Panaji: At the backdrop of Nerul Paradise ship tragedy, Captain of Ports Octavio Rodrigues has said that no one can tell his department not to register the vessels.Without referring to the tourism department, Rodrigues said that the vessels are registered under Inland Vessels Act and “no other department can tell me not to register the vessels.”
The state tourism department has issued circular making it mandatory for the CoP to issue licences for the vessels in Water Sports only after taking NOC from them (tourism department).
Talking to GNH, Rodrigues said that the boats are registered under Indian Vessels Act. “The Captain of Ports have to ensure that the vessels are safe. The CoP checks the construction and stability of the vessel before giving it permission,” he said.
Rodrigues said that after getting the permission, the boat will have to take trade licence from mining department, if it is registered to carry cargo or from tourism department, if it is involved in tourism activity.
“No one can tell me not to give registration to any vessel. Only my department or ministry can tell me. The CoP is governed under the central act,” he said.
Referring to the Nerul Paradise incident, Rodrigues said that the Coastal Security Police have been checking the papers of the boats. He said that the boat had ventured in the waters despite the warning against it.
He also said that the greed of some operators result in such kind of incidents.
Rodrigues said that his department has issued show cause notice to the owner of the boat, who would be summoned for the inquiry.
