Marine Police ramp up inspections to promote Phuket boat safety

PHUKET: Marine police are in the midst of a blitz on Phuket tourist boats and crew to promote safety over the four-day holiday weekend.

“It’s our responsibility to continually check on the boats and strictly enforce regulations to ensure the safety of passengers, especially during the long holidays, when more people are expected to be in Phuket,” said Lt Col Chatchai Sakdee of the Phuket Marine Police.

“We’ve sent 20 officers to check speedboats, dive boats and other vessels at piers in Phuket,” Col Chatchai said.

Officers are checking that boats are not exceeding the maximum number of allowable passengers, have enough life jackets for everyone on board and are being serviced regularly, he said.

Boat crew are also being randomly selected to take drug tests; none have tested positive so far.

There is a public relations angle to the inspections too, Col Chatchai pointed out.

“When tourists see us checking on their safety, they feel more confident. Then, when they go back home, they’ll tell their friends and family, and that will help promote a good image for Phuket,” Col Chatchai said.

Boat operators are also being warned to take care in rough seas and to check the weather before departing the island.

“Two marine vessels are always ready to respond to emergencies,” Col Chatchai noted.

— Chutharat Plerin