National Institute of Watersports (NIWS)

The Institute was set up by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in 1990 at Goa as apex institution for matters recreational watersporting and aqua-tourism in India. It is only one institution of this kind in the country under the Government, both the Central and the State.

Subsequent to a Government order in 2004, it has been declared as Center under Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) and functions accordingly.

The location for setting up of NIWS in Goa was recommended by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) after a feasibility study of more than half a dozen locations along the West Coast in 1989.

Since inception, our constant endeavour is to assiduously pursue and fulfil the crucial responsibilities and mandates towards the professionalization of the industry. Three decades of pursuit for excellence accorded a firm footing in the domain and cemented the position of a Nodal Institution importance.

With focused strategies, actions and interventions, it has emerged as active participant in establishment of the frameworks and standards required for safe practice of this burgeoning recreational pastime.

NIWS works closely with the Central and State Government institutions as well as corporate entities/private entrepreneurs to position and promote watersports as gratifying and personally rewarding experience.

Vision Statement of NIWS

To position and strive as Nodal Body for the matters recreational watersports, Aqua-tourism and adventure tourism and to establish as Institution of excellence in training and capacity-building, education, domain-specific knowledge creation, operational bench-marking and excellence, standards, procedures, protocols, policy support and advocacy in India.

Mission of NIWS

The mission is to promote the cause of aqua-based leisure, recreation, tourism and adventure development and its practice in a manner that is enjoyable, safe, responsible and accessible to all.

The Specific Objectives Drive This Mission Is:

• Offer Doctoral, Post-graduate, undergraduate, Diploma and Certificate-level programmes to enhance professionalism in the sector.

• Impart scientific training to certify and license the candidates through systematic benchmarked procedure to carry out operations in all domains of recreational watersports, life guarding at water theme-park and pool management.

• Institute certification procedure for Instructors and to benchmark the competencies for professional manpower training.

• Introduce managerial level courses/ EDP’s to man the sector.

• Pursue enforcement of Safety Norms for Operation of Watersports and to re-validate it from time to time in tune with evolving operational and safety protocols.

• Safety audit, inspect and certify the Boat-club & Dive Centers for compliances to operational standards and procedures.

• Create scientific knowledge base to support policy formulation and aqua-tourism development planning.

• Support government agencies and private entities for development and promotion of recreational watersports.

Major Functions Of NIWS

The Institute rigorously pursues varied activities and continuously strive for professionalization of the industry. There exists complete agreement on the imperative of establishing the frameworks and standards for the safe practice of recreational watersports.

At NIWS, we take concerted efforts to map advancements in the industry and redefine the functions in accordance to remain in sync with the unfolding requirements.

Key functions being pursued are certification and licensing of operators for watersports industry, education research/consultancy, policy support, establishing regulations and SoP’s, safety norms and standards, advocacy and development, bench-marking and promotion of recreational watersports as integral component of the burgeoning tourism business.

Boat-clubs and Dive-clubs are also inspected and audited for safety protocols and compliances. Every function is modelled around ‘safety-first’ approach and responsible adventure tourism.

To achieve these, mechanisms for close association with the Central and State Government institutions as well as the industry have been brought in place.