Tourist Rescued from Ratsada Boat Mishap, Unlicensed Captain Held

A tourist was rescued after his speedboat hit trouble while transferring from the Ratsada pier. The boat reportedly struck submerged hazards or turbulence, puncturing the hull and sending the tourist into the water. Local fishermen and marine officers responded swiftly and pulled him aboard another vessel. The captain was later detained and found to have no valid license. Authorities allege negligence and unregulated operations. The incident has renewed scrutiny of Phuket’s marine tourism sector, where unlicensed operators sometimes run dangerous transfers. Officials say they will enforce stricter checks on boat operators, require valid certifications, conduct spot inspections, and possibly revoke licenses of repeat offenders. Tourists are being urged to verify whether their boat operator is certified and insured.

This, this here, is a perfect example of why I have never and will never get on any taxi, ferry, boat, whatever vessel—unregulated, untrained, no enforcement.  

Sometimes one may also wonder if those XL coaches that connect to Bangkok airports are driven by cowboys holding a valid licence ??

4 minutes ago, NedR69 said:

This, this here, is a perfect example of why I have never and will never get on any taxi, ferry, boat, whatever vessel—unregulated, untrained, no enforcement.  

Wouldn't worry me in the slightest. Had wonderful experiences on all the above over the decades. Almost all in third world countries.  Better than sitting in the safe confines of home hammering away on a keyboard.  To each his own...