| Port Officers & Conservator | - The Act appoints the government-designated conservator as the Port Officer, granting them supervisory authority over other officers.
- The conservator retains traditional powers over vessel movement within port limits and fee collection, and also assumes new responsibilities such as disease prevention, damage assessment, and penalty adjudication.
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| Recognition of Statutory bodies | - State Maritime Boards: State Maritime Boards to be constituted by coastal states and authorizes them to administer non-major ports.
- These Boards are tasked with port planning, infrastructure development, licensing, tariff regulation, and ensuring compliance with safety, security, and environmental standards.
- Maritime State Development Council: The Act confers statutory status on the Maritime State Development Council to steer data collection, dissemination, and transparency across ports.
- The Council will also advise the central government on national planning, legislative reforms, port efficiency, and improved connectivity.
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| Dispute Resolution Mechanism | - State-Level DRCs: States to establish Dispute Resolution Committees for conflicts among non-major ports, concessionaires, users, and service providers.
- Appeals to High Court: Civil courts excluded; High Courts empowered for appellate jurisdiction.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and other ADR methods encouraged for speedy settlement.
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| Tariff Regulation | - Major Ports: Tariffs determined by the Board of the Major Port Authority or by the Board of Directors (if the port operates as a registered company)
- Non-Major Ports: Tariff authority lies with State Maritime Board or concessionaire.
- Mandatory Transparency: Electronic publication of tariffs and charges to ensure open access and fair competition.
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| Safety, Security & Sustainability | - Penalties for Violations: Includes damaging buoys or mishandling combustibles on board.
- Environmental Protection: Aligns with global conventions such as MARPOL and Ballast Water Management.
- Mandate for Pollution Control & Disaster Readiness: Mandates emergency response plans, waste handling audits, and compliance monitoring by the Centre.
- Protect Port Ecosystems: New obligations for pollution control, waste management, and biodiversity protection.
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| Digitalisation & Efficiency | - Maritime Single Window: Digital portal for unified port services and clearances.
- Advanced Vessel Traffic Systems: Modern technology to manage congestion, lower costs, and enhance safety.
- Data-Driven Governance: Unified data collection and transparency across ports.
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