The inspectors also have to ensure that standard operating and safety rules are enforced on all boats used by paying passengers. This will see the frequency of seaworthiness examinations upped from once to twice annually.
The urgent implementation of safety regulations comes after an explosion ripped off the superstructure of a canal ferry in Bangkok last Saturday. The blast on the Khlong Saen Saep vessel saw 58 people hospitalised. Most were treated for burns but two sustained serious injuries.
This ferry was equipped with a fuel system that allowed the skipper to switch between liquefied natural gas and diesel. Although initial checks show the ferry explosion was caused by a gas leak, the gas-tank was intact and investigators say the likely source was a ruptured pipe or connecting joint.
Considering the amount of ferries in public service in Thailand, major mishaps are few and far between. 12GO ASIA sells ticket for ferries on routes to islands in the south of the country such as Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui as well as Koh Chang.
Thailand to carry out inspections on all public passenger ferries
News in Asia
Thailand’s transport-ministry has ordered maritime inspectors to carry out checks on public passenger ferries to ensure they have not been fitted with dual-fuel power systems. The ministry’s deputy, Omsin Chivapruek, has tasked the marine department with running the inspections.