The Vietnamese Ministry of Transport's Inland Waterway Administration has conducted an investigation into the safety regulations of the nation's ferry terminals.
The study revealed that nearly 1,000 of the nation's 2,300 ferry terminals have not only failed to meet the regulations, but were also unable to meet operational licensing conditions.
The inspections were launched after a ferry capsized in the Gianh River in the Quang Binh province last week, killing 42 people.
The Deputy Director of the Vietnam Inland Waterway Administration Sy Van Khanh said that while most ferry operators had working certificates, it was more often the case that the passengers' lack of awareness of safety issues put everyone at risk.
"Ferry terminals were giving life jackets to passengers, but very few actually wore them," Mr Sy was quoted as saying in Vietnam News. "Also, at many terminals, people still tried to crowd onto ferries, despite overloading."
The Ministry of Transport and the National Committee for Traffic Safety have now issued orders for authorities to strengthen supervision on terminals and to ensure that only certified facilities were allowed to operate. In addition, passengers would not be allowed to travel unless they wore a life jacket.
