On July 22, the Da Nang Department of Construction announced that it had just issued a directive to comprehensively tighten the management and ensuring traffic safety on inland waterways, especially tourist transport routes. This move will both improve service quality and proactively respond to unusual weather developments. Especially after the recent accident of a tourist boat sinking in Ha Long Bay.
The Department of Construction requires the Quang Nam Maritime Port Authority - the unit managing the operation of national inland waterways in Hoi An - Cu Lao Cham; Thu Bon River... and the Da Nang Inland Waterways Port Authority to strictly check the safety conditions of the vehicles before letting them leave the port. The directive emphasizes that it will resolutely not grant licenses for cases: vehicles lacking fire prevention and fighting equipment, life jackets, life buoys; vehicles carrying more people than the prescribed number; and crew members showing signs of using stimulants.
Transport business units, port and wharf owners are also required to increase their responsibility. It is necessary to strictly implement regulations on service quality, maintain safety at ports and wharves and proactively develop disaster response plans. Portes and wharves are not allowed to receive vehicles without or with expired registration and technical safety certificates.
The responsibility of the captain is also emphasized, to check the safety conditions of the vehicle himself and mandatoryly instruct passengers to use life buoys before each trip. This comprehensive measure is expected to create a safe, disciplined waterway transportation environment, maximum protection of people and tourists' lives and property.
