The move follows several tourist boat accidents in other localities, including a fatal speedboat accident in Phu Quoc, prompting the province to strengthen oversight of vessels, crews and passenger safety.
Vu Tuan Anh of Khanh Hoa's Inland Waterways Port Authority said a transport ministry circular that took effect on July 1 exempted some inland watercraft from departure and arrival permits, easing procedures for operators.
He said the regulatory changes would not affect safety standards. Authorities continue to monitor weather forecasts and sea conditions and will suspend operations for vessels still subject to permits whenever conditions become unsafe.
Before departure, officials inspect vessel registration and technical certificates, insurance documents, life-saving equipment, firefighting systems and the qualifications of captains and crew.
Operators are also required to monitor weather forecasts, comply with passenger limits and ensure vessels are fully equipped with life jackets and other safety gear.
Ahead of the 2026 Sea Festival, border guards have increased patrols and inspections at tourist piers and along busy shipping routes in coordination with concerned agencies.
Lieutenant Colonel Vu Anh Tu, commander of the Nha Trang Port Border Guard Station, said the unit conducted about 12 patrol and awareness campaigns a month, with safety violations subject to strict penalties.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Canh, head of Waterway Traffic Police Team No. 1, police deployed 324 patrol operations involving 1,241 officers across Nha Trang Bay, Cam Ranh Bay and Van Ninh waters from the start of 2026.
Officers detected 114 violations and imposed VND 145 million (USD 5,510) in fines. In the first half of 2026, violations rose 48 per cent from a year earlier, while fines increased 73 per cent.
Common offences included operating unregistered or expired vessels, lacking professional licences, failing to carry required life-saving and firefighting equipment, exceeding passenger limits and using fishing boats to transport tourists.
Stricter enforcement and greater safety awareness among operators remain key to preventing accidents and protecting Khanh Hoa's reputation as a leading coastal tourism destination.