Frequent boat accidents causing fatalities in the Krishna and the Godavari rivers has brought into focus the need for ensuring safety parameters with regulation.
While permission is required from the Director-General Shipping for vessels going into the sea, the powers for boats with an overall length of 21 metres have been delegated to the State governments. Harbour crafts like launches, tugs and barges in the city are managed by the Visakhapatnam Port Trust after certification by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
Though the State government has adopted the Maritime Board Bill in the Assembly, the Centre is yet to notify it. At present, the Director of Ports located at Kakinada is authorised to look after the licensing of the boats up to overall length of 21 metres.
Asked to comment on steps to improve safety mechanism, VPT Chairman M.T. Krishna Babu told The Hindu that sufficient manpower should be posted at the disposal of the Director of Ports, who is in-charge of all non-major ports in the State, to check the safety parameters and licensing of boats now being operated in various rivers.
Saying the VPT had an impressive safety record in managing various vessels including support vessels and barges, he said they were strictly adhering to safety norms stipulated by the Central authorities from time to time.
Regular inspection of boats carrying passengers in river waters in Papikondalu and other areas besides yearly licensing system by officials appointed by the State government and an awareness campaign on safety aspects were the need of the hour, Mr. Krishna Babu said.
