Kautilya's Arthashastra 2.28.27

2.28.27

saptāhavṛttām āṣāḍhīṃ kārttikīṃ cāntarā taraḥ /
kārmikaḥ pratyayaṃ dadyān nityaṃ cāhnikam āvahet //E
(ṣuperintendent of cattle)

In boundaries, ferry-men shall receive the toll, carriage-cess, and road-cess. They shall also confiscate the property of the person travelling without a pass. The Superintendent of Boats shall make good the loss caused by the loss of the boat due to the heavy load, sailing in improper time or place, want of ferry-men, or lack of repair. Boats should be launched between the months of Ashádha, the first seven days being omitted, and Kártika; the evidence of a ferryman should be given and the daily income should be remitted.