According to the Da Nang Inland Waterways Authority, there are now 12 river tourism businesses operating 24 tourist boats in total on the Han River. 

In the past, these tourist boats served around 300 passengers per day at peak times, but recently the daily figure has climbed to nearly 900 at weekends and 1,200 on public holidays.  Over the recent 4-day holiday they received more than 1,600 passengers, with the total since the start of the year reaching 70,000 passengers.

Tourist boats on the Han River

Mr Le Sau, Director of the Da Nang Inland Waterways Authority, said “To get a permit from the local authorities to operate on the river, the owner of a tourist boat is required to have their business registration and technical safety certificates.  In addition, their boat must be equipped with fire extinguishers, medical supplies, life-jackets, signal lights and intercom systems in order to enhance the safety of tourist boat operations and their passengers”.

He added that representatives from his unit, along with border guards, traffic inspectors and police, often make unscheduled inspections of tourist boat operations in order to detect and deal with any violations of the city’s regulations.  Violations can include carrying more passengers than the permitted number, and not implementing inland waterway safety measures.

Mr Sau also stressed the need for local relevant agencies to increase their checks and inspections on tourist boat operations in order to ensure the safety of passengers, especially at weekends and on holidays.