KMB enforcement wing inspects houseboats, fines violators in Kerala

In an effort to ensure the safety of tourists at various water tourism destinations, the enforcement wing of Kerala Maritime Board (KMB) has started inspecting houseboats within Kozhikode district.

The squad will verify registration certificates of houseboats, maintenance status of rescue accessories, firefighting measures and the details of labourers who attend to the tourists.

KMB sources said that any violation will be taken seriously and hefty fines will be imposed on illegal operators. Flash inspections will be carried out across the State as part of the ongoing safety audit in view of the tourism season, they added.

Houseboat operators found guilty of various violations in the initial inspection were fined ₹1.30 lakh. According to the KMB squad, some operators failed to renew registration and ensure proper maintenance of rescue accessories.

Squad members warned that violations of houseboat capacity limits will not be tolerated and that boat operators must hire only trained staff instead of casual labourers.   

Last year, licensed houseboat operators complained that unlicensed operators posed a safety threat in the tourism sector. In response, KMB and port officials conducted a series of flash inspections.

“Tourists should also check facilities and registration details of houseboats while making the booking. Only approved operators should be approached during group tours involving children,” said an official. He also said that there were complaints in the past regarding the suspected use of fishing boats for water tourism activities.