Nowadays, the safety on the cruises of Halong Bay is the most important feature. It is strictly controlled by the Quang Ninh Province’s Port Department and Halong Bay Management Department. They constantly provide more resources for the agencies and must step up cooperation between local authorities and concerned provinces to ensure safety on the bay.
Meanwhile, the Waterway Traffic Police of Quang Ninh province has increased inspections of boats and more supervision of fishing villages where boats are berthed to ensure they are meeting required safety standards. Rescue work and fire prevention are also well improved.

For Paloma Cruise, safety is also our primary concern, and we always focus on all safety conditions to ensure the passengers and crew members are well protected. The safety information is clearly provided to all the passengers upon their check-in onboard. All the crew must participate and gain the certificates of some important courses related to safety conditions onboard such as: Seaworthiness certificate, Search and Rescue on the sea Certificate, Fire Prevention ad Fire-Fighting Certificate, Health Certificate, Basic Training Certificate, Proficiency and Survival Craft… Moreover, the crew will sometimes organize rehearsals for fire emergency – fighting to raise awareness of fire prevention as well as improve their experience.

SAFETY MANAGEMENT – PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION

• Adequate, current and appropriate Insurance (Bao Viet Insurance Co)
• Current and valid Operating Licenses
• Well documented safety management systems: VR, SI
• Dry dock inspection completed and any defects rectified
• Documented, planned servicing and maintenance schedule for all machinery and equipment including engines, bilge pumps etc.
• Procedure for reporting, recording and rectifying faults found during day to day inspections and checks
• Documented emergency procedures for fire control and vessel evacuation
• Processes for recording and investigating emergencies, accidents and illness on board
• Completed and updated crew records (includes experience, qualifications, emergency procedure fire drill and first aid training)
• Well and constantly maintained engine and auxiliary engine power available in case of main engine failure.
• Remote fuel cut off outside the angina room.
• The engine space which is clean, free from grease/oil/fuel spillages and leaks, totally separated from the accommodation areas
• Fuel/oil storages is satisfactory with storage tanks and fuel pipes in good condition
• Smoke/heat detectors are fitted in the engine space
• Automatic extinguishing system and fire extinguishers available in the engine space
• A bilge pump which can be operated by the main engine, auxiliary engine
• All gas cylinders and pipers are scored in position, properly connected in good condition and safely stored
• Areas where gas in used are very well ventilated with gas detectors fitted
• The vessel is watertight with portholes below main deck close fast, watertight door in place and all deck hatches secure
• All watertight and fire safety doors are fully operational
• Steering gear is set up and there are clear views from the steering positions.
• Adequate reverse engine, anchor and mooring ropes are in place to slow, stop and secure the vessel
• There us a VHF ( Very high Frequency) radio with adequate range and power supply
• The radar is fully operational
• All navigation lights are working
• There is an effective horn or whistle which can be used to signal to other ocean traffic
• There is an automatic fire detection system installed throughout the vessel and it is in full working order
• The fire alarm control panel is in a clearly visible location and all indicators show the system is working
• Smoke detectors are fitted to all cabins, passageways and public rooms
• Heat detectors are fitted to kitchens and engine room
• There are adequate fire alarm sounders and call points throughout the vessel
• There is an emergency lighting throughout the vessel which is in working order
• There are adequate extinguishers, hydrants and hoses distributed throughout the vessel (check dates they were last serviced)
• There is a fire pump (main and/or portable)
• Exit routes are clearly signed and available for use
• There is an adequate fire separation throughout the vessel
• There are Emergency Notices on boat which detail what to do in case of fire and other emergencies such as vessel evacuation
• All fire safety equipment is maintained and tested and records are kept

ACCOMMODATION/PASSENGER CARE

• There are adequate life buoys, life rafts for all passengers and crew
• Location on life jackets is clearly signed and accessible(in the cabins, at public areas and on the tender)
• Fire alarms and fire extinguishers are ready to use at the different corners and in the cabins
• All the cabins have access to the outside in the event of an incident.
• Cabins, passageways and public areas are free from hazards
• All stairs have handrails and are free from trip hazards
• Deck railing are adequate in the height and secure
• Steep steps are adequately marked and have non slip surfaces
• Embarkation and disembarkation of passengers is always supervised and aided by crew
• First Aid kits are fully stocked and carried on board
• The accommodation areas including cabins, public areas and passageways are free from oil/fuel and other doors.
• Water on board is adequately treated
• Annual maintenance: all the boats are maintained every years on dry dock and daily technical supervision before embarks.

CREW

• All crew is trained, qualified and experienced for their roles
• All crew is trained in emergency procedures
• Gangway security is in place when the boat is docked
• Security/fire patrols are carried out throughout the night

FOOD AND BEVERAGE HYGIENE

• All the fresh food is always carefully checked before delivered onboard, supplied from prestigious local suppliers and reputable supermarkets.
• Beverage is also provided by reputable supplies for not only good quality but also variety of types
• All the chefs are well trained about food and beverage hygiene before working onboard.