(Representative) Gandhinagar, Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel has approved the Gujarat Inland Vessels (Registration, Survey and Operation of Category 'C' Inland Vessels) Rules, 2024 with a commitment to make boating and water sports activities safer and more secure in the state.
Under these rules, an application for registration of pleasure craft-boats of less than 10 meters in length has to be made to the concerned District Magistrate. These rules ensure that the waterside safety committee of the district or city will periodically inspect the water sports activities and operation of boats and can take punitive action for violation of safety rules.
In addition to elaborate provision in the rules regarding roles and responsibilities of urban and rural areas and other authorities, role of operator, life jacket, monthly maintenance, qualified crew members, life boat, emergency response boat, safety equipment, public awareness and environmental safety standards have also been elaborated.
It is believed that the implementation of safety measures, regular inspections under these new rules announced under the guidance of the Chief Minister will reduce the potential risks in boating and water sports activities and also increase the overall public safety along with boosting the tourism sector and employment growth in the state.
