Gandhinagar: Boating and Water Sports facilities across Gujarat were forced to shut early this year after Harni lake boat tragedy in Vadodara over safety reasons. The State goverment has maintained that water sports and boating activities will resume in the State only after new rules are announced and followed. After a long wait, Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has on 25 June published draft rules titled as the “Gujarat Inland Vessels Rules, 2024” to regulate water activities in Gujarat. These rules are set to be enforced upon publication in the Official Gazette after about 30 days (meaning in the last week of July). The applicants will then need to apply as per these rules and follow them. 

These draft rules and SOPs will apply to Category C vessels including houseboats, motor boats, motor launches, pedal boats, rowing boats, parasailing boats, and canoe used for recreational activities in Gujarat.

The rules stipulate that for school picnics, permission from the DSP, District Collector, or District Magistrate is mandatory for children below 12 years to participate in boating activities.

The government has proposed a fee of Rs.5,000 for registration. Applicants must submit detailed documentation, including ownership proofs, fitness certificates, and insurance coverage. Upon compliance and satisfactory inspection, the Registrar will issue a non-transferrable Certificate of Registration, valid for five years. But it will remain valid subject to the compiance of rules, or will be terminated/suspended by the registrar.

For registration certificate, the operator will need to follow number of requirements icluding valid insurance for passeners(of total sanctioned capacity) covering death or damages, qualification/certificates of crew members, company registraion-income tax-GST details, map of the area of operation, compliance documents from district magistrate or commissioner of police, survey certificate of craft/boat, ownership details.

The operator unless otherwise specifically approved, shall play pleasure craft/boat only during day light and in fair season. Qualified boating operators and lifeguards will need to be deployed. life jackets for children must be provided and work at all times during the activity. The entire staff of operators directly involved must have LST certification from National Institute of Water Sports(NIWS) or competent govt institution as designated by the Govt.

The operators must obtain permission from the District Magistrate to conduct water sports activities. This involves rigorous scrutiny of operational plans, safety protocols, and crew qualifications. Operators are required to maintain strict adherence to safety norms, including mandatory passenger safety briefings and the use of certified life jackets.

The District Waterside Safety Committee (DWSC), chaired by the District Magistrate or Commissioner of Police, will oversee these rules. Its responsibilities include accident prevention, enforcement of regulations, and monitoring operations within the district. DeshGujarat