Quang Ninh: Cruise ships on Ha Long Bay install communication equipment before August 15

Along with the existing VHF radio communication system, all tourist boats in Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh) will complete the installation of AIS maritime communication and positioning equipment before August 15.

The ship owners promise that if the installation is not completed, the ship will not be put into operation.

AIS is an automatic identification system, a maritime navigation and communications system. It allows vessels to exchange identification, position, course, speed and other relevant information with other vessels and shore stations.

According to National Technical Regulation QCVN 72:2025/BGTVT, AIS equipment is required to be installed on tourist boats carrying more than 50 passengers, but now all boats with less than 50 seats in Ha Long Bay voluntarily and committed to installing this equipment before August 15 to increase safety in operations.

As of August 6, about 80% of all ships in Ha Long Bay have been installed with AIS equipment.

Head of the Ha Long Tourist Boat Association, Tran Van Hong, shared that this is a move demonstrating the sense of responsibility of businesses providing passenger transport services on Ha Long Bay towards the World Natural Heritage, ensuring the safety of tourists when visiting the bay.

Previously, on August 2, the Department of Construction of Quang Ninh province established an interdisciplinary team to survey the operational status of AIS equipment installed on tourist boats and add temporary storm shelters in Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.

According to the assessment of the interdisciplinary team, currently, AIS signals in Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay managed by the Hon Gai Coastal Information Station ensure signal transmission. However, to meet the management needs of the tourist fleet of Quang Ninh province, it is necessary to install additional stations on Titop Island and Bai Tho Mountain.

The simultaneous use of two VHF communication systems on channel 16 and AIS ensures smooth communication in Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, ensuring information processing and timely response to adverse situations when they occur.

Quang Ninh Inland Waterways Port Authority will focus on checking the operation of communication equipment to ensure good operation before issuing departure orders.

In addition, the interdisciplinary team agreed to install additional signs indicating temporary storm shelters in Ha Long Bay, including 6 locations: Hoa Cuong, Hang Luon, Hang Trong-Trinh Nu, Tung Cuoi (Cua Van), Vong Vieng, and Cong Do.

Regarding the enhancement of safety assurance and creating trust for visitors to Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, from August 6, the Provincial Military Command arranged a medical ship and 2 mobile boats to patrol the bay 24/7.

Previously, the People's Committee of Quang Ninh province worked with the Institute of Earth Sciences (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) to deploy the installation of an early warning system for meteorological phenomena such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and lightning at some key locations, especially in Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and coastal areas./.

(Vietnam News Agency/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/quang-ninh-tau-du-lich-tren-vinh-ha-long-lap-dat-thiet-bi-lien-lac-truoc-158-post1054212.vnp