PANJIM: Captain of Ports (CoP) Department has banned the use of high intensity tracer/focus lights on the decks of river cruise vessels plying in River Mandovi. The decision comes after the Directorate of Transport sought a ban on these lights, apprehending distraction to drivers and riders on the Mandovi bridges and D B Marg that could lead to fatal accidents.
“The Captain of Ports has taken note that some cruise vessels plying in the River Mandovi are using high-intensity tracer/focus lights on their decks and the same is projected in such a manner that could lead to a major distraction for drivers/motorist proceeding on the Mandovi bridge as well as along Dayanand Bandodkar Marg. Due to this the possibility of fatal accidents cannot be ruled out. Therefore, all owners/masters/serang of passenger and cruise vessels, plying in River Mandovi are hereby informed that use of high-intensity tracer/focus lights on board is banned with immediate effect. Any violation of the above will be viewed very seriously,” the CoP order states.
Transport Director Nikhil Desai had recently written to CoP to issue necessary directions to vessels plying in River Mandovi not to use such lights and ban them with immediate effect to prevent any untoward accident.
