Bhubaneswar, June 30: The state government has come up with guidelines to regulate and promote water sports activities in the state.

According to the Odisha Water Sports Guidelines, every operator of water sports activity shall obtain required registration from the director, ports and inland water transport. This apart, the operator shall engage trained crew possessing valid certificate in handling the respective water sports from authorised organisations or institutions.

The activities include motorised activities such as jet ski, speedboat and powerboat, towed activities such as parasailing, banana rides and water skiing and non-motorised activities such as snorkelling, canoeing and kayaking. These apart, individual activities such as sunbathing, bathing in seawaters and sand art will also be dealt under the provision.

"We will ensure that the operators make available all life saving equipment, fire-fighting appliances, rescue tubes and other equipment on the vessels duly certified by competent authorities," said tourism director Nitin Jawale.

A number of authorities and bodies have been created for implementation of the guidelines. A water sports cell will be established within the directorate of tourism to regulate and promote water sports in Odisha. Moreover, the state water sports advisory committee in consultation with the stake holders will notify once in a year the rates for each type of water sports activity at specified place along with specific details of services offered by the operator.

Every district with tourist potential will have to constitute a beach management committee that will look into the development and maintenance the infrastructure required for the implementation of the guidelines.

"The regulations will be applicable not only for activities on the sea, but also for rivers, dams and other water activities. It has received a nod from the state government and will be implemented within a few days," Jawale said.

In case of default, breach or non-compliance of any of the terms and conditions of the guidelines, standard operating procedures, or any other violations according to prevailing laws, the operator will be blacklisted and penalised.

Tour operators in the state have welcomed the decision but felt proper implementation was the need of the hour.

"It is important that the guidelines are put into practice in a proper manner," said Anant Basudev, founder of Trip4Fun tour company.