As Lao Dong reported, since 2016, new or replacement day tour boats (sailing boats) on Ha Long Bay must follow certain models as prescribed by the People's Committee of Quang Ninh Province. This has led to the appearance of many sailing boats with similar designs on Ha Long Bay , as many boat owners only choose the most satisfactory model from the few models prescribed by Quang Ninh Province.
According to some ship owners, if this regulation continues, there will be hundreds of similar cruise ships in Ha Long Bay because out of more than 500 cruise ships, most are cruise ships, the remaining are about 170 accommodation ships. As for accommodation ships or restaurant ships, ship owners are free to design and create beautiful ships according to their wishes, so each ship has a different style and architecture...
In response to comments from ship owners and businesses, some adjustments have been made to the draft plan “Developing and improving the quality of the tourist fleet operating in Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay by 2030”. Among them, the architectural style chosen by ship owners must be suitable to the specific landscape of Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.
At the same time, all types of ships: cruise ships, accommodation ships, restaurant ships must still ensure the regulations: Paint the entire ship white (except for the hull, fenders, winches, anchors, masts, chimneys, masts, reliefs, logos, floors and other equipment on deck); equip with brown sails.
Regarding technical level, for sightseeing ships (sound ships), the minimum level is VR-SI (allowed to operate in river mouths and seas); ships with a capacity of 200 passengers or more are encouraged to reach VR-SB level (allowed to operate along the coast on routes announced by the Ministry of Transport but not exceeding 12 nautical miles; steel hull or equivalent material; minimum safety factor of 1.5; capacity from 48 to 300 seats; minimum design speed of 8 nautical miles/hour; continuous operating time of 24 hours; maximum of 3 floors...
For restaurant ships, at least VR-SI level is required; ships with a capacity of 200 passengers or more are encouraged to reach VR-SB level; steel hull or equivalent material; minimum design speed of 8 nautical miles/hour; continuous operation time of 24 hours; standards equivalent to 3-star accommodation ships...
For accommodation ships, at least VR-SI level is required. Ships with a capacity of 20 or more bedrooms are encouraged to reach VR-SB level; steel hull or equivalent material; minimum design speed of 8 nautical miles/hour; continuous operating time of 72 hours; 3-star standard or higher.
