September 12, 2026

Section 97 – Inland Vessels Act, 2021

Section 97 – Desertion and absence without leave

No person employed or engaged in any capacity on board a mechanically propelled vessel shall—

  • (a) neglect or refuse, without reasonable cause, to join his mechanically propelled vessel or to proceed on any voyage in his vessel;
  • (b) cause to be absent from his vessel or from his duty at any time without leave and without sufficient cause;
  • (c) desert from his mechanically propelled vessel;
  • (d) fail to act or behave with discipline befitting his duty and mandate.