Sri Vijaya Puram, April 22:The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has approved a standard operating procedure (SOP) to regulate Night Sea Kayaking (Basic), introducing formal rules to address safety, security, and operational concerns linked to the activity.
Officials said the newly approved guidelines aim to bring structure and oversight to night-time kayaking operations, which are being promoted as part of the region’s expanding tourism offerings. The move comes amid the need to ensure that adventure activities are conducted under defined safety and environmental standards.
According to the administration, the SOP outlines conditions under which Night Sea Kayaking (Basic) can be carried out, with a focus on safeguarding both tourists and operators. Authorities have made it clear that all such activities must strictly adhere to the prescribed guidelines.
The introduction of regulated night kayaking is part of a broader effort to boost tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands while maintaining control over emerging adventure-based experiences. Officials said the framework has been designed to balance tourism promotion with risk management and environmental protection.
All tourism stakeholders, including operators and service providers, have been informed about the enforcement of the SOP. The administration has directed that compliance with the guidelines will be mandatory for conducting the activity.
Authorities also emphasised that the regulations aim to improve the overall experience for visitors by ensuring that safety measures are consistently followed. The guidelines are expected to standardise operations and reduce the risks associated with night-time marine activities.
The administration has made the detailed SOP publicly accessible through the official website of Directorate of Information, Publicity & Tourism. Stakeholders and the general public have been advised to refer to the document for complete operational details.
Officials reiterated that the approval of the SOP marks a step towards structured tourism development in the islands. By introducing regulated frameworks for new activities, the administration aims to ensure that tourism growth does not compromise safety standards or environmental considerations.
The move is also seen as part of ongoing efforts to create a transparent and accountable system for tourism operations, where defined rules govern all activities. Authorities stated that strict adherence to the SOP will be essential for maintaining both safety and sustainability in the region’s tourism sector.
