SAFETY NORMS FOR WATERSPORTS

National Institute of Watersports

(A center under Indian Institute of & Tourism Management) (Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India)

IInd Floor, Sundial Apartment

A.S. Road, Althinho, Panjim Goa 403001

Tel/Fax (0832) 24364000, Website: www.niws.nic.in Email: [email protected]

Incredible !ndia

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necessary, to these norms to suit local condition. Technical advice on the SAFETY NORMS FOR matter of safety in watersports and WATERSPORTS enforcement of the norms contained here can be sought from the National Institute of Watersports. These safety norms for watersports in the field of adventure tourism are given The latest version of the norms can be in this booklet as a guideline for downloaded from NIMW website at watersports operators. They specify the www.niws.nic.in. minimum safety standards as regard to infrastructure equipment/ accessories, Principal / Nodal Officer operator‟s qualifications and guidelines for watersports operations. The norms haven been divided into following sections:

Section 1: General Watersports

a) Boat and Water-scooter Rides b) c) and Fun Rides d) Jet

e) and Sailing f) Kayaking and Canoeing

Section 2: Scuba Section3: River Section 4: Lifeguarding

a) Pool Lifeguards b) Beach Lifeguards

Respective enforcing authorities shall add further regulations, if any deemed

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SECTION- 1: WATRTSPORTS Equipment and Accessories:

Scope: These regulations are New equipment must have applicable for Watersports centers certification for design as well as offering powerboat handling including manufacture from a certification water-scooter and rides, water- agency such as India Register of skiing, sailing, parasailing, kayaking Shipping (IRS). Existing and canoeing. Norms for SCUBA equipment should have a similar diving and river rafting have been certification from a Marine given separately. Architect for serviceability and seaworthiness. Infrastructure: The carrying capacity of the boats musty be clearly displayed Boat club shall have the following so that it can be seen by the infrastructure: passengers as well as regulatory Embarkation/disembarkation agencies. arrangement for customers in the The buoyancy aids must be form of a jetty or pontoon. available in sufficient numbers Shelter for customers with to Cater for the deployment of facilities for drinking water and all the watersports equipment toilet. simultaneously. They must be Storage space for watersports available in different sizes so equipment to protect it from that they will fit customers of all deterioration from exposure to sizes and age groups. direct sunlight. Fuel should be A first-aid box with standard Stored in separate supplies must be available on “Inflammable” store in a well shore at an easily accessible ventilated area and provided location. with appropriate fire fighting Rescue tube, specifically facilities developed for on-water rescue, Maintenance area for defect should be carried on the rescue rectification and preventive boat as well as on passenger maintenance. boats used for rides. The existing lifebuoys should be phased out and replaced by the rescue tubes.

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Operator’s Qualifications: Watersports Operation- General Norms I. Techniques (LST): The entire staff of the watersport Area of Operation: center who are directly involved with the operations must have Area for operation of mechanized craft LST certification from National (water-scooter/ boat/ Jet Ski etc.) Institute of Watersports (NIWS). should be away from the area of It is desirable that personnel manually operated crafts like paddle indirectly connected with boating, rowing, kayaking etc. It should watersport center like waiters, be clearly marked with flags & floats. receptionists, sweepers etc. also On the beach, swim zone should be qualify in the First Aid and CPR marked with floats & there should be a modules of the LST course so small pontoon in the center as a safety that they can render help in an point for swimmers. Boats involved in emergency. leisure rides or in parasailing shall not go beyond the visual range of the II. Powerboat Handling rescue boat driver/ lookout. Certification (PBH): For Rescue: All powerboat/ water scooter/ jet ski drivers must hold PBH A rescue boat must be available in full certification from NIWS or its readiness during the entire period of equivalent international watersport operation. This boat must be certification from agencies like powered by OBM of minimum 10 HP. Royal Yachting Association A Lookout-cum-boat driver must be (RYA) standby near the boat. The boat as well as the Lookout should not be involved III. Note: Validity of above with any other activity while on rescue certification is two years, after duty. which, the same shall be renewed. Period of Operation:

Boating should be restricted to day light hours only.

