Kerala is set to launch an exclusive electronic portal for the registration of all boats, including houseboats, starting August 1. This new system aims to streamline and make the registration process more transparent.
Under this initiative, boats will be assigned a unique QR code upon registration. Passengers and inspection officers will also receive QR codes that provide detailed information about each boat, such as its passenger capacity. This move follows the Tanur boat accident and is part of a broader set of safety measures led by the Kerala Maritime Board.
Kerala is pioneering this online registration system, and efforts are underway to migrate the registration details of existing vessels to the new portal. Annual surveys for these boats will also be managed through the system.
Once operational, the portal will assist in the easy identification and seizure of illegal vessels. To strengthen regulatory enforcement, the Kerala Maritime Board plans to deploy speedboats next month.
Chairman N.S. Pillai of the Kerala Maritime Board highlighted that these measures are designed to eliminate illegal activities and prevent boat accidents. Additionally, the digitization of other sector activities is nearing completion.
