Ha Long Bay rescue agencies met with the People's Committee of Quang Ninh Province on October 15 to review safety and injury prevention measures, following a spate of waterway accidents.

The two agencies currently in charge of bay rescues - the Ha Long Bay Management Board Rescue Centre and the local Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism's Centre of Diving and Rescue for Underwater Sports - have both been labelled ineffective due to lack of staff and equipment.

The Quang Ninh Province's Port Department said the provincial People's Committee needs to provide more resources for the agencies in charge and must step up cooperation between local authorities and concerned provinces to ensure safety on the bay.

The Waterway Traffic Police of Quang Ninh Province suggested increased inspections of waterway vehicles in ports and increased management over fishing villages, beaches and areas where boats stay, to ensure they are meeting required safety standards.

Other agencies also asked the People's Committee to approve the plan to step up rescue work and fire prevention for Ha Long Bay to 2015, with a vision until 2020.

Vu Thi Thu Thuy, Deputy Chairwoman of the provincial People's Committee said the committee had asked relevant local agencies to develop on-site rescue plans as an urgent solution.

She added that the committee was developing long-term plans to organise training courses to raise the awareness and capacity of those in the tourism sector, especially boat operators.