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Norms for Boat and Norms for Parasailing Watersports Rides

Driver qualification: Driver’s qualification: The boat driver must have a remote Driver should hold a valid PBH as well control powerboat handling [PBH- R as LST certification. Validity of above (LEVEL 3)] certification from NIWS. certification is two years, after which, In addition, he must have a minimum the same shall be renewed. of 30 supervised launches before handling operations independently. Operating instructions: Boat and OBM: It shall be full responsibility of the boat driver to ensure that every rider The boat used for parasailing must have Wearing of buoyancy aids of adequate engine power. It is ideal to appropriate size by customers would be have a winch-boat but use of a remote- that of. Buoyancy aid must fit snugly controlled boat with minimum of 90 and all the fasteners should be secured HP is also permitted. The must have a during the entire period of ride. strong anchor/point specially built for attachment of parasail. Boat/ water-scooter should be operated from a jetty, or a ramp Equipment and Accessories: where embarkation of passengers can be carried out Parasail must be made of material safely. suitable for use over water. The Weight of the passengers must parasailing center must have a be evenly distributed and they windsock or a hand –held speed should remain seated throughout meter to determine the wind velocity. the boat ride. Operating Instructions:

Parasailing operation must be carried out from specially marked area of the beach to avoid injury or disturbance to other beach users. A stretch of 200 feet shall be clearly marked

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on the beach with a notice board Equipment and Accessories: warning other beach users to keep clear during takeoff and The powerboat used for skiing landing. must have adequate power The parasailing operation must (minimum 40HP) with remote be stopped whenever the wind control. speed exceeds 15 miles per hour The skier must wear specially at sea level. designed buoyancy aid for water In addition to Driver, the boat skiing and should have must carry one assistant to serve additional padding on the chest as a “Lookout”. and collar. The boat driver must keep a Operating Instructions: sharp lookout for swimming in water to take quick evasive The ski boat must carry a action. Lookout who will keep an eye The parasailing equipment shall on the skier and advice the boat driver accordingly be inspected and certified by The ski boat is to be operated NIWS or specialist on its behalf/ outside the swimming area of the National governing body of beach/ water body. paragliding. For fun-rides, customers must wear buoyancy aids of correct size with all fasteners secured snugly. Children shall not be Waterskiing & Fun Rides Using allowed to take the fun rides Powerboat unless buoyancy aid to their size is available. Driver Qualification: Must hold PBH and LST certification. In addition, he should have conducted water-skiing operations under Jet Ski/ Personal Watercraft controlled supervision on at least five occasions. He should be thoroughly (PWC) conversant with standard hand signals Operator’s qualification: Must hold used between driver and skier. PBH and LST certifications from NIWS or its equivalent. In addition to

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this basic seamanship qualification, he I. A qualified boat driver seats should also undergo Jet Ski conversion behind during the ride. course conducted by NIWS. II. Customer is thoroughly briefed on the controls of the Jet Ski, the Operating Instructions: rules of the road and basic Operating area: Jet Ski should be seamanship during Jet Ski operated in a well defined area beyond handling. Jet Ski drivers sitting normal swimming and watersports behind on such a ride shall area. It is very important keep in mind ensure that speed limit and the that even the wake generated by a Jet safety instructions are followed Ski would pose danger to kayaks and by the rider so as to avoid paddle boats. accident and injury to others. If the customer disobeys the Forbidden Maneuvers: Riding too instructions, the driver shall close to other boats, jumping wake of immediately take over the boat or waves and fast approaching to control. the jetty is forbidden. During emergency turning, the driver would Jet Ski Ride by Customers lose control of Jet Ski if the throttle is Independently: released abruptly. Therefore, power Watersport centre can allow should be reduced after turning action independent riding of jet ski by its is complete customers but same is permitted only Rides by Jet Ski driver: Normally after an experienced instructor, holding Jet Ski should be used at a Watersport jet ski certification from NIWS, centre and designated place. The rides conducted a short familiarization lesson should be manned by a qualified driver as per “jet ski” familiarization check and he has to ensure that the passengers list issued by NIWS. Successful wear snugly fitting buoyancy aids completion of familiarization should be throughout the ride. recorded on the indemnity bond. Children below 16 years of age should Jet Ski Rides by Customers not be allowed for independent Jet Ski Accompanied by a Boat Driver: ride.

Watersport center may allow customers to driver a jet ski provided:-

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Windsurfing & Dinghy Sailing visual range of the rescue boat driver. The helper must be stand-by Operator Qualification: whenever the customer approaches the disembarkation The watersport centre should have at pontoon/ jetty or the beach. least one staff member holding The boat crew/ windsurfer must certification from NIWS or from the wear a buoyancy aid with all national governing body of the fasteners snugly secured respective Watersport with adequate throughout the sailing period. proficiency. Proof of participation in Passenger carrying capacity of national/ Navy Sailing regattas can also the sailing boat should not be be considered equivalent to a exceeded. proficiency certificate.

