UDUPI: A day after a boat capsized near Malpe, claiming two lives, Udupi Deputy Commissioner (DC) SwaroopaTK directed all tourist boat operators in the district to submit the required documents and register with the Tourism Department within 45 days as part of enhanced safety measures.
Chairing a coastal safety meeting on Tuesday, the DC emphasised that tourist safety at beaches and coastal destinations must be the top priority.
“All precautionary measures must be implemented to ensure that no loss of life occurs while visitors enjoy the district’s natural beauty,” she said.
The DC clarified that only boats with proper clearance from the Police, Port Department, Coast Guard, local authorities, and Tourism Department will be allowed to operate. Licensed boats must renew their permits annually, and operators running boats without permission will be barred from carrying passengers.
Highlighting passenger safety, the DC directed that all tourists must wear life jackets before boarding, and that pre-recorded audio announcements confirming life jacket compliance be played on every boat. Safety awareness material must also be displayed at beaches and tourist hubs.
To ensure compliance, the administration will organise workshops for boat owners, operators, and lifeguards on rescue procedures, insurance facilities, and safety protocols. A meeting of tourist boat owners will be convened shortly to brief them on the new directives.
The meeting was attended by Udupi SP Hariram Shankar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Abid Gadyal, and Assistant Director of Tourism Vindhya NM, among other officials.