(1) The Regulator} Authority shall perform the following functions as per the provisions of this Act and the Rules framed thereunder:-
(a) To regulate the activities o f inland water transport operators;
(b) To regulate the activities o f inland water port and terminal service operators;
(c) To register vessels, operators, issue licenses, certificates, permits, approvals, and maintain central data base as prescribed.
(d) To ensure compliance with prescribed safety and environmental regulations for ports, terminals, vessels, navigation and other inland water transport activities;
(e) To protect the interest of the consumers under this Act:
(f) Frame regulations and detailed guidelines and issue executive instructions for its proper functioning;
(g) To furnish the required reports;
(h) To enforce penalties;
(i) To perform any other related function as may be assigned to it by the State Government from time to time.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality o f the provisions contained under sub- section (1), the Regulatory Authority may,-
(a) perform all functions and duties required to be performed under this Act including conservancy;
(b) approve and implement environmental, economic, safety management and emergency plans;
(c) recommend to the State Government amendments to this Act;
(d) cooperate with Inland Waterways Authority o f India and work on cooperative work programmes al national and stale level in consultation with Central and State Government;
(e) render advice to the State Government on matters relating lo Inland Water Transport;
(f) encourage indigenous design and manufacture of vessels, ferries, and their components by acting as catalytic agent;
3782 THE ASSAM GAZETTE, EXTRAORDINARY, DECEMBER 10, 2018 The Powers of the Regulatory Authority.
(g) cause to establish a training institute for the capacity building o f inland waterways transport service provider, inland vessels masters and crew, stakeholders, including its own and DIWTA officers and employees;
(h) engage in scientific and applied research for efficient implementation of this Act;
(i) carry' out analysis o f inland water traffic data and prepare annual reports on the overall inland waterways development in the State of .Assam, make projections for inland waterways traffic demand in Assam, and assist vessel/cargo/ferry operators to draw up their expansion plans;
(j) promote multi modal transport system for benefit of consumers and trade;
(k) promote public private partnerships, private participation and outsourcing for effective implementation of this Act;
(l) take all necessary steps for, or may be incidental to the exercise of any power or the discharge of any function conferred or imposed on it by this Act;
(m) carry out any other function, duty and responsibility which may be entrusted to it by the State Government; and
(n) lay down minimum standards of quality of service to be provided by the inland water transport operators, ferry service providers, inland water traffic service providers, and monitor and enforce the set performance standards relating to continuity, reliability and quality o f service.