PANAJI
As the rescue of 24 passengers and crew from a stranded tourist ferry sparked controversy, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte pointed fingers at the Ports Department. However, the Captain of Ports clarified that its role is solely to ensure vessel safety during registration, not to oversee operations.
“CoP does not compromise on the stability and safety of vessels. We insist that constructed and/or purchased vessels abide by the Inland Vessels Rules during their registration,” Captain Octavio Rodrigues said, when contacted by The Goan on the issue.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte raised concerns on Tuesday, citing that many sports operators fail to obtain the mandatory NOC from his department. He also alleged that a former Ports official permitted water sports activities without the NOC.
Rodrigues stated that if the owners of the vessels do not follow the rules laid down and endanger the lives of passengers on board, they are bound to face a penalty. However, operations of such vessels fall outside their jurisdiction.
He elaborated that the Ports Department oversees vessel construction and purchase to ensure adherence to safety and stability standards outlined in the IV Rules. Once vessels are registered, their use”whether for passengers or cargo”is at the owner’s discretion, with trade licences obtained from the Tourism or Mines Departments based on the vessel’s purpose.
The Captain also revealed that IV Rules, developed by the State Ports Department and adopted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, are implemented across the country.
“Besides ensuring vessel safety during operations to prevent sinking, the Ports Department also mandates the provision of life-saving equipment exceeding 100 percent capacity, such as ring buoys and life jackets, to enhance passenger safety,” he added.
On Sunday, the boat ‘Nerul Paradise’ was caught in rough weather with waves over three metres and was stranded due to fuel exhaustion off State’s coast. The Indian Coast Guard ship C-148, which was returning from patrol, felt the signs of distress among passengers and responded swiftly, rescuing all. The police thereafter registered an offence.
Meanwhile, the CoP has issued a notice to the owner of the ‘Nerul Paradise’ seeking a reply, failing which action will follow.
The Ports Department has directed the owners of around 5,000 vessels to carry all necessary documents while embarking on their journeys, citing widespread non-compliance. “Some operators neglect to carry their permissions despite having them registered and obtained. This negligence must stop henceforth,” Rodrigues stated.
As of now, around 5,000 vessels, including sports boats and kayaks, are registered with the department.
