Preventing launch disasters
Photo: AFP
This is in response to an article, published in a local English daily on 18th. March on the recent launch collision and sinking, resulting in unnecessary loss of human lives! In my opinion, the following areas need immediate attention to prevent further mishaps of this type. These are as follows: a: Bridge watch: Keeping discipline in all inland vessels should be very strictly ensured. Any violation has to be heavily penalised! b: In shallow waters and in narrow channels, at all times, fog horns should be switched on while sailing through such passages. c: Powerful searchlights should be regularly transversed, minimum 30 degree on each side of the dead ahead sailing line, at all times during darkness, heavy cloudy sky and in heavy downpours and high winds. d: During sailing in shallow waters and narrow channels, under no circumstances the speed should exceed half speed ahead, but below 10 knots! These minimum safety regulations should be imposed at the soonest. Violation of any of these should result in heavy fines plus temporary suspension or cancellation of permit to sail! Meanwhile, IWTA must have battery-operated automatic lights and audible warning buoys fixed on both the ends of shallow and narrow navigation channels in all inland water transport routes! These have to be kept functional at all times.
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