The Da Nang authorities are taking effective measures to ensure that no waterway traffic accidents will happen in this city, during the upcoming Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2018 which will take place from 30 April to 30 June.

A tourist boat being anchored at the former Han River Port

The city now has many river tourist boats, with the majority of them having been converted from low-capacity fishing vessels.

As per the national regulations, boats and ferries are not allowed to depart until all passengers are outfitted with safety gears. 

Operators of boats who go against the rule will be fined from 200,000 VND (9$) to 4 million VND (180$). Ships and ferries without sufficient floatation devices shall also be liable for between 200,000 VND and 3 million VND (135$) in fines.

To get a permit from the local authorities to operate on the river, owners of tourist boats are required to have their business registration and technical safety certificates.

In addition, their boats must be equipped with fire extinguishers, medical supplies, life-jackets, signal lights and intercom systems in order to enhance the safety of tourist boat operations and their passengers.

In reality, it has been quite common for waterway passengers in Viet Nam to neglect the importance of putting on a life jacket during their journey, posing potential dangers which could claim their lives.

Representatives from relevant local agencies have always reminded crew members onboard tourist boats operating on the Han River of ensuring the ultimate safety for passengers.

Moreover, inspectors from the municipal departments of Transport and Culture, Sports and Tourism, along with local waterway traffic police, made unannounced evening inspections of tourist boats.

Administrative penalties have been given to boats for not satisfying the city’s requirements on inland waterway safety.

Special attention has been paid to banning unlicensed boats from picking up passengers, and providing training courses for boat skippers and crew members.

Thanks to these effective measures, the safety of tourist boat operations on the river has been significantly enhanced.

Ms Tran Mai Duyen, a visitor from Ha Noi, who recently took an evening trip, said that she felt quite secure because the boat was equipped with advanced safety devices, and lifejackets were provided for both adults and children.

During the forthcoming DIFF, local waterway traffic police officers will show their readiness for rescue activities in case of unexpected emergency situations.