A houseboat fulfilling all essential conditions prescribed by the Department of Tourism, Kerala and another five of the ten optional conditions will be awarded the status of Gold Star. Those fulfilling the essential conditions will be awarded the Silver Star
Essential conditions for approval of Houseboats ( Silver Star ):
The general construction of the houseboat should be good; the hull and valavara should be of good condition; flooring should be of marine plywood.
Size of rooms in the houseboat should not be lesser than the specifications mentioned below
Bed rooms
80 sq. ft (minimum width - 7 ft)
Living/ dining
80 sq. ft
Kitchen
20 sq. ft
Attached toilet
20 sq. ft (minimum width - 3 ft)
Common toilet
10 sq. ft
Passages
3 ft wide
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
The kitchen must have provisions for protection from hazards by
Using fire-proof materials
Having at least two fire extinguishers
Storage hold in the kitchen must be hygienic
Food materials on board should be packed properly and stored in a clean environment.
Fuel storage should not be near the kitchen
The houseboat should have at least 2 life buoys and 2 fire buckets
Furniture provided in the houseboat should be of good quality
Clean and good quality linen and toiletries should be used.
Crockery and glassware should be of excellent quality.
Houseboats must maintain and regularly update log books and tourist records
Staff members interacting with guests should be in uniform
The boat should have obtained a valid license from the appropriate authority for plying in the backwaters
Name, cut number and approval number should be painted on both sides of the houseboat
