MARINE authorities are checking ferries, speedboats and other tourist vessels to make sure safety standards are upheld this coming high season on Phuket.
The Director of the Regional Harbor Office 5, Wittaya Yamuie, said boats were being given a once-over in all six Andaman provinces.
''We are especially keen to make sure that inter-island vessels are all in good shape,'' he said yesterday. First to be looked at have been the ferries operating between Phuket and Phi Phi from Rassada Pier.
Registration details and passenger limits, life jackets, fire extinguishers, medical emergency equipment and the resuscitation skills of staff are being tested.
''Everybody must be concerned about the safety and welfare of tourists visiting the Andaman,'' he said.
The pre-high season inspections follow a case in which a coral reef dive tourist was dragged along by a speedboat off Racha. The man escaped serious injury and details of the incident were reported to Chalong police.
Qatar Drops Fares for First Phuket FlightsThe Director of the Regional Harbor Office 5, Wittaya Yamuie, said boats were being given a once-over in all six Andaman provinces.
''We are especially keen to make sure that inter-island vessels are all in good shape,'' he said yesterday. First to be looked at have been the ferries operating between Phuket and Phi Phi from Rassada Pier.
Registration details and passenger limits, life jackets, fire extinguishers, medical emergency equipment and the resuscitation skills of staff are being tested.
''Everybody must be concerned about the safety and welfare of tourists visiting the Andaman,'' he said.
The pre-high season inspections follow a case in which a coral reef dive tourist was dragged along by a speedboat off Racha. The man escaped serious injury and details of the incident were reported to Chalong police.
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I was under the impression that these have to be done when the vessels are registered once a year, or does this only apply to foreign owned boats?
Some of these dive boats and ferries should not even be allowed to sail let alone carry passengers. Their design is too top heavy.
Posted by Robin on October 7, 2010 14:28