Officials mull over marine waste management and safety

PHUKET: The Phuket Marine Office will discuss new measures to promote marine cleanliness and safety during a meeting today with boat and pier operators.

Officials aim to review existing marine policy measures, as well as develop new ones, and emphasize stricter enforcement of current regulations.

Specific issues under consideration include waste management and the installation of CCTV cameras at all ports on Phuket, confirmed Phuripat Theerakulpisut, acting director of the Marine Office Region 5.

“Boat operators must file a report each time the oil is changed. They also will have to report how they manage their waste,” said Mr Phuripat.

The report will be used as supporting documentation during pre-departure checks conducted before a boat is issued permission to leave the port, Mr Phuripat explained.

“Additionally, we plan to install oil waste containers at all ports, so that boats can easily discharge their waste,” he added.

Last month, the Phuket Marine Office vowed to punish anyone caught dumping waste or rubbish into Phuket’s waters and reward those who provide tip-offs leading to arrests (story here).

“All waste must be disposed of properly rather than being discharged into the sea. The maximum penalty for anyone caught releasing chemicals or hazardous waste will be three years imprisonment, a fine of 60,000 baht, or both,” Mr Phuripat cautioned at the time.

— Kongleaphy Keam