Inland Mechanically Propelled Vessels Act, 1917

This 1917 law consolidates the rules for boats and ships on Pakistan's inland waterways -- rivers, canals, and lakes -- that are powered by steam, electricity, or other mechanical means (Section 2 defines a "mechanically propelled vessel" and "inland water"). Its core rule, in Section 3, is simple: such a vessel cannot go on a voyage or be used for service unless it holds a valid certificate of survey.

Chapter II sets up the survey system: government-appointed surveyors inspect vessels (Sections 4-5), fees are charged for surveys (Section 6, with rates set out in Schedule I), and certificates of survey are issued, renewed, suspended, or cancelled by the provincial government (Sections 9-18). Chapter III does the same for the people who run these vessels -- masters, "serangs" (a term for a boatswain or crew leader), and engineers must hold certificates of competency or service depending on the vessel's horsepower (Sections 20-31).

Chapter IV covers what happens after an accident: casualties must be reported to the nearest police station (Section 32), and the provincial government can set up a court of investigation to look into incompetence or misconduct (Sections 33-44). Chapter V deals with suspending or cancelling certificates already granted. Chapter VI protects passengers -- the government can declare certain goods "dangerous" and regulate how they are carried (Sections 49-54), and can also fix minimum and maximum fares.

Chapter VII lists offences and penalties: voyaging without a survey certificate, failing to display it, overloading with passengers, serving as master or engineer without the right certificate, and endangering the vessel or human life through misconduct (Sections 55-66). A later addition, Section 74E, sets a specific penalty: anyone who breaches certain orders on vessel routes, traffic, or the obligations of vessel owners is liable to a fine of up to one thousand rupees for each offence.

This is a very old law (1917) that has been amended repeatedly over the decades -- the extract shows numerous "Subs. by Act 25 of 1951" and similar amendment footnotes, and some sections and Schedule II have been repealed outright. Given its age, anyone relying on specific fee amounts, certificate terms, or procedural details should verify them against the current official text rather than assuming the original figures still apply.