Equipment and Accessories: Kayaking and Canoeing The windsurfing/ sailing In- charge must inspect the equipment, accessories and Operator Qualification: fitting before commencement of the season (and thereafter every The watersports centre should have at month) and certify its least one staff member holding serviceability in the log book. certification from NIWS or from a The equipment must be national governing body of the manufactured under IRS respective Watersport with adequate certification or imported from a proficiency. Proof of participation in reputed manufacturer. National/ Navy regattas can also be considered equivalent to a proficiency Operating Instruction: certificate.

There should be a rescue boat Equipment and Accessories: with a driver stand-by for the entire duration of sailing. The kayaks and canoes must be The area of operation shall be manufactured under IRS certification clearly marked and be within the for design & manufacture.

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The existing Kayaks should be certified SECTION: 2 by a marine architect for strength, buoyancy and ease of entry and exit from cockpit.

Operating Instruction: Operator Qualification: The watersports center is Dive Instructor: The dive center responsible for imparting should employ at least one „Dive adequate training to customers Instructor‟ certified by internationally before handing over the kayaks recognized agencies viz. E.G. PADI, for independent operation. CMAS, NAUI, BSAC and SSI. It is recommended that the watersport center conducts a Dive Boat Driver: The boat driver familiarization training program must hold PBH and LST certifications for this purpose. from NIWS (or its equivalent). The The kayaker must wear a dive boat also must carry a person who properly fitting buoyancy aid holds a valid life saving techniques while on water. (LST) certificate from NIWS or with There should be a rescue boat valid “Medic First Aid” certification. with a driver stand-by Equipment and Accessories: throughout the duration for which the kayaks/ canoes are in Dive Equipments: The dive center water. should have a minimum of 06 diving The area of operation should be sets that include tank, regulator with clearly defined and be within the pressure gauge, depth meter and dive visual range of the rescue boat watch or deco-computer, mask, operator. snorkel, fins, buoyancy compensating jacket, quick release weight belt and

alternate air source.

Equipments/ Gadgets: The dive boat must carry the items such as required number of dive flags, oars, flares, first aid kit, walkie-talkie & medical oxygen set.

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Pressure Testing: The Dive Center The dive center must have a must possess a certificate of pressure permanent office address with testing from an authorized testing telephone. Agency, which is valid for 3 years. It A rate card is to be prepared and should be renewed on 3-year intervals effectively valid for one season. or as per rules of the Government of At least one „Safety staff‟ must India regarding operating high pressure be available at the base station cylinders. throughout when sea-dives are conducted. The details of inspection are to be entered in a maintenance book along The dive center must diligently with cylinder number. Tanks are not abide the guidelines for safe allowed to be used after 12 years of the operation and protection of date of manufacturing. marine environment that will be issued by NIWS on behalf of Air compressor: It is strictly advised MOT from time to time. to the use of specified compressor oil only. Air purifying filters in the compressor are to be changed as per SECTION: 3 guidelines of compressor manufacturer and the same be entered in compressor RIVER RAFTING log book along with number of cylinders filled accordingly. The Center must also obtain a certificate from an Operator Qualifications: authorized Agency stating the quality of output of air compressors every 6 The River Guide must hold valid months. certification of competency from NIWS or a national governing Operating Instructions: body recognized by the MOT. „Emergency Action Plan‟ (EAP) He must also hold a Life Saving must be drawn up specifying Technique (LST) certification actions to be initiated by the from NIWS or an equivalent members of the dive team and certification from respected the support staff in event of national governing body. emergencies of different nature. They must complete two familiarization runs under supervision before the

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commencement of each season A raft must have a throw bag and before undertaking and a bailing bucket. commercial runs. A flip line is recommended for Minimum age for guides is 18 all big drops. years except for float trips (grade Appropriate IInd below) where it may be shoes/sandals/booties are a must relaxed to 15 years. for rafting. Suitable clothing must be worm Equipment and Accessories: during winter/ on glacier-melt There shall be at least two crafts river and cold air temperatures. on the water during operation. For such rivers, dry suits/ wet However, of these, both can be suits are recommended. In their rafts/ kayaks or a a combination absence, light woolen/synthetic of one raft and a safety kayak. cloths are suggested but cotton is This may be relaxed for float to be strictly avoided. trips in case of rafts. For kayaks, Operating Instructions: a minimum of two should be in water. All rafters/kayakers including All trips must carry a well- guides must strictly wear a life equipped First Aid kit jacket at all tims while in the (containing triangular bandages, water. The life jackets must sterile pads, gauge roller have adequate buoyancy bandages, pressure bandages, (minimum of 6.14 kg. but First Aid adhesive tape, splints, preferably 9 to 10 Kg.), must scissors) and repair kit meet the specification of US (containing half meter of repair coast guard type III or V. material, glue and accelerator, Inflatable and the „keyhole‟ type sand paper and waterproof jackets are not recommended. repair tape). Guides must ensure that the life Oar rafts must carry at least one jackets are worn „snugly‟ before spare oar. the trip starts. All rafts must have a safety line Helmets are mandatory for going all around the raft. rafters irrespective of whether Besides, a bow-line and a stem the rafting takes place through line are also preferred.

