maritime

AMP inspects boats in Bocas

Some 300 boats that provide transportation service for passengers at different points in the archipelago of Bocas del Toro were inspected by the Autoridad Marítima de Panamá (AMP) last Thursday.

According to AMP official Pierre Tapia, there has been a redoubling of efforts in the port of Bocas del Toro to verify whether the boats have the appropriate safety equipment on board as required by law.

Tapia added that currently there is an increase in passengers, who are mostly tourists, who use these boats to reach the area's island resorts and attractions.

AMP has received numerous complaints from frequent users of the water taxis and ferries about unsafe operation of these vessels and lack of proper safety equipment.

One of these riders is Michell Castillo, who has made several trips from the port of Chiriquí Grande to regions of the Ngöbe Buglé region. Castillo said that some boat operators often risk the lives of passengers by not having proper life jackets on board and operating under the influence of alcohol.

Educator Katty Montoya, who works at Calante, noted that, in many instances, the boats in that area are operated with excess passengers or cargo on board.

AMP authorities have not released the results of Thursday's inspection, but said more are planned.