Sri Vijaya Puram, May 13: Authorities issue fresh advisory for operators amid heavy dependence on sea transport across islands
Amid continued dependence on sea transport for inter-island connectivity, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has reiterated the need for strict compliance with boat safety norms by all boat operators and boat masters operating across the islands.
The advisory, issued through the Directorate of Disaster Management, comes as thousands of island residents continue to rely daily on ferries, mechanised boats and small passenger vessels for transport between remote islands and coastal settlements.
Officials said passenger safety remains a priority in the island territory, where sea routes form the backbone of transportation and access to essential services. The Directorate, in coordination with maritime and district authorities, has urged operators to strictly follow safety guidelines prescribed by the National Disaster Management Authority.
Authorities have stressed that all vessels operating in the islands must remain seaworthy, regularly maintained and operated within permissible passenger capacity limits.
The administration has also reminded operators that safety compliance is not limited to technical certification alone but includes onboard passenger management, emergency preparedness and communication systems.
As part of the advisory, boat operators and masters have been directed to carry valid certificates of survey and operational licences onboard whenever vessels are in service. Officials warned against permitting explosive or hazardous materials onboard passenger vessels and instructed operators to ensure adequate and trained crew members are present to manage passengers and respond during emergencies.
The administration has further directed operators not to overload vessels, a recurring concern in many coastal and inter-island transport operations during peak travel periods and adverse weather conditions.
Boat operators have also been asked to ensure dissemination of accurate information to passengers onboard and avoid unauthorised alterations to vessels that could compromise stability or operational safety.
According to the Directorate, all passenger boats should be equipped to handle fire emergencies and rescue situations, while crew members must be trained in emergency response procedures. Operators have additionally been instructed to prevent unauthorised individuals from boarding vessels and to ensure third-party insurance coverage for all operational boats.
Officials have also emphasised cleanliness and operational preparedness, advising operators to keep vessels dry and clean during operations and establish proper communication mechanisms before beginning voyages.
The latest advisory gains significance as sea transport remains the primary mode of travel for residents of several islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, particularly in areas where air connectivity or road infrastructure is unavailable or limited.
Small ferries and mechanised boats are frequently used for movement of school students, patients, traders, government employees and daily commuters between islands and coastal regions. During monsoon periods and rough sea conditions, concerns over passenger safety and vessel preparedness often intensify.
The islands have witnessed maritime incidents in the past linked to weather conditions, overcrowding and technical failures, prompting authorities to repeatedly stress the importance of adherence to maritime safety norms.
Officials said the administration continues to coordinate with disaster management authorities, shipping agencies and district administrations to strengthen awareness regarding safe vessel operations and emergency preparedness.
The Directorate of Disaster Management has appealed to all stakeholders, including boat owners, crew members and passengers, to treat maritime safety as a shared responsibility.
Authorities said strict compliance with the prescribed boat safety guidelines is necessary to protect lives, prevent accidents and ensure uninterrupted transport services across the island territory.
The administration has also indicated that regular monitoring and inspections of passenger vessels will continue as part of ongoing maritime safety measures in the islands.
