Quang Ninh provincial authorities have required boats owners in Ha Long Bay to follow safety procedures in accordance with the Viet Nam Standard 5801-2005.

The boats would be required to have global positioning systems, radios for weather forecast updates, anti-lightning mechanisms, life jackets and a fire fighting and prevention system.

In addition, wooden passenger boats have changed the colour of their hulls from the traditional brown to white, according to a Viet Nam News correspondent in the province of Quang Ninh.

The change will be completed before April 30, and the boats will be checked by relevant sectors and receive new operation licences.

The new boats will have hulls made of iron or composite, which are safer materials than wood.

The province has banned construction of wooden passenger boats and will discourage enterprises from offering overnight accommodations for tourists on the bay.

Early last year, the sinking of Truong Hai 06 resulted in the deaths of 12 tourists in Ha Long Bay.

Around 2.4 million tourists visited Ha Long Bay in the first quarter of this year, an increase of 20 per cent over the same period last year.

Source: VNS