Spotlight on Phuket marine safety stresses systems

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Spotlight on Phuket marine safety stresses systems
Wiparatana Nathalang

PHUKET: -- With the onset of the tourism season and the approach of a planned Coastal Waters Safety Summit in collaboration with the British Consulate, Thai officials met yesterday (December 16) to discuss what they should bring to the table at the summit, due to take place on January 9 and 10 at the Royal Phuket Marina.

Governor Maitree Intusut, chairing the meeting at the Regional Centre for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, stressed that government officers involved in marine safety should have a firm grasp of their duties and plans, all the equipment, and the number of boats available for rescue work. They should know their own day to day responsibilities so that they can work efficiently.

The meeting heard that there are plans to increase the number of lifeguards on beaches, along with equipment. Support for this will come from the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (OrBorJor) and local businesses.

It was stressed that regulations for water tours should be enforced – a maximum of 30 tourists for each tour guide, life vests for all passengers and maximum passengers loads for any specific size of boat.

The meeting heard that a new Waters Risk Warning app for mobile phones is in development.

Vice-Governor Sommai Preechasilapa said that before and after any accident, systems should be set up governin lifeguards, all equipment, working plans and rules and regulations.

She noted that the British Consulate had asked for details of the system to cover major accidents such as shipwrecks and ship fires, and help for victims after the incident. She added that the plan would include not only the administration, training and equipment but also the media.

The government has set a budget of B45 million for training and equipment, not only for safety but also for environmental protection along the shores of the Andaman Sea coast provinces, from Ranong to Satun.

Training will be held in the Boat Lagoon Marina on January 9 and 10 next year to coincide with the Summit, and to improve public understanding of the issues and techniques.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/spotlight-on-phuket-marine-safety-stresses-systems-43497.php


-- Phuket News 2013-12-17

[Halion]

Stresses what system? The problem lies in the fact that there was very little in place and what was in place was usurped by the perennial corruption with is an everyday part of life in THAILAND.

[cbluck58]

If the Marine Department was staffed by properly qualified mariners ( they exist , I have worked with some very good Thai seamen ) who actually knew how to identify what is safe and what is not safe it would be a start.