Phuket boat checks being enforced
Thailand’s Marine Department says it has assigned more officers to check boats at every port on Phuket.
It is part of a campaign to tighten regulations for tourist boats and also improve marine security after the accident that killed 46 Chinese tourists in July.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand said the Marine Department has assigned 26 more officers to visit every pier on the island to perform checks on boats and passengers heading on sea excursions.
It said it was also deploying more officers at other tourist destinations in the country.
A new regulation, to be enforced ahead of the high season in November, will ensure tour boats will be checked every two weeks to make certain boats and crew meet safety regulations.
Checks focus on safety equipment, the captain and helmsman’s qualifications and the registration status of the boat. Rules on maximum passenger numbers will be enforced.
Passengers will be checked to ensure the boat manifesto is updated with contact and hotel details.
The department said it would strictly enforce warnings to prevent tour boats from leaving ports in stormy weather.
Source: https://thethaiger.com/thai-life/travel/regular-boat-checks-being-enforced-on-phuket-2