Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijay Puram, 15 December 2024
A training session on the safety aspects of inland vessels was organized for the Tourist Safety Enforcement Team (TSET) by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, on 14th December 2024. The workshop, held at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Auditorium, SVPMC, was attended by the Team Leader of TSET along with representatives from key departments such as Health, IP&T, Port Management Board, Fire Services, Disaster Management, the DC Office, and the Police Marine Force.
The training emphasized the importance of safety for both vessels and passengers. Participants were advised to adhere to safety regulations, ensuring that boats are not overcrowded and maintain their designated capacity. The importance of maintaining timely schedules for vessels was also stressed. Additionally, the session reinforced the necessity of mandatory safety equipment aboard all vessels, urging passengers to wear life jackets for their protection.
The Port Management Board (PMB) highlighted the need for strict compliance with safety protocols, urging the TSET team to ensure punctuality and avoid any lapses in safety measures. The Directorate of Health Services showcased life-saving procedures, including a live demonstration of CPR and water expulsion techniques.
A presentation by PMB focused on the Inland Vessel (IV) Rules and the general procedures for ensuring boat safety. Emphasis was placed on avoiding overcrowding and maintaining the stipulated timings for vessel operations. The IP&T’s presentation underscored the importance of adhering to passenger capacity limits and addressing tourist grievances promptly. The department also advised the TSET team to keep emergency contact numbers readily accessible.
Disaster Management officials spoke about various risk factors, particularly weather warnings and other alerts from the state and District Disaster Management Centres. They encouraged the use of contacts from DSS, PMF, Coast Guard, and SEOC during emergencies. The Police Marine Force stressed the importance of considering weather conditions, wind, and currents while operating vessels, emphasizing the need for competent masters. They also discussed essential equipment such as life jackets and life buoys.
Fire Services conducted a live demonstration of fire extinguishers, including water-based, foam-based, and CO2-based types, stressing the importance of not smoking on board and avoiding carrying extra fuel for safety reasons.
In closing, Mr. Abhishek Gulia, Assistant Commissioner (HQ), expressed gratitude to all participants for their active involvement. He reminded the TSET team of their critical role in ensuring the safety of inland vessels and urged them to follow the safety measures rigorously without compromise.