Ninh Binh: Ensuring ferry safety during the rainy and stormy season.

VTV.vn - As the 2026 rainy and stormy season approaches, ferry terminals in Ninh Binh province have tightened operational discipline and proactively taken measures to prevent risks and ensure the safety of people crossing the river.

Proactive measures should be taken to ensure the safety of ferry services right from the start of the rainy and stormy season.

Be proactive before the rainy and stormy season.

These days, at many ferry terminals in Ninh Binh province, preparations for the rainy season and floods are being carried out urgently. From inspecting vehicles and supplementing rescue equipment to developing plans for mooring and sheltering during bad weather, every step is being taken proactively to minimize potential risks.

According to statistics, Ninh Binh currently has over 365km of national waterways and nearly 216km of inland rivers. Along these waterways, there are 87 ferry terminals and 88 vessels serving the daily transportation needs of the local people.

Ninh Binh province currently has 87 operational ferry terminals.

The unique characteristics of the waterway network, with many areas experiencing strong currents and high volumes of people passing through, mean that ensuring waterway safety is always a top priority, especially during the rainy and stormy season.

At the Sa Cao - Thai Hac ferry terminal in Xuan Hong commune, which connects Ninh Binh and Hung Yen provinces across the Red River, preparations for the rainy and stormy season are underway with great urgency.

According to Mr. Do Van Duong, Head of the ferry terminal, the unit has completed machinery maintenance, vehicle technical inspections, and fully prepared equipment for disaster prevention and control.

Notably, the ferry dock area has been recently dredged and put into use. Under normal conditions, this serves as a reserve mooring area for vessels; during heavy rainstorms, all ferries will be moved inside for shelter to ensure safety.

"Having a safe anchorage area gives our operators more peace of mind when the weather is unpredictable. We always closely monitor the situation to proactively respond," Mr. Duong shared.

Early preparation not only helps minimize damage to vehicles but also creates a sense of security for people who frequently travel across the river.

Operational discipline is the most important "lifeline".

In addition to focusing on the vehicles, many ferry terminals in the province are also strengthening the management of their operating staff and improving passengers' awareness of safety regulations.

At the Dai Noi ferry terminal on the Ninh Co River, regular technical inspections of the vessels are carried out to minimize unexpected incidents during the rainy season and floods.

People crossing the river at Dai Noi ferry terminal are given life jackets to ensure their safety.

Mr. Hoang Van Chien, Head of Dai Noi Ferry Terminal, said that the unit has reviewed the entire team of ferry drivers, ensuring they all have the required professional certificates; at the same time, they have intensified propaganda to encourage passengers to wear life jackets and use flotation devices when crossing the river.

"During the rainy season, adhering to safety regulations is mandatory. We regularly remind passengers to board and disembark in the correct positions, avoid crowding, and not be careless when traveling by ferry," Mr. Chien said.

According to Mr. Bui Van Cao from Minh Thai commune, who frequently uses the Dai Noi ferry, safety measures at the ferry terminal have been implemented more rigorously recently.

"Passengers are instructed to wear life jackets and board and disembark in an orderly manner. On days with bad weather, the dock also monitors the situation very closely, so people feel more secure," Mr. Cao shared.

Staff at Ninh My ferry terminal instruct people to wear life jackets when crossing the river.

At Ninh My ferry terminal, the route transporting passengers from Hai An commune to Nghia Son commune, preparations for the rainy and stormy season are being concretized with a complete system of life-saving equipment.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Cong, Head of the ferry terminal, the unit has prepared more than 100 life jackets, many lifebuoys, fire extinguishers, and mooring cables for the vessels.

"When winds reach level 6 or higher, the wharf will temporarily cease operations to ensure the absolute safety of passengers and vehicles," Mr. Cong said.

The Kinh Lung ferry terminal in Ninh Binh province transports hundreds of people and vehicles across the river every day.

At the Kinh Lung ferry terminal connecting the two communes of Nam Truc and Lien Minh across the Dao River, hundreds of people cross daily. The unit has developed a detailed plan for flood and storm prevention, and has deployed sufficient personnel on duty during heavy rains or tropical depressions.

According to Mr. Vu Duc The, Head of Kinh Lung Ferry Terminal, the most important factor during the rainy and stormy season is not to be complacent at any stage.

"Just a moment of carelessness can lead to problems. Therefore, all plans must be carefully prepared in advance," Mr. The said.

Safety begins with awareness.

To ensure the safety of river crossings during the rainy and stormy season, the Dai Hoang Commune Police have conducted 100% inspections of all ferry terminals, passenger transport vehicles, and river crossing vessels in the area.

The police in Dai Hoang commune are inspecting safety measures at ferry terminals in the area.

The inspection focused on checking the technical safety conditions of the vessels, registration certificates, inspection certificates, and professional qualifications of the operators; it also reviewed the provision of life jackets, lifebuoys, rescue flotation devices, mooring systems, and safety plans in adverse weather conditions. Following the inspection, the commune police also organized for the owners of the wharves and the operators to sign commitments to strictly comply with the laws and regulations on inland waterway traffic; absolutely not to carry more passengers than permitted, not to transport bulky goods that pose a safety risk, not to operate in dangerous weather, and to require 100% of passengers to wear life jackets when crossing the river.

The Traffic Police Department of Ninh Binh Provincial Police, specifically the Waterway Traffic Police Team No. 3, also conducted inspections of the operating conditions of river ferry terminals; and signed commitments with terminal owners and vessel owners regarding strict compliance with safety regulations.

The inspection focuses on the technical condition of the vehicle, the provision of life jackets and life-saving equipment, the professional certification of the operator, and compliance with regulations regarding carrying the permitted number of passengers.

In addition, authorities are also reviewing the waterway signaling system, replacing damaged equipment, and guiding vessels through dangerous areas.

Inspections revealed that most ferry terminals have improved compliance with regulations. However, some shortcomings remain, such as a lack of life-saving equipment, incomplete posting of regulations, or failure to remind passengers to wear life jackets as required.

Authorities are instructing people to wear life jackets when traveling by ferry to ensure safety.

According to the authorities, these violations have been ordered to be rectified immediately, and strict action will be taken if they recur.

In conditions of heavy rain, strong currents, and limited visibility, even a small oversight can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, from wearing life jackets and checking the vessel before leaving the dock to following the instructions of operating staff, all are factors that contribute to ensuring safety.

With thorough preparation, realistic response plans, and strict operational discipline, the ferry services will continue to be a peaceful link between the two banks during the rainy and stormy season.

Source: https://vtv.vn/ninh-binh-giu-an-toan-nhung-chuyen-pha-mua-mua-bao-100260521220729537.htm