There is an urgent need to regularise watersports activities due to frequent mishaps. Currently, these businesses operate under loose guidelines without unified norms, resulting in inadequate responsibility when dealing with tourist safety. Many catamarans and boats used for deep-sea excursions or leisure trips often lack proper safety gear and life support equipment. Essential items like first aid kits are either absent or insufficient, leaving passengers vulnerable in emergencies such as cardiac arrests, pulmonary issues, or drowning incidents. All watersports operators must be brought under a unified regulatory framework to streamline registrations, approvals, licensing, insurance, and emergency referrals.
Additionally, the seaworthiness of some vessels is questionable, as they often undergo improper or infrequent maintenance. Regular inspections should be mandatory, including the replacement of faulty parts, engine overhauls, and routine repainting of hulls and decks with anti-corrosive and waterproof paints. Weather conditions must always be assessed before setting out to sea. Anchors should not be dropped in overcast or stormy weather, and voyages should be postponed to prevent mid-sea crises.
Just yesterday, a tragic accident occurred at sea between a tourist ferry, Nilkamal, en route from Gateway to Elephanta Caves, and a Navy speedboat. The collision resulted in the ferry sinking, claiming 14 lives. Reports suggest the ferry lacked adequate life-saving equipment, highlighting the urgent need for all vessels to carry proper safety materials. A similar disaster occurred in Thekkady, Kerala, where many lives were lost. This underlines the importance of implementing disaster management protocols and ensuring that operators strictly adhere to licensing and safety requirements. Comprehensive measures are needed to make watersports activities safer for everyone.
