Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Aug 15: Goa’s Captain of Ports has notified new operational zones for inland vessels, dividing the state’s waters into three categories based on wave height and prescribing separate operating limits for fair and rough weather conditions.

According to the notification issued on Friday, inland waters have been divided into three zones, while vessels have been classified into three categories. Larger Category A vessels will be permitted to operate farther into rougher waters, while smaller Category C boats will be restricted to the calmest and most sheltered Zone 3, Captain of Ports Octavio Rodrigues said.

Any vessel seeking to operate outside its permitted zone or move beyond Goa’s inland water limits will now require case-by-case permission from the Captain of Ports.

Passenger vessels, tankers and towing operations will also require additional clearance on a case-by-case basis, depending on factors including cargo, passenger capacity, weather conditions and vessel construction standards.

According to the notification issued under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, Zone 1 permits Category A vessels to operate in waters with waves of up to two metres.

Zone 2 permits Category A and B vessels to operate in waters with wave heights of up to 1.2 metres, while Zone 3 allows Category A, B and C vessels to operate in waters where waves are up to 0.6 metres.

During the fair-weather period from October 1 to May 21, Zones 1 and 2 extend east of the five-nautical-mile corridor, including the Panaji and Mormugao port limits.

During the foul-weather period from May 22 to September 30, Zone 3 is restricted to Goa’s sheltered inland waters.

The notification assumes significance as the High Court earlier this month suspended inland water sports after the government admitted that mandatory operational zones under its monsoon water sports policy had not been notified or demarcated.

Rodrigues said the new classification would not affect river cruise vessels, ferries operated by the River Navigation Department or barges currently operating in Goa’s rivers.