PENALTIES AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGSCentral

Section 62B of The inland vessels act, 1917

1[62B. Penalty for using uninsured mechanically propelled vessel.--If any person uses a mechanically propelled vessel or causes or allows a mechanically propelled vessel to be used without a policy of insurance complying with the requirements of Chapter VIA, he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.]

Summary

This section makes it illegal to use a mechanically propelled vessel without the required insurance.
It prohibits any person from using such a vessel unless it has a policy that meets Chapter VIA standards.
Owners are also banned from allowing others to use their vessels if they are not insured.
The penalty for violating this insurance rule is a fine.
The maximum fine for using an uninsured vessel is one thousand rupees.

Practical examples

1Mrs. Gupta owns a small tugboat but forgot to pay her insurance premium on February 1, 2026. She continued to use the boat for work. During a spot check, she was found to be uninsured and was fined 800 rupees under Section 62B.

2An owner named Leo allowed his friend to borrow his motorboat for a weekend trip even though the insurance had expired. Leo was charged under Section 62B for allowing the use of an uninsured vessel and had to pay a 1,000 rupee fine.

FAQ

1. Is insurance mandatory for all inland vessels under the 1917 Act?

Yes, Section 62B of the Inland Vessels Act, 1917, mandates that a vessel must have an insurance policy complying with Chapter VIA to be used.

2. What is the fine for driving a boat without insurance under Section 62B of the Inland Vessels Act?

Under Section 62B of the Inland Vessels Act, 1917, the fine for using an uninsured vessel can be as high as one thousand rupees.

3. Can a boat owner be punished if someone else uses their uninsured vessel under the 1917 Act?

Yes, Section 62B of the Inland Vessels Act, 1917, states that an owner who allows an uninsured vessel to be used is also punishable.

4. Which chapter defines the insurance requirements mentioned in Section 62B of the Inland Vessels Act?

Section 62B of the Inland Vessels Act, 1917, refers to the insurance requirements established in Chapter VIA of the Act.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 62B of the Inland Vessels Act, 1917, what is the maximum fine for using a vessel without insurance?

Q2.Which of the following actions is prohibited by Section 62B of the Inland Vessels Act, 1917?

Q3.To comply with Section 62B of the 1917 Act, an insurance policy must meet the requirements of which Chapter?

Q4.Compared to the first-offence accident reporting fine in Section 62A, how does the Section 62B insurance fine differ?

62APreviousSection 62A Punishment for offences relating to accident.62CNextSection 62C Penalty for neglect or refusal to give information as to insurance or to produce certificate of insurance.

←Section 62A Section 62C→

PENALTIES AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGSCentral

Section 62B of The inland vessels act, 1917

Summary

This section makes it illegal to use a mechanically propelled vessel without the required insurance.
It prohibits any person from using such a vessel unless it has a policy that meets Chapter VIA standards.
Owners are also banned from allowing others to use their vessels if they are not insured.
The penalty for violating this insurance rule is a fine.
The maximum fine for using an uninsured vessel is one thousand rupees.