Federal Law (№ 131-FZ) "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation" (the improvement of the system of management of inland waterways, enforcement of state supervision and control functions over the safe operation of vehicles) has came into force on August 30, 2012, the Ministry of Transportation told PortNews.
The law was adopted by the State Duma on July 10, 2012, approved by the Federation Council on July 18, 2012 and signed by the Russian President on July 28, 2012.
The law introduces a system of port state control on inland waterways performed by captains of basin inland waterways and their inspectors.
Similar to the International Safety Management Code, Russia introduces vessel safety management system on inland waterways for river vessels as from 1 April 2013. Another major innovation is the prohibition of bareboat sub-charters for river ships.