BUMBOATS (Restrictions on passenger load)

Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour whether the Ministry of Communications will review the present regulation which restricts the number of passengers which may be carried by harbour craft plying between Changi Point and Pulau Tekong Besar and Pulau Ubin to 12 persons, as the operators are finding it increasingly difficult to keep their operation viable unless they are allowed to carry more passengers.

The Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour (Mr Ong Teng Cheong): Mr Speaker, Sir, the present regulations do not restrict the number of passengers carried on bumboats between Changi Point and Pulau Tekong Besar and Pulau Ubin to 12 persons a boat. If the boat operator wishes to carry more than 12 persons, they can apply to the Marine Department. The boats must, however, be fitted with certain additional equipment to make it safe for the boats to carry the increased load. In addition, the boats will have to be inspected annually by surveyors from the Marine Department to ensure that they are kept in good condition.

These requirements apply to all boats which carry more than 12 passengers and are necessary for the safety of passengers. If faithfully followed, it will help prevent the tragic loss of life that happens from time to time when an overloaded boat capsizes in the sea.

Mr Teo Chong Tee (Changi): Sir, if the boat operators are allowed to carry more than 12 passengers in each boat, will it cost the boat operators extra money to apply for the licence to carry more passengers?

Mr Ong Teng Cheong: Sir, if a bumboat carries more than 12 persons, it will be classified as a passenger boat. This will require a special licence and the boat operator has to pay the appropriate licence fee. But the Marine Department is prepared to review the licence fee if financial difficulties are faced by the bumboat operators.