Boats lacking registration, inspection certificates, safety equipment or qualified operators will not be allowed to carry passengers to Hoa Binh Lake or Thac Bo Temple.
The provincial traffic police department said it had deployed round-the-clock patrols at key wharves, including Thung Nai and Bich Ha ports and the Thac Bo Temple area, as well as on access roads leading to the docks.
Inspection teams focused on high-risk violations such as unregistered or uninspected vessels, missing life jackets and safety gear, overloading, unqualified operators and the absence of passenger lists.
Authorities recorded 19 violations on February 20-21, detained six vessels and imposed fines totalling VND 174 million (about USD 7,100) for breaches including missing safety certificates, professional licences and proper registration.
Officials said the strict enforcement reflected a no-exceptions approach, stressing that visitor safety takes precedence over commercial pressures during peak travel periods.
Hoa Binh Lake, formed by the Da River hydropower reservoir, draws large crowds each year for sightseeing and pilgrimages to Thac Bo Temple. In previous years, numerous boats operated without fully complying with safety regulations, heightening accident risks.
According to the Bich Ha Port Management Board, more than 40 passenger boats operated by three licensed companies currently meet safety requirements and are publicly listed for passengers to choose from.
In addition to tightening controls on the lake, police have stepped up patrols and traffic management on roads leading to the ports, particularly Route 435 and around Thung Nai Port, to prevent prolonged congestion.