Gujarat Government Issues Draft Rules for Safe Operation of Water Sports Vessels

Gandhinagar, Gujarat : The Government of Gujarat has issued draft rules to ensure the regulation and safe operation of Category ‘C’ vessels used for water sports, following the tragic capsize at Harni Lake in Vadodara that resulted in the deaths of 14 people, including 12 children. The government is currently inviting suggestions through the Department of Ports and Transport, Secretariat, Gandhinagar, within a period of 30 days from the date of publication of the notification. Once this period ends, the rules will be finalized.

Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel has approved the draft of the Gujarat Inland Vessels (Registration, Survey, and Operation of Category ‘C’ Inland Vessels) Rules, 2024, under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021.

The new rules incorporate stringent provisions to ensure rigorous adherence to safety standards when engaging private entities for boating operations in Gujarat. District Collectors are mandated to register and oversee the operation of water sports crafts. The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) surveyor will conduct annual surveys to ensure compliance.

The GMB has formulated specialized rules for Category C vessels, which are less than 10 meters in length. These include pleasure crafts, boats, and other water sports crafts. The regulations cover Gujarat’s inland waters, including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and coastal areas, to govern and ensure the safe operation of water sports activities.

The new rules emphasize the promotion of boating activities with appropriate guidance and facilities, alongside robust measures to strengthen safety and security protocols.

The draft rules mandate the establishment of adequate rescue and relief mechanisms to swiftly respond to any emergencies that may arise during water sports activities.

The rules incorporate stringent provisions for effective implementation and monitoring. Responsibilities are assigned to relevant departments and agencies, and coordination mechanisms are established to ensure smooth operations.

The new regulations outline penalties to deter violations and enforce adherence to safety standards. These measures are intended to ensure accountability across all boating operators.

The new draft rules aim to prevent tragedies similar to the Harni Lake incident by ensuring that all water sports activities adhere to the highest safety standards. The government’s proactive approach seeks to balance the promotion of water sports with the necessity of rigorous safety measures.