The operation of inland cruise houseboats in Kozhikode district will be brought under strict monitoring, following a State-level directive issued by the Kerala Maritime Board (KMB) to enforce regulations related to passenger safety and boat registration. The move comes in the wake of internal reports highlighting widespread violations of safety norms in the sector.
Instructions have been issued to local enforcement squads to impound mechanised boats used for tourism that operate without adhering to legal formalities. The port officer and local police will be responsible for taking action against such illegal services.
Tourism department sources said that details of several boats suspected of using fake registration numbers—or using registration numbers belonging to other vessels—are currently under scrutiny across different parts of the State. They added that many tourists remain unaware of such malpractices.
KMB officials said boat operators would be given time until July 15 to complete the mandatory registration and paperwork via the Kerala Nauka inland vessel e-portal. The misuse of fishing boats for tourism purposes will also be investigated, they added.
The police sources said the support of the Tourism department would be sought to monitor the entry of illegal operators into the sector. They said that all boat owners will be required to clearly display the vessel’s registration details and carrying capacity for the awareness of passengers. In Kozhikode district, the registration details of houseboats operating in the Chaliyar, Akalappuzha, and Korappuzha rivers will be examined in the first phase of the drive, they said.
Published – June 22, 2025 07:34 pm IST
