THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A marine enforcement police wing will be set up to catch boats operating without a license or safety equipment including lifejackets. The government is immediately implementing the recommendation of the Maritime Board. This is in the background of the Tanur boat accident in which 22 people lost their lives.
Boats without security systems will be fined 10,000 for the first time and 50,000 for the second time, and if still not fixed, the boat will be impounded. Kerala Kaumudi had reported that many tourist boats are plying in Kerala without even namesake security.
Although the enforcement wing will be in Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts, all nine coastal districts will come under its purview. It will be working under the supervision of SP and the direction of SI. There will be ten police officers in Kochi, and five each in Alappuzha and Kottayam. The charge of other districts will be distributed among three divisions.
Inspection of boats and vessels will be in conjunction with surveyors of the Maritime Board. Ensuring lifejackets and buoys are a top priority. The inspection to find irregularities in the vessels will be started soon under the leadership of District Collectors.
The port department is responsible for the survey and registration of vessels. There is an annual survey and a docking survey every 3 years. Annual licenses will be renewed only if safety systems, licensed staff, fire extinguishers, and pollution certificates are in place.
Number of surveyors will be increased
There are a total of three surveyors for construction permit, registration, annual survey, drydocking survey, yard accreditation and crew license for vessels. They are the ones who should take action against illegal vessels. Two more people will be appointed soon. Posts will be created and appointments will be made through PSC.
Small boats will be controlled
Safety inspection and control of non-mechanized small boats operating in dams and water bodies will be transferred to local bodies. The Maritime Board will inspect the boat directly if not undertaken by the local bodies. The board also recommended to the Chief Minister that facilities and additional staff are required for this purpose.
What should be followed compulsorily