On Saturday, January 20, a meeting of the governors of Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi provinces was held on Phi Phi Don Island to discuss maritime safety. Representatives from relevant agencies, including The Department of Emergency Management and the Marine Police, reports The Phuket news.
The issue returned to the forefront after a series of incidents involving tourist vessels. On January 14, a boat carrying tourists caught fire in Phang Nga Bay, and a few days later, two boats collided off the coast of Phuket.
"I want all departments involved to strictly check the condition of the boats, as well as the condition of those operating them, before they go to sea. If something isn't up to standard, the boat shouldn't go to sea," Krabi Police Chief Major General Boonthavi Thoraksa said.
During the meeting Governor of Krabi Aphinan Phukpong announced a plan to improve the safety of maritime transport in the waters of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.
Here are the proposed plan points:
-
Consolidate all tourism and maritime information flows in the provinces of Phuket, Krabi, and Phangan. Tour operators must submit all information to the Digital Economy Promotion Agency for uploading to the Marine Tourism Center website.
-
Introduce identification bracelets to track the location of passengers and vessels.
-
Improve the general condition of the piers and their video surveillance systems.
-
Establish boat inspection centres at Phi Phi and other major piers to inspect all vessels before departure.
-
Thoroughly inspect tour operators and revoke licenses if violations are detected.
-
Test ship captains and crew members for alcohol and drugs.
-
Create a dedicated rapid response service with the necessary equipment to provide prompt assistance in the event of an incident.
-
Organize a system of mooring boats near the Phi Phi Islands so that they do not pose a threat to tourists or the environment. Remind captains to adhere to the approved route while sailing.
-
Establish a training center to improve the safety awareness of captains and their crew members and to inform them of the responsibility for violating safety requirements.
-
Discuss the progress of implementing the above plan points at the next meeting.
Source: trn-news.ru
