Sri Vijaya Puram, Sep 15: Water sports activities on Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) have resumed following a standoff between local water sports operators, boat owners, boat staff and the administration over operational rights, booking arrangements, safety regulations and livelihood concerns.
The dispute had brought water sports activities to a halt after a new booking counter operated by Blue Fly was established at the water sports location. Local operators and boat owners alleged that the new arrangement could bypass the operators who have been facilitating snorkeling and other water-based activities for several years.
According to the protesting operators, commissions earned from snorkeling and other water sports constitute an important part of their income, particularly for boat staff whose basic salaries are relatively low. They expressed concern that changes in the booking system could reduce their commission-based earnings and consequently affect the livelihoods of workers associated with the sector.
Another point of contention was an administrative notice that, according to the operators, restricted certain licensed personnel from entering the water. Local operators questioned the basis of the restriction and maintained that personnel holding valid licences should be allowed to perform their professional duties, subject to applicable rules and safety requirements.
Safety procedures also emerged as a key issue during the standoff. Operators raised concerns over what they alleged were instances of water sports activities being conducted without all mandatory safety requirements, including necessary clearances and the availability of rescue boats.
They said adherence to prescribed safety procedures was essential, particularly in an island destination where sea conditions and weather can change rapidly, and warned that lapses could put tourists and water sports personnel at risk.
The situation subsequently led to discussions involving police personnel, local administration officials, boat owners and representatives of the local union.
Following the discussions, a temporary understanding was reached to resolve the immediate dispute and facilitate the resumption of water sports activities.
As part of the understanding, the disputed booking counter at the site was to be removed. Local operators would be permitted to resume the earlier system of operations, subject to possession of valid licences and strict compliance with prescribed safety norms.
Officials also emphasised that safety requirements could not be compromised. Operators were reportedly cautioned that violations of prescribed safety regulations could have consequences for their licences.
Stakeholders were also urged to ensure that tourists are not inconvenienced or subjected to harassment during the transition and resumption of activities.
While the immediate standoff has ended, questions concerning the financial structure of the sector remain unresolved.
The issue of commissions, including TSC-related payment arrangements, as well as the possibility of improving the salaries of boat staff, is expected to be taken up separately with boat owners and other concerned parties.
Local representatives have indicated that they are prepared to resume operations while continuing discussions with the administration. Further meetings are expected to address operational arrangements, payment and commission structures, the rights and responsibilities of operators and boat staff, and enforcement of safety requirements.
The episode has highlighted the need for clearly defined operating procedures for water sports activities on Swaraj Dweep, where tourism-dependent livelihoods and visitor safety remain closely connected.
For the operators, the immediate priority is to restore regular activity and protect their livelihoods. At the same time, the administration’s emphasis on licensing and safety requirements means that any long-term arrangement will have to balance the interests of local operators and workers with the need to maintain safe and regulated water sports operations.
The temporary understanding has therefore brought the immediate confrontation to an end, but a durable resolution is likely to depend on transparent guidelines covering booking arrangements, operational rights, commissions, staff remuneration and safety compliance.
