Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Feb 3: Coastal Security Police in-charge superintendent Hariram Shankar has said that a 45-day time limit has been given to operators of tourist boats and water sports activities in Udupi district to obtain required permissions and licences from the tourism department and other concerned departments.

He said the deadline applies to those operating tourist boats/houseboats/kayaking/tourist boats/parachute rides/banana rides/surfing/jetty activities/bumfi/boat riding and other water sports.

SP Hariram Shankar warned that if water sports are conducted in violation of rules and law even after 45 days, and if any mishap occurs resulting in death, it will be treated as an offence under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. Hence, all operators must obtain proper approvals from the concerned authorities before continuing operations, he said.

Required documents for motorised boats:

• Registration certificate from the Port Department

• No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from relevant departments

• Approval letter from the Tourism Department

• Insurance certificate

• ‘Saranga’ certificate for operating the boat

For non-motorised boats/rafts:

• NOCs from relevant departments

• Tourism Department approval

• Insurance certificate

• Saranga certificate

• Certificate from the National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS) for conducting water sports

For kayaking/parachute/banana ride/jetty activities:

• NOCs from concerned departments

• Tourism Department approval

• Saranga certificate for operating the jetty/boat

• NIWS certificate for conducting water sports

The SP further stressed that tourists must be made to wear life jackets compulsorily during water sports. Boats and crafts must be equipped with lifebuoys, first-aid kits, fire safety equipment and other safety gear.

Owners have also been directed to install awareness signboards at water sports locations for tourists and the general public.

Only persons holding a valid Saranga certificate must operate boats, he said, adding that all documents must be produced during inspections by authorities.