The central government has released draft rules paving the way for autonomous vessels to operate on India’s inland waterways without onboard crew, The Economic Times reported.
Under the proposed framework, these vessels will be remotely monitored and supported from shore-based control centres, with shipowners held accountable for any accidents or incidents.
The draft rules also introduce provisions for semi-autonomous vessels, which would operate with partial automation but still retain crew onboard for supervision and manual intervention when necessary.
An autonomous vessel has been defined as a mechanically propelled inland vessel operating without onboard crew or with significantly reduced manning, controlled or monitored remotely. In contrast, a semi-autonomous vessel employs automated or centralised systems but maintains human oversight onboard.
The new rules mandate owners to ensure proper documentation, vessel maintenance, and compliance with operational safety standards. Manning levels will be determined through a risk-based assessment by a designated authority, considering factors such as the vessel’s automation level, operating zone, type of cargo or service, voyage duration, and redundancy systems in place.
For vessels without onboard crew, the draft requires continuous communication and real-time monitoring between the ship and its shore control centre to ensure safe navigation and response capability.
The move aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) position that commercial use of autonomous or remotely controlled ships is possible, provided that strong regulatory frameworks are established. “Such change requires robust regulation to ensure the safety of life at sea, as well as of cargo on board and of the vessel itself,” the IMO noted.
If adopted, the draft rules would mark a significant step towards integrating automation and digital technology in India’s inland water transport sector, potentially transforming logistics efficiency and safety management on national waterways.
