Section 26 of The inland vessels act, 1917
An inland 1[mechanically propelled vessel] having engines of 4[forty] or more nominal horse-power, but of less than 2[one hundred] nominal horse-power, shall not proceed on any voyage unless she has
- (a)as her master a person possessing a second-class masters certificate granted under this Act, or any certificate referred to in clause (a) of section 25, and
- (b)as her engineer a person possessing a first-class engine-drivers certificate granted under this Act, or an engine-drivers 3[certificate granted or deemed to be granted under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 (44 of 1958)] or any certificate referred to in clause (b) of section 25: Provided that a 1[mechanically propelled vessel] shall be deemed to have complied with this section if she has as her master and engineer a person possessing both a certificate referred to in clause (a), and a certificate referred to in clause (b), of this section.
Summary
- Such vessels must have a master with at least a second-class master's certificate.
- Higher grade certificates from larger vessels or the Merchant Shipping Act also satisfy the master requirement.
- These vessels must have an engineer with at least a first-class engine-driver's certificate.
- One person can act as both master and engineer if they hold the correct certificates for both roles.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. What certificates are needed for a 50 HP vessel under Section 26 of The Inland Vessels Act, 1917?
Section 26 of the Act requires a second-class master and a first-class engine-driver, or anyone with higher qualifications.
2. Can a first-class master run a 40 HP vessel according to Section 26 of The Inland Vessels Act, 1917?
Yes, Section 26 of the Act allows any certificate referred to in Section 25, which includes a first-class master, to fulfill the requirement.
3. Does Section 26 of The Inland Vessels Act, 1917 allow one person to hold two roles?
Yes, a proviso in Section 26 of the Act states a vessel is compliant if one person holds both the required master and engineer certificates.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 26 of the Inland Vessels Act, 1917, what is the minimum engine power for these rules to apply?
Q2.What is the minimum master's rank for a vessel described in Section 26 of the Inland Vessels Act, 1917?
Q3.Which engine-driver rank is sufficient for a 90 HP vessel under Section 26 of the Inland Vessels Act, 1917?
Q4.If a vessel meets the master requirements of Section 25, does it satisfy the master rule of Section 26 of the Inland Vessels Act, 1917?