Hạ Long tourist fleet at Tuần Châu International Passenger Port. — VNA/VNS Photo Đức Hiếu

QUẢNG NINH — Quảng Ninh Province has rolled out a raft of measures, from technology upgrades to enhanced patrols, to restore and strengthen visitor confidence after a tourist boat capsized in Hạ Long Bay in July.

Nearly 500 tourist vessels currently operating on Hạ Long Bay in Quảng Ninh Province, including overnight cruise ships, are now required to be equipped with Automatic Identification System devices (AIS).

Under the National Technical Regulation QCVN 72:2025/BGTVT, AIS devices were previously mandatory only for passenger boats carrying more than 50 people.

Now, vessels with fewer than 50 seats have also voluntarily committed to installing them.

The system enables authorities to closely monitor each vessel’s route, position and speed, ensuring no boat operates outside designated channels and routes.

Other essential safety equipment, such as Very High Frequency (VHF) radios and Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, has also been fitted, allowing for faster, more effective communication and rescue operations.

According to the Hạ Long Tourist Boat Association, as of Monday, over 80 per cent of tourist boats had been fitted with both AIS and VHF equipment, with the target of completing the installation by this Friday.

Ship shape: The owner and captain of the Apollo Cruise ship check the safety equipment of AIS, and VHF. — VNA/VNS Photo Đức Hiếu

Trần Hải Nam, owner of the 48-seat Rồng Việt boat, which operates on Hạ Long Bay, said his vessel and many others had completed installation of VHF radios and AIS-integrated navigation systems by Sunday (August 10).

He described the devices as essential and convenient to operate, noting that boats without them would not be authorised to operate on the bay.

The AIS and VHF systems, he added, allow for swift communication with port authorities, timely alerts and easier monitoring.

Additionally, the province is also embracing modern technology to bolster early warning and response to maritime incidents.

In partnership with the Institute of Earth Sciences under the Việt Nam Academy of Science and Technology, the province has begun installing early-warning systems for storms, sudden wind speeds and lightning at key points across Hạ Long Bay and Bái Tử Long Bay.

The network will integrate with the vessel management system, giving both authorities and boat operators fast, accurate weather updates to aid proactive response.

Safety first: A patrol boat of the Quảng Ninh Province's Military Command in Hạ Long Bay. — VNA/VNS Photo

Strengthening patrols

The province has also stepped up patrols on Hạ Long Bay.

Since early this month, the provincial Military Command has deployed a medical ship and two mobile patrol boats for round-the-clock monitoring.

The patrols ensure not only security but also rapid response to emergencies, safeguarding tourists all day and night.

The Deputy Commander of the command, Colonel Nguyễn Ngọc Sơn, said the aim of increasing patrol vessels and checkpoints was to guarantee safety for sightseeing cruises and to provide the best possible experience for visitors.

Each patrol unit consists of six to eight personnel, including communications staff and medics.

The medical vessel carries four stretchers, oxygen tanks, fire extinguishers and other emergency gear to be ready for search and rescue at a moment’s notice.

Safety inspections at ports have also been intensified. Patrol teams operate along key routes in coordination with port authorities.

The provincial Department of Construction has conducted unannounced checks on compliance with inland waterway traffic safety regulations, especially when vessels are moored at sightseeing stops.

The Inland Waterways Port Authority maintains full staffing and conducts regular surprise patrols, particularly at night, in ports, docks and anchorage areas.

The checks ensure that captains and crew remain on duty and alert to promptly handle unexpected situations such as sudden squalls or fires.

Any vessel failing to meet safety standards will have its operating licence suspended.

Passenger numbers and identities are now being recorded more strictly.

Port authorities only issue departure clearance once actual passenger counts are verified.

Captains and crew have undergone further training in the use of safety equipment.

Regular safety inspections are rigorously enforced, with owners replacing worn-out lifejackets, fire extinguishers and other emergency gear.

The province has also reviewed and refined the operational procedures for tourist boats, tightening regulations and clarifying the responsibilities of port operators, boat owners, captains and crew.

Hotline numbers are displayed prominently at ports and on vessels so visitors can report any safety concerns directly to the authorities.

At a mid-year tourism review meeting, the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, Phạm Đức Ấn, said that the province would continue to pursue sustainable tourism.

Priority will be given to completing and operating early-warning systems for storms, squalls and lightning at key locations such as Hạ Long Bay, Bái Tử Long Bay and coastal areas, ensuring absolute safety for tourists and economic activities.— VNS