According to Bac Ninh Provincial Police, the dry season in the North usually starts from November of the previous year to April of the following year.
The decrease in water levels in the dry season not only narrows the width and depth of the channel but also reveals shallow beaches, rapids, rocks and obstacles under the riverbed.
For large tonnage and deep draft waterway vehicles, movement in restricted channel conditions, to ensure safety requires absolute precision in control techniques and understanding of flow developments.
On the other hand, for waterway traffic, in winter, low temperatures accompanied by high humidity often lead to thick fog on the river surface in the early morning and late at night.
Limited visibility while the train channel has already been narrowed due to low water levels is one of the direct causes of collisions between ships or ships colliding with infrastructure works across rivers.
In order to prevent waterway traffic accidents, Waterway Police Team No. 2, Traffic Police Department of Bac Ninh Provincial Police recommends:
Inland waterway vehicles need to regularly monitor water levels daily, especially during low water levels; go in the correct channel of ships following instructions and strictly comply with the inland waterway signal system. Vehicle owners need to raise awareness of accident prevention, check the technical condition of ships, equip themselves with full life-saving equipment, and ensure safety before departing.
Locations with rocky cliffs and shoals that pose a risk of traffic accidents when the water level drops during the day, on the Thuong River: Km 01, km 06, km 07+200, Km 12+600, km 47, km 48, km 50+300, km 53; Luc Nam River: Km 1+300, km 09, km 25+500, km 48; Cau River: Km 2+500, km 8+500, km 52+100, km 54+200, km 60+800, km 92. It is requested that organizations and individuals operating in waterway transport improve their sense of responsibility, proactively prevent and avoid to ensure the safety of life and property and maintain order and safety of inland waterway traffic.
In the coming time, the Riverine Police force will continue to strengthen inspection, guidance and support vehicles to circulate safely through areas with complex terrain, especially points with fluctuations in traffic flow due to changes in water levels. At the same time, coordinate and propose functional agencies to install warning signs in dangerous areas, contributing to ensuring and preventing inland waterway traffic accidents.
