BANGKOK, 19 October 2014 The Marine Department of Thailand has issued its safety requirements to prevent accidents during the Loy Krathong festival, while warning all boats and ships to proceed carefully.
The Director-General of the Marine Department Chula Sukmanop said that the department has declared the measures to be implemented for the upcoming Loy Krathong festival on 6th November 2014. These measures include safety practices while using pontoons and the preparation of life-saving equipment to be available and ready for use on all boats and ships.
The Marine Department has also issued a boat control warning as there are many residents and tourists sailing in personal vessels on rivers and canals during the Loy Krathong festival every year, along with the fact that the water level will be higher and the current faster than normal, which will increase the chances of accidents.
The department calls for all captains and helmsmen to be alert and strictly implement the safety measures to avoid marine accidents. The department has declared the Chao Phraya River from the Rama VII bridge in the North to the Rama IX bridge in the South, a vessel traffic control area on 6th November 2014 from 4pm-12am.
Ocean liners, tug boats, and freight boats are be prohibited from entering the control area during that time. Shuttle boats are permitted to operate with safety measures implemented. Boats sailing outside the traffic control area should take extra precautions. Southbound boats are required to sail on the western half of the river, while northbound boats must use the eastern side of the river.
The Marine Department will deploy 15 security unit boats and 189 personnel to ensure safety and security during the festival for the many local people and tourists who will attend the festival and use boats and barges as their mode of transport on the waterways.
