CUSAT approval certificate for Tanur disaster boat

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An investigation by the Maritime Board found that the boat that claimed the lives of 22 people in Tanur had been issued a certificate of approval by CUSAT (Cochin University) after all safety checks. The small boat, which was authorized by the Fisheries Department for fishing with 15 people, was converted into a tourist boat at a yard in Ponnani.

The board's surveyor at Alappuzha had earlier imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 for making changes in the boat without the prior permission of the Maritime Board. It was also directed to provide safety systems including life jackets and rectify the defects. Irregularities were also found, such as renovation not being carried out in a yard accredited by the Maritime Board and not obtaining prior approval.

Design and drying tests of the boat were carried out at CUSAT. Old boats are allowed to be refurbished, following international standards. How many people can travel on the boat will be scientifically found. For example, in a boat that can carry 22 people, even if that many people are on one side, the rule is that the boat should tilt less than seven degrees. This test is conducted at international standards at CUSAT.

Maritime Board will issue registration and license only on the production of CUSAT's certificate. The Maritime Board would have granted registration to this boat within a month if it had applied again with safety measures in place. A top board official said that the boat had received CUSAT's approval.

The board explained that under the Central Act, a maximum fine of Rs 10,000 can only be imposed for rebuilding boats without prior permission, and this is how the boat owner in Tanur was fined. The board's investigation also found that the cause of the accident was crowding. There were 37 passengers and 2 crew members including the driver in the boat that caused the disaster. Permission was given to carry only 21 people.