In Thailand, Chalong Pier, a key Phuket boat tour facility is under scrutiny as issues are being raised in regards to the potential safety hazards it poses. The major pontoon, utilized by tourists to board tour boats, is reportedly sinking again and is visibly lined in rust.
The pontoon in query had beforehand gone under reparations last yr when it started sinking. Officials then responded by welding patches over the areas rust had eaten into. However, this recent development now raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures.
A tour boat operator shared their frustration with this recurring concern with Chalong Pier, stating, “This is going on time and again. Not only is it ugly for tourists to see once they board boats to go out on tours, however it is harmful. The exposed rust poses a danger to their toes. They can’t even walk barefoot onto the boats.”
There is an obvious risk of a possible accident due to the sinking pontoon. “It may be sinking slowly now, however no one is aware of if the pontoon will simply give method and sink,” the operator famous, expressing concern concerning the precarious state of affairs travellers are being put in.
Explaining the difficulty, the operator said, “Like any metal boat in Thailand, the material used to build the pontoon is reasonable steel from China. It rusts very quickly. When the pontoon is constructed is given a protected coating, but after two to 3 years it begins to rust inside… Then the rust starts to spread. You cannot see how much rust there could be inside, so you do not know how a lot harm has been carried out.”
Criticism was aimed at the overall system of the marina being a large number, attributed to a low-quality choice of fabric – metal. The operator elaborated, “It is called an international-standard marina, but it’s manufactured with the mistaken, low-cost metal. It is made to look good, however it isn’t working.”
As an answer, the operator suggested using aluminium rather than metal for constructing pontoons, albeit acknowledging the excessive price it could contain. “The price is three to 4 instances what it costs to make with the cheap steel, however it’s good for 20 to 30 years. The big drawback we now have right now is that if they only maintain welding and repainting it, then the same downside will maintain happening.”
In addressing the core concern of fixing the pontoon properly, monetary challenges appear to be the primary hurdle. The operator revealed, “It could value anywhere from 10 million to 20 million (US$289,000 to US$577,000), and for that, native authorities will need price range approval from Bangkok. Swipe will take time, and by next excessive season we’d not have a protected secure pontoon on the pier… and that may be a drawback.”