National Institute of Watersports is set up as apex institute for all matters leisure-based water sporting in the country, it has been our constant endeavour to creatively fulfill the mandates. With the focused strategies, actions and interventions; it has already established its position as a nodal body for training, consultancy, development, regulation, framing safety norms, bench-marking and promotion of watersports as integral component of the burgeoning tourism business.
Major Functions
Institute performs a variety of functions ranging from imparting training in a wide range of leisure-based water sporting to preparing feasibility studies/development reports for water sporting to state government agencies and corporate/ private entrepreneurs, frame safety norms, water sports awareness campaigns, water safety campaigns, inspection and certification of water sports centres and so on.
At Institute, we strive to set high standards for the practice of the sportings with ‘safety-first’ approach. In addition, it also takes lead in guiding the Govt. agencies and potential entrepreneurs in matters of water sports business.
Presently, trainings are offered in almost the entire range of water sport disciplines such as powerboat handling, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, river rafting, kayaking etc. The certification in life-saving techniques for water sport operators, beach life-guarding, pool life-guarding and water-park are very unique in content and pedagogy.
Many innovative training courses have been developed in recent years. A unique course among those was ‘Sea Rescue Squad’ programme for the Govt. of Kerala. This training aims to prepare and empower the persons in all critical facets of rescue activities and also usage of major instruments such as GPS and nearly 70 persons already trained.
General Information
(a) Venue: Most training programmes are conducted at our premises at Caranzalem, near Dona Paula Circle, Panjim (Tel No 91-832-2453898). However, some of the basic training programmes requiring safer inland water conditions and specialized training programmes like river rafting are conducted at suitable off-campus locations. Location and other details of such courses are intimated to the participant well in time.
(b) Accommodation: The Institute presently does not have own boarding & lodging facilities. Therefore, trainees are advised to make arrangements themselves. However, Institute may provide assistance to trainees for arranging their stay at private accommodation near the institute. The cost of dormitory accommodation and catering charges are nominal. The trainees shall have to settle payments directly with the hotel/ caterer.
(c) Confirmation of admission to the course: Candidates will be confirmed to respective courses only on depositing required course fees.
(d) Mode of payment: Course fees shall be accepted by Demand Draft only, favouring National Institute of Water sports payable at Panaji.
Arrival Information
By Bus: From Panjim interstate bus stand, persons can board local bus bound for Dauna Paula to reach NIWS training campus at Caranzalem. It is located nearly 8 KM away from Panjim bus stand and enroute to Dona Paula. Persons may get down at ‘NIO Circle’ stop or a stop before that. Auto rickshaw, Motorcycle (popularly called ‘pilot’) and taxis are also available at Panjim bus terminal.
By Train: Thivim/ Karmali/ Madgaon are major railway stations in the Konkan Railway route. Karmali is the nearest railway head (about 18 KM to Panjim) but all trains do not stop there. One may have to confirm the stoppage of trains. But, all trains passing through Goa has stoppage at Madgaon.
From Madgaon, the economic way of reaching Panjim (approx. 40 km) is non-stop shuttle bus service leaving from Madgaon bus stand. Taxies and rickshaw are available but one should try to bargain fares. Those getting down at Karmali or Thivim railway stations can board a bus goes to Panjim bus stand or hire other conveyances outside the station.
By AIR: Dabolim airport is the nearest one and it is at a distance of around 32 KM. All major towns of India and some Gulf destinations are connected with the airport.