One of the handful of patrol
boats participating in the program to provide extra safety during the
holidays.
Phasakorn Channgam
Public and private sector agencies joined forces to
ensure boat operators taking heavy Songkran crowds on the water were
adhering to safety regulations.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and Marine Office 6 opened the
Marine Safety Center at Bali Hai Pier April 11. Sponsored and operated by
the city, marine police, Sawang Boriboon Foundation, Raja Maritime School,
3rd Marine Volunteers unit and Pattaya Cruise Enterprise Co., the center
worked from April 11-17 to ensure safety and convenience for thousands of
people traveling daily between Pattaya and Koh Larn, as well as those on
fishing and leisure-cruise boats.
Sub Lt. Preecha Phetchawong, Bali Hai pier’s deputy
safety director, said ferries and boats normally carry about 6,000 people
between the mainland and island, but that during Songkran those numbers
regularly approach 10,000 per day.
As a result, the safety center was established to ensure
boats were not carrying more people than allowed and inspect vessels for
seaworthiness, the number of life jackets on board, and fire and safety
equipment.
The center, he said, also managed boat traffic in and out
of the harbor area and aided travelers in cases of emergency.
