KATHMANDU, Feb 6: The Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal presented the Ship (Operation and Management) Bill, 2081 in the National Assembly on Thursday.
While presenting the bill, Minister Dahal mentioned that although the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982, ensures equal rights not only for coastal countries but also for landlocked countries at sea, several international conventions have been enacted after the implementation of the Ship Registration Act, 2027 BS. However, since the provisions of those conventions are not incorporated into the Act, it is not possible to register Nepalese flag-bearing ships.
Minister Dahal highlighted the need for legislation regarding the operation of Nepali flag-carrier ships at sea. He pointed out that many Nepali nationals are employed on foreign ships, requiring provisions for sailor books, identification cards, training, health checks, and other related matters, which are not adequately covered under the current legal framework.
He said that the bill was introduced as it was seen necessary to promote inland waterway transport by making arrangements for the registration and regulation of such ships. Similarly, a legal framework will also be developed for the regulation and management of ships operating in rivers and reservoirs within Nepal.