On 20th November, 2019, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal for enactment of Recycling of Ships Bill, 2019 as well as accession to the Hong Kong International Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009.
The Recycling of Ships Act of Parliament received the assent of the President on the 13th December, 2019.
The act restricts the use of hazardous material on ships and regulates the recycling of ships.
Key Provisions
Defining Ship Recycling: The act defines ship recycling as the dismantling of a ship at a facility to recover the components and materials for reuse, and taking care of the hazardous material so produced. It includes associated operations such as storage and treatment of materials and components on site.
Authorities: The Central Government shall designate
an officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of India as the National Authority, which shall administer, supervise and monitor all activities relating to ship recycling under this Act.
an Authority to be called the Competent Authority, for performance of such duties within the geographical area or areas of expertise as may be prescribed
Recycling Facilities: Ships will be recycled only in authorised recycling facilities.
Each Ship Recycler must maintain adequate measures for emergency preparedness and response, safety, health, training, and welfare of workers as per the Factories Act, 1948. It must also provide insurance coverage for the regular and temporary workers.
Recycling Process: The Ship Recycler must prepare a ship recycling plan which should be approved by the Competent Authority. Every ship recycler must: (i) ensure safe and environmentally sound removal and management of hazardous materials from a ship, and (ii) comply with the specified environmental regulations.
Appeals: Decisions of the Competent Authority may be appealed with the National Authority within 30 days of receiving the decision. Decisions of the National Authority may be appealed with the central government within 30 days of receiving the decision.
Penalty: There is penalty for contravention of provisions of Act or rules or regulations in form of imprisonment or fine or both.
