Onam rush: boat operators asked to follow safety norms
An order from Senior Port Conservator said boats should not be operated for tourism purposes without valid registration, survey and insurance certificates and other statutory documents. Boat owners and crew should ensure that all passengers wear quality life jackets meeting prescribed standards, the order said.
Boat operators in Kozhikode district have been instructed to strictly follow safety regulations during the upcoming Onam holidays, according to a warning from the Beypore Port of Registry under the Kerala Maritime Board. The regulation mandates that boats offering tourism services must possess valid registration, survey, and insurance certificates, along with other necessary legal documents.
All passengers are required to wear life jackets that meet prescribed safety standards, and only qualified personnel should be permitted to operate pleasure trips. The number of passengers should not surpass the boat's permissible capacity, which must be displayed in both English and Malayalam for tourist awareness. Boat operators are to inspect the safety and operational fitness of their vessels before each trip, ensuring adequate safety equipment and lifebelts are available.
Services must remain within designated operating zones, and operators and passengers are to prevent any waste materials from being discarded into water bodies. Flash inspections will be conducted to verify compliance with these guidelines, with similar regulations applying to regional boat race organizers. A previous inspection in Kozhikode district identified several illegal operators who had failed to renew their registration or store essential rescue equipment, resulting in a fine totaling ₹1.30 lakh.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
