indian port to another port.
3. This exemption is not applicable to vessels built on or after 1^st September, 2006.

 This circular supersedes letter No. 17-NT(57)/99 of 22^nd May, 2002 issued by the Directorate General of Shipping and shall remain valid until revoked.

Sd/-
(Capt. R.K. Awasthi)
Nautical Surveyor-cum-DDG (Tech.)

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