The Tan Thanh Commune People's Committee in Lam Dong Province said on August 17 that it had tightened safety requirements for speedboats and other inland watercraft carrying visitors to the historic and architectural site of Ke Ga Lighthouse.
To ensure visitor safety, Tan Thanh Commune has ordered speedboats serving Ke Ga Lighthouse not to carry more than 50 per cent of their designed capacity (Photo: Trong Tam).
Operators have been instructed to limit the number of passengers to no more than 50 per cent of each vessel's designed capacity.
The commune said the restriction was necessary because the locally available rescue equipment can currently support a maximum of 10 people. Strict limits on passenger numbers are therefore needed to reduce risks in the event of an incident at sea.
A speedboat carries visitors to Ke Ga Lighthouse (Photo: Trong Tam).
Speedboat services to Ke Ga Lighthouse had previously been suspended from July 17, resulting in the cancellation of numerous tours. The suspension was linked to requirements to complete legal and safety conditions for passenger transport by water.
Five vessels operated by three registered household businesses currently serve the route from the mainland to Ke Ga Lighthouse, primarily transporting tourists visiting the landmark.
In the longer term, the Tan Thanh Commune People's Committee said stable passenger services would require investment in and licensing of an inland waterway passenger terminal in accordance with regulations.
While waiting to attract investors, the local authorities will work with relevant agencies to implement safety measures and accelerate plans to establish a dedicated inland waterway terminal serving tourism at Ke Ga.
