The owners and operators of several ferries and water transports in Kandal province underwent level 3 waterway safety and navigation training at a March 27 workshop.
The course was run by maritime specialists from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Kandal Provincial Administration, and aims to ensure the safety of passengers and goods on the province’s waterways.
The training was presided over by Mak Sideth, director-general of the General Department of Waterway and Maritime Transport, and Ports, and Nou Peng Chandara, deputy governor of Kandal Province.
Sideth described river transportation as one of the most cost-effective transportation methods available, as well as one the most environmentally friendly.
“The government has prioritised the water transportation industry, among other sectors, as Cambodia’s transportation infrastructure is expanding rapidly,” he said.
“However, the growth of the inland waterway transport sector can only continue if consumers are confident of its safety and efficiency,” he warned.
Kandal deputy governor Chandara also addressed the workshop. He said the development of the inland waterway transport infrastructure would only be successful if everyone involved paid close attention to the relevant laws and regulations.
“Each vessel must adhere to the law to ensure that the system is efficient and above all safe,” he added.
“I suggest that all of today’s attendees pay close attention to what they are taught. You should take note of what each of the guest speakers tell you, and be sure to share the knowledge, experience and wisdom you gain with as many people working in your industry as possible,” he concluded.
In October last year, eleven primary school-aged children on their way home from class were drowned when their ferry capsized in Kandal province’s Leuk Dek district. The authorities determined that the accident was caused by the negligence of the driver of the vessel.
Similar incidents have taken place throughout the Kingdom, albeit rarely with such a loss of life.
