In late 2011, Halong Bay was shortlisted as one of seven new natural wonders of the world. At this occasion, Carmen Roberts, reporter and producer for the BBC News’ Fast Track travel program, visited Halong Bay to inspect and report on safety procedures and equipments on tourism boats and security for tourists.
The BBC video report on February 5 showed significant improvements in levels of safety carried by both local authority and cruise operators, such as regular inspections from local administration officers, higher safety coefficient required for tourism boats, strict regulations on safety procedures and equipments.
In the morning of 17th February 2011, 12 tourists from different countries died when a tour boat sank in Vietnam's picturesque Halong Bay. News on the accident quickly spread worldwide affecting strongly the image of Halong Bay and pinpointing the safety issues in the area.
From the interviews with several crew members and visits of Bhaya Cruises’ boats and The Au Co ship, Carmen Roberts stated the fleet of this leading cruise operator was designed to provide passengers with a safe and reassuring experience. “In addition to checking the safety and navigation systems before each trip, every boat of the fleet is equipped with the latest safety equipments and the staffs are trained regularly” says Mr Jody ATTERTON, international safety consultant and first foreigner to obtain the captain license in Vietnam.
Armand Cheveux, Business Development Manager of Bhaya Cruises which has 12 boats for high-end domestic and international tourists in operation in Ha Long, said: "The levels of safety on Halong Bay have known major improvements thanks to the global awareness of all actors related to cruise business in the area. Safety issues have also become a priority for the authorities of Halong Bay. There are regular inspections on overnight boats to guarantee that they are not overloaded and to check the safety equipments.”
Nguyen Van Giang, Bhaya Cruises’ Captain added: "Before each journey, passengers are briefed on the use of safety equipment on board such as fire alarms, fire extinguishers, fire hoses, life rafts, lifebuoys and life jackets, flash light and rescued hammer, first aid kit , etc. Passengers receive also instructions on the evacuation process and behavior to respect in case of emergency.”
During the trip, Ms. Roberts also visited The Au Co’s shipyard in Haiphong, to inspect the first ship in the Gulf of Tonkin to meet international maritime standards. The design and building of The Au Co, in Z189 Shipyard, one of the most experienced and prestigious contemporary shipbuilding factories in Vietnam have been realized under strict supervision of Vietnamese registration agency and French experts. The Au Co is a breakpoint in the safety improvements for tourism boats in Halong Bay.
According to BBC’s report, thanks to the efforts of local governments and cruise operators with numbers of positive and proactive activities to improve the level of safety as well as to promote the image of Halong Bay, tourists are now more confident that their safety is taken care of seriously when coming to Halong Bay and staying overnight on the bay.
Nam Pham
Vietnamese
