Every operator who wants to operate parasailing, boat rides or other water sports activities in the sea has to obtain required permission or licence from the Mercantile Marine Department and an operator who wants to operate such activities in rivers, inland waters and lakes has to obtain permission from the Captain of Ports.
He has to obtain a NOC from the Department of Fisheries if any boat ride or water sport activity is to be operated in the sea, river or inland waters.
The operator has to obtain a fitness certificate from the National Institute of Water Sports, Caranzalem, or from any other agency approved by the Department of Tourism.
Passengers have to be insured as per the carrying capacity of the boat to the extent of at least Rs 2 lakh per passenger, through a Government approved insurance company for a period of one year or for such period as specified by the Captain of Ports/Mercantile Marine Department/National Institute of Water Sports for operation of the water sports units.
The operator has to operate water sports activity in the specified/earmarked area only and within visual range so as to be clearly visible from shore.
He has to display the capacity of the boat as certified by the Mercantile Marine Department/Captain of Ports prominently on the boat.
The operator has to engage trained crew members possessing a certificate from the National Institute of Water Sports, from the Captain of Ports or from the Mercantile Marine Department to the effect that the crew has been trained in (a) manning and operating the boat/equipments; (b) life saving techniques.
He has to observe all safety norms specified by the licensing/certifying authority i.e. Captain of Ports/Mercantile Marine Department/National Institute of Water Sports and also as specified in the booklet titled “Safety Norms for Water Sports/Parasailing” issued by the Union Ministry of Tourism.
