Following the sinking accident of a tourist boat off the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has decided to oblige passenger ships and other vessels navigating water areas with a water temperature of less than 10 degrees to install a life raft.
A committee to consider safety measures for small vessels established by the government in response to the sinking accident of a sightseeing boat made an interim report in July on improving the quality of sailors and strengthening ship equipment.
At the committee meeting held on the 21st, the scope of application of the measures indicated in the interim report was discussed, and the installation of life rafts according to the water temperature, such as obliging passenger ships sailing in waters where the water temperature is less than 10 degrees. In addition to setting standards, we have established a policy that requires recreational fishing boats and sea taxis to be equipped with wireless equipment.
In addition, as a further safety measure, it is said that marine taxis, which used to be a "notification system", will be made a "registration system" and subject to administrative sanctions.
As a result, regulations will be strengthened for small vessels with a capacity of 12 people or less.
The Exploratory Committee plans to compile final safety measures by the end of the year.