The Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism announced this today. The automatic identification system (AIS) allows vessels to exchange identification, position, course, speed, and other relevant information with other ships and shore stations. The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requires a ship's AIS to operate 24/7, whether the vessel is underway or at anchor.

Current regulations mandate AIS installation only for tourist boats carrying more than 50 people. However, vessels with fewer than 50 seats in Ha Long bay are currently voluntarily installing the equipment. As of 6/8, approximately 80% of all vessels in Ha Long bay have AIS installed.

Previously, on 2/8, the Quang Ninh Department of Construction formed an interdisciplinary team to survey the operational status of AIS equipment on tourist boats in Ha Long and Bai Tu Long bays.

Tourist boats anchored at Ha Long international port. Photo: Le Tan

Tourist boats anchored at Ha Long international port. Photo: Le Tan

The interdisciplinary team's assessment found that the AIS signal in Ha Long and Bai Tu Long bays, managed by the Hon Gai Coastal Information Station, ensures reliable signal transmission. However, to meet the management needs for the tourist fleet, additional stations need to be installed on Titop island and Bai Tho mountain.

Experts believe that the simultaneous use of two VHF communication systems on channel 16 and AIS will ensure seamless communication in Ha Long and Bai Tu Long bays. This will enable efficient information processing and timely responses in adverse situations.

In addition, Quang Ninh has collaborated with the Institute of Earth Sciences to deploy a storm, tornado, and lightning warning system at key locations, particularly in Ha Long and Bai Tu Long bays.

Since 6/8, the provincial Military Command has deployed a medical ship and two motorboats for 24-hour patrols in Ha Long bay. The medical ship and motorboats patrol between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily along Ha Long bay's tourist routes, with one ship permanently stationed at Ti Top island. From 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day, the motorboats return to Tuan Chau island for 24-hour duty.

The increased patrols aim to ensure the safety of tourist boats in Ha Long bay and build confidence among visitors.

These directives follow the July 19 capsizing of the Vinh Xanh 58, carrying 49 people, during a storm in Ha Long bay, resulting in 39 deaths. The accident exposed gaps in vessel monitoring and incident reporting. The Vinh Xanh's GPS tracking system lost connection at 2:05 p.m., but the Border Guard didn't receive the accident report until 3:30 p.m.

Le Tan