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rapids or under normal flow. It harm the flora and fauna of the should also be properly strapped. area. Non-swimmers should not be It is mandatory for all outfitters allowed on rapids above Grade and guides to maintain a log III. book. It should contain the Guides/ Expedition leader must details of the trip viz. number of ensure that a thorough safety boards/ passengers, river map, briefing, covering all pertinent river geography- including details for a particular trip, is gradient, rapids and its given before each trip. The height/elevation, water level, trip leader must ensure that velocity- gadgets on board, guests are in suitable attire accident or untoward incidents (bulky cloths, sarees, turbans, or injuries etc. The outfitter and neck ties, long skirts and three guide log books must be signed piece suits are to be totally by the senior guide/ Expedition avoided). leader after every expedition. People suffering from any serious ailments, weak heart conditions, epilepsy and SECTION: 4 expectant mothers should not be allowed on raft. LIFEGUARDING Non-swimmers should not be allowed to body-surf. Trip must be timed in such a Pool Lifeguard manner to finish it at least an hour before sunset. Scope: The regulations contained Anybody consumed alcohol (in below are applicable for lifeguarding at any form or quantity) or illicit Swimming Pool, Water Park and Lake- drugs at least six hours prior to front. The stipulations are being framed the expedition must not be to ensure that the people/ participants allowed to get on the craft. enjoy swimming/ water-borne activities The river/ beach must be kept and are free from fear of safety and clean. security. Nothing should be done to Qualification: The person must be in offend the local people or to possession of a valid Lifesaving

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Technique (LST) certification from one observation post must be NTWS or equivalent certification from provided for longer//bigger agencies like National Pool and Water swimming pools or water parks. Park Association and National Safety Lifeguard on active duty should council. Validity of the certification is not be distracted while on duty. 2 years after which, a Lifeguard has to No other job shall be assigned to undergo a two-day re- validation course while they are on pool duty. to conform that he meets the stipulated Lifeguard should be familiar physical fitness and rescue standards. with standard communication signals. Swimming Ability Norms: An Emergency Action Plan To swim 100 mtrs. in 2 minutes (EAP) should be drawn up without resting, by way of crawl covering all types of or breast stroke. emergencies, which inter alia To dive 08 inch deep and bring specify the role of each member up a 5 Kg. weight to the of the Pool Management. It poolside/ bank. should be recast periodically by Tread without moving the legs incorporating necessary for minimum 01 minute. additions/ modifications.

Rescue Equipment: Reach-out pole, elevated observation platform Beach Lifeguard consisting of chair with sunshade, rescue tube, pocket mask for mouth to Scope: Same as safety norms for Pool mouth resuscitation, Ambuse bag, back Lifeguard board for spinal injuries, Stretcher, first aid box and whistles with lanyard. Qualifications: A Beach Lifeguard can be put on active lifeguard duty only Personal items: Uniform, cap, sun if he holds a valid “Silver Certification” glasses and sun protection creams. from NIWS or its equivalent certification from international Life Guarding Instructions: agencies like Surf Lifesaving Duties should not exceed 4 hours Association of Australia. at a time. A „Beach Lifeguard Supervisor‟ must Area under observation should be in possession of a valid „Gold‟ not exceed 50 meters. More than certification from NIWS or equivalent

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agencies. Validity of both the Personal Items: Same as in Safety certification is one year, after which a norms booklet lifeguard has to undergo a two day re- Lifeguarding Instructions: validation course to confirm that he meets the physical fitness, swimming Duties should not exceed 4 hours and CPR standards. at a time. Swimming Ability and Fitness The lifeguard must work in pairs. Norms:

A. Silver Certification ---- #### -----

Swimming ability: swim 400 mts. in 09 minutes or less in a

swimming pool of not than 25 mtr. or a measured open water course. Physical fitness: Run-swim-run through surf for 200 mts.; then swim 100 meters through the surf (without fins); swim back 100 mts. and run a further 200 mts. Maximum time allotted to complete it is 08 minutes. Gold Certification

Swimming ability: complete 800m swim in 14 minutes or less in a swimming pool of not less than 25m or a measure open water course. Physical fitness: Run Swim Run: same as silver certification. Also run 1600 mtrs in 7 minutes

Rescue Equipment: Same as in Safety norms booklet

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