Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) has issued strict guidelines regarding safety measures for the operation of passenger ships and ferry boats. The practical instructions were announced on Wednesday.With the arrival of rainy season, weather conditions change abruptly and rainstorms occur frequently along with blustery, strong winds and sudden torrential downpours. The circulars were released at the request of the Department of Public Works and Transport and directed across the nation to all provinces, cities and the local authorities. The circulars called on authorities to pay attention to monitor weather and water conditions, and expressly instruct all owners of ferry boats and vessels large or small to follow safety procedures while operating. The practical advice in the circulars comply with the provisions of the Law on Inland Waterway Transport of the Cambodia and respond especially to potentially dangerous situations which can cause incidents involving boat transport – especially in rainy season. The Ministry advises all ferry operators and owners of all types of shipping vessels to strengthen safety measures according to the following guidelines: All ferry operators must immediately cease using technically incorrect vessels and boat use as ferries. Traders and ferry operators must ensure that their vessels and ferry boats are subjected to regular technical inspections in accordance with the law of water transportation and the proclamation on Technical Inspection Procedures for Marine Vessels and Waterways to ensure that all vessels are operating safely. Inspectors and operators must pay close attention to necessary points like the hull, onboard machinery, steering systems, boat roofing, lighting systems, horn and audio equipment, and safety equipment onboard, including life jackets, first aid kits and alarms.Adequate space must be provided for passengers aboard vessels and ferries, along with proper instructions on how to sit or stand properly in order to keep the boat safely balanced. In addition, operators must keep track of the maximum number of people authorised onboard and the weight of transported items to guarantee that the total is not overweight. Vessels transporting passengers must be equipped adequately to ensure safety and the necessary equipment must be onboard, including life jackets, emergency lights and docking buoys to ensure passengers may embark and disembark safely. Passengers must be informed of a safety signal in case of emergencies so everyone can be aware of procedures and follow safety instructions issued by the crew. All passengers must wear life jackets before starting to travel. All vessels and ferries must be staffed by an adequately trained crew who are fully capable of managing any situation and taking care of passengers. Boat pilots must pay close attention to the current situation on waterways and weather conditions. In case of unfavourable weather conditions, ferry operators must suspend their journeys and find safe mooring.The Ministry also instructed local authorities to inform operators of ferry boats and local terminals, especially those operating on the small “family scale” – of correct safety procedures and regulations. Upon receiving the Ministry’s safety guidelines, Prasat Sambo district police chief Colonel Khuon Vuthy said that authorities will take action and inform the public and ferry operators about correct procedures and regulations. Last Saturday, a 13-year-old girl died in a ferry boat sinking accident. She was among 15 boys and girls going on their way home from school in Tnaot Chuor village in Prasat Sambo district of Kampong Thom province.