Section 48. Obligation to ensure safe navigation

The Inland Vessels Act, 2021

48. Obligation to ensure safe navigation.-

(1) Every mechanically propelled vessel shall adopt necessary measures to prevent collision and to ensure safe navigation through inland waters.

(2) If any damage to person or property arises in the inland water limit due to non-observance of any of the rules made under this Chapter by any mechanically propelled vessel, the damage shall be deemed to have been occasioned by the wilful default of the person in-charge of such vessel at that time, unless it is shown to the satisfaction of the court that the circumstances of the case demanded deviance from the applicable rules.