Section 69 of The Indian Ports Act, 2025 — Port community system and vessel traffic service
Bare section text
Official Legislative Text
(1) The Central Government may, by notification, direct a port to adopt a mechanism for electronically integrating such port related data as may be notified by the Central Government in consultation with the State Government, with the port community system or any other centralised system. (2) Every port shall maintain vessel traffic service within the port limits in accordance with applicable law. Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, the expressions,— (a) “port community system” means a secure electronic system integrating the trade related information submitted and exchanged therein, serving as a centralised portal for ports and other relevant stakeholders in accordance with the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, 1965 or any other requirement as may be directed by the Central Government; (b) “vessel traffic service” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021 (20 of 2021).
Educational Study Layer
Summary
- The Central Government may issue a notification to any port directing it to adopt an electronic system for integrating port-related data.
- This information must be linked with the port community system or another centralized electronic portal.
- Before notifying which types of data must be integrated, the Central Government must consult with the State Government.
- Every port is legally required to maintain a vessel traffic service within its port limits.
- The vessel traffic service must be operated in accordance with the definitions and rules found in the Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021.
- The port community system must be a secure system that serves as a central hub for ports and stakeholders to exchange trade data according to international conventions.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. What is the port community system mentioned in Section 69 of this Act?
Under Section 69 of this Act, the port community system is a secure electronic system used to integrate and exchange trade information between ports and other stakeholders.
2. Does a port need to consult anyone before integrating its data into the centralized system under Section 69?
No, but the Central Government must consult with the State Government before it notifies the port to adopt the integration mechanism for specific data.
3. Where is a port required to provide a vessel traffic service according to Section 69?
Under Section 69 of this Act, every port is required to maintain a vessel traffic service within the port limits.
4. Which other law defines the vessel traffic service referred to in Section 69 of this Act?
The explanation for Section 69 of this Act states that the vessel traffic service has the same meaning as defined in the Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021.
Practice Quiz
Q1.Which authority must the Central Government consult before notifying which data should be electronically integrated under Section 69 of this Act?
Q2.Under Section 69 of this Act, what is the primary purpose of the port community system?
Q3.A port is setting up its vessel traffic service. According to Section 69 of this Act, where must this service be maintained?
Q4.If the Central Government wants to ensure that a port facility is following safety rules from the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, which section in this list provides that specific power?