PORVORIM: Inorder to ensure strict adherence to safety norms and quality of water sports in Goa, Department of Tourism in collaboration with the Captain of Ports will formulate a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for water sports activities in state, stated Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte after having meeting with tourism stakeholders , key officials from the Department of Tourism, Captain of Ports, Coastal Security Police, Tourist Police and presidents of different Water Sports Associations across North and South Goa at Mantralaya, Porvorim. The meeting was conducted after recent boat capsizing incidents at Calangute beach, wherein one tourist lost his life.
As part of the regulatory measures, the minister announced that all water sports operators must first obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the tourism and be members of Water Sports Associations as a pre-requisite for registration with the Captain of Ports.
While the Captain of Ports retains the authority to grant final permissions, this step ensures that only operators adhering to safety and operational standards are considered for registration.
The tourism minister stated, “We have carefully considered the issues and suggestions put forth by the water sports association. Also have granted them a 15-day time frame to address concerns including implementing uniform rates for water sports activities, ensuring compliance with the queue system and other pressing matters.
It is imperative that the association takes accountability for its members. Following this period, strict enforcement measures will be initiated, with the Captain of Ports and the Coastal Police serving as the primary enforcement authorities, he said further.
Tourism minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment for promoting responsible tourism in Goa, stating, “We are taking strong measures to ensure that water sports operators adhere to the highest safety and operational standards. As we collectively work with them, we need support from them to work collaboratively.”