Dong Thap Tightens Waterway Tourism Safety During Rainy Season

(DTO) As the rainy and storm season begins, tourism operators, vessel owners, and competent authorities in Dong Thap Province are proactively reviewing and strengthening safety measures to ensure accident-free waterway tourism for visitors.

PROACTIVE PREVENTION FROM THE OUTSET

With more than 150 inland waterway vessels serving tourists daily at destinations, ensuring passenger safety is placed at the forefront. As recorded by our reporter at the My Tho Marina (Dao Thanh Ward), safety inspections have been strictly enforced by the operating enterprise for many years. 

Ms. Luong Thi Diem Trang, Director of My Tho Port Joint Stock Company, said all vessels must fully comply with technical safety requirements before departure, and passengers are strictly required to wear life jackets. Vessels are resolutely grounded if passengers fail to comply.

Notably, the marina proactively suspends departures whenever weather conditions deteriorate. Once rain or storms are detected, the port temporarily closes and resumes operations only after conditions stabilize. Three dedicated staff members are assigned to ensure continuous safety at the marina.

According to Ms. Diem Trang, Cambodian vessels operating on the My Tho – Phnom Penh route also maintain high safety standards, with passengers prohibited from heading down to the pier when adverse weather develops.

Safety awareness among captains and crew members has also improved significantly. 

Mr. Dang Thanh Phong, a captain operating the route between My Tho Marina, Thoi Son Islet, and Phung Islet, said he routinely delays departures whenever strong winds or rough water are observed, asking passengers to wait until weather conditions improve. If severe weather arises mid-journey, vessels will proactively dock at the nearest islet to take safe shelter.

"Passengers must wear life jackets and vessels must not exceed their approved passenger capacity before departure. If passengers refuse to wear life jackets, the vessel will not leave the dock," Mr. Phong said.

The enhanced safety measures have also increased visitors' confidence. Ms. Tu Quyen, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City visiting Dong Thap for the first time to experience traditional sampan rides, said she was initially concerned because she could not swim. However, being fully instructed to wear a life jacket allowed her to enjoy the experience with peace of mind while exploring the Mekong Delta's unique river culture.

STEPPED-UP INSPECTIONS AND STRICT ENFORCEMENT

Alongside the proactive efforts of businesses and residents, state management agencies across the province are implementing a range of coordinated measures to enforce inland waterway traffic safety, particularly amid increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.

Mr. Pham Van Lam, Deputy Director of the Inland Waterways Port Authority, said the agency has strengthened safety enforcement at ports and inland wharves across the province, with particular attention directed to facilities serving tourists. Comprehensive inspections are being carried out to ensure vessels meet operational requirements, including valid certificates of technical safety and environmental protection, as well as sufficient life-saving equipment in accordance with regulations.

The authority has resolutely suspended departures of vessels that fail to meet safety standards. At the same time, it continues to work closely with relevant agencies to implement coordinated measures to safeguard passengers at tourist ports and wharves, thereby promoting a positive image of Dong Thap's tourism industry.

Specifically, inspection and monitoring have been intensified at ports and wharves under the agency's jurisdiction, particularly those serving passenger transport, tourism, and waterway recreation. Authorities are jointly inspecting compliance with regulations governing port and wharf operations, vessel conditions, qualifications of captains and crew members, safety equipment, and passenger embarkation and disembarkation procedures. Facilities failing to meet required standards are subject to immediate suspension or recommended suspension, while violations are dealt with strictly.

At the local government level, Mr. Nguyen Cu Trinh, Deputy Director of the Department of Construction, has issued a document requesting the People's Committees of communes and wards across the province to urgently review the announcement of operations of inland wharves and the registration of vessels under their management. Local authorities have also been instructed to closely monitor compliance with operational requirements, particularly at ferry terminals, passenger wharves, and tourism facilities. Any facility failing to meet safety requirements must be promptly handled or reported for appropriate action.

By TUAN LAM
Translated by X.QUANG