Classification Scheme for Houseboats
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The houseboat holiday of Kerala is increasingly becoming popular with domestic as well as international tourists. Consequently, the number of houseboats plying the backwaters of Kerala has increased dramatically. So much so that there is an urgent need to evaluate the safety and service standards of houseboats and classify them accordingly. This will be the first step towards sustaining this unique tourism product from the Kerala Government. |
Criteria for classification of houseboats
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Gold star Kerala Houseboat * |
Silver Star Kerala Houseboat **
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Green Palm Kerala Houseboat *** |
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Gold star- Houseboats are deluxe category houseboats with less pollution.
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Silver star- Houseboats are standard category houseboats with less pollution.
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Green Palm - Houseboats are non mechanized, punting or electric engine houseboats without pollution. |
 A houseboat fulfilling all the essential conditions prescribed by the Department of Tourism and another five of the ten optional conditions will be awarded the status of Gold Star / Deluxe houseboats.
Houseboat Operator fulfilling the essential conditions will be awarded the Silver Star.
Essential conditions for approval of Houseboats:
1• The general construction of the houseboat should be good; the hull and valavara should be of good condition; flooring should be of marine plywood.
2• Size of rooms in the houseboat should not be lesser than the specifications mentioned below:
3• Bed rooms 80 sq. ft (minimum width - 7 ft)
4• Living/ dining 80 sq. ft
5• Kitchen 20 sq. ft
6• Attached toilet 20 sq. ft (minimum width - 3 ft)
7• Common toilet 10 sq. ft
8• Passages 3 ft wide
9• Bed rooms should be provided with an attached toilet. Toilets for guests should be of western style and should be cleanly maintained. A common toilet for the staff of the houseboat should also be provided.
10• The kitchen must have provisions for protection from hazards by
11• Using fire-proof materials
12• Having at least two fire extinguishers
13• Storage hold in the kitchen must be hygienic. Food materials on board should be packed properly and stored in a clean environment.
14• Fuel storage should not be near the kitchen.
15• The houseboat should have at least 2 life buoys and 2 fire buckets.
16• Furniture provided in the houseboat should be of good quality.
17• Clean and good quality linen and toiletries should be used. Crockery and glassware should be of excellent quality.
18• Houseboats must maintain and regularly update log books and tourist records.
19• Staff members interacting with guests should be in uniform.
20• The boat should have obtained a valid license from the appropriate authority for plying in the backwaters.
21• Name, cut number and approval number should be painted on both sides of the houseboat.
Optional Conditions for approval of Kerala Houseboats
1• The general construction of the houseboat should show distinctive qualities of luxury.
2• The houseboat should be furnished with superior quality carpets, curtains, furniture etc.
3• Alternative arrangements for discharging solid wastes and sewage, like scientifically designed septic tanks and chemical toilets.
4• Houseboat should be battery operated.
5• Provision for 24 hour electricity on board the houseboat for lights and fans.
6• Provision for 24 hour hot and cold running water.
7• Availability of facility for purifying water on board the houseboat.
8• Provision of a refrigerator or ice-box on board.
9• Arrangement for providing guests a menu of their choice.
10• Staff members interacting with guests should be experienced and fluent in English.
11• Houseboats approved by the Department of Tourism should fly a flag inscribed with the mnemonic of the accorded status. The flag will be approved by the Department of Tourism.
12. Houseboats satisfying the essential conditions and adhering to eco-friendly measures prescribed by the Department of Tourism will be awarded the Green Palm Certificate.
13• Alternate arrangements should be made to discharge solid wastes and sewage by providing scientifically designed septic tanks or bio-chemical toilets.
14• Alternate sources of energy for fuel, like solar power, to be used for heating, lighting etc.
15• Arrangement of a system of separating recyclable from non-recyclable garbage. Organizing the disposal of non-biodegradable garbage in such a manner so as not to harm the local environment.
16• Use of paper bags, cloth bags and other alternatives instead of polythene bags, wherever possible.
17• Use of recycled paper for stationery and other publicity materials.
18• Use of locally available ethnic materials for construction of houseboats and furniture.
19• At least 75% of the workers in a houseboat should be employed from districts of the houseboat's operation.
20• Houseboats using out board engines should acquire a pollution control certificate every three months from a competent authority.
For more information you can contact 0091 94460 81 000 (24hrs)
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