Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation Limited (KSINC) said it suspended the roll-on roll-off service after the inaugural run as it was risky to operate them without properly trained crew and facilities at boat jetties, and proper registration.
On the inaugural day, the vessel was controlled by a crew member deputed by the Cochin Port Trust/Kochi Corporation as trained staff were not available on that day, said a statement issued by V.K. Raju, the company secretary of KSINC.
Since the KSINC has taken over the responsibility of operating the vessels, it has initiated steps for training the crew and renewal of licences for the vessels.
The training and the renewal of licences may take around 10 days and it was decided to resume the service from May 10, said the statement.
Mentioning the risk involved in operating the vessels without proper registration and trained crew, Mr. Raju pointed out that 11 lives had been lost in a boat accident that took place in Fort Kochi three years ago.
Incidentally, the suspension of service had created a controversy in the local body with the Opposition holding the civic administration responsible for the lapses. They have also demanded the resignation of the Mayor for failing to take the steps for the smooth operation of the vessels including the procurement of statutory licences.
According to Mr. Raju, it was the responsibility of the Kochi Corporation to procure the licences for operating the vessels since they were owned by the civic body. The vessels had permission for operation under the Kerala Inland Vessels Rules 2010 though they were not registered under the Kochi Harbour Crafts Rules. The civic body and the Cochin Shipyard, which built the vessels, had failed in their responsibilities for renewing the registration on time, the statement said.
The KSINC has also informed the civic body about the inadequacy of facilities and also the fact that the crew could not be given proper training.
The mooring berth constructed at Vypeen is unfit for use and the vessels cannot be moored there. Proper lighting had to be arranged at the jetties too, the statement said.
