The stage is set for seaplane operations in several parts of the country on the lines of the famous Maldives Air Taxi system. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has issued guidelines for the purpose along with eligibility criteria for seaplane pilots. India is planning seaplane operations for Andaman & Nicobar islands, Lakshadweep islands and Kerala backwaters among other places.

The regulations give an outline of pre-flight briefing for seaplanes keeping in mind their water-related operations. They point out that evacuation time in case of a seaplane accident is relatively shorter with the danger of the aircraft toppling over or water rushing in being quite high, so all pre-flight briefings have to incorporate this element. Right of way, overtaking, crossing and navigation on waterbed have also been outlined in the guildelines.

Pilots also have to undergo a specialised training to operate seaplanes as take-off and landing on water bed is highly dependent on meteorological conditions.

With 100 per cent FDI now permitted in the helicopter and seaplane sector, the regulations have come just in time. The Centre is considering a public-private partnership to start the operations.