Phuket Restricts Small Boats From Going Out to Sea Amid Rough Weather

Phuket Marine Office has issued a warning to boat operators as unfavourable weather is expected to affect the province from September 21 to 27. Small vessels have been advised to remain close to shore where possible, while boats less than 7 metres long are prohibited from going out into open sea.

The requirements are set out in Phuket Marine Office Order No. 105/2569, issued on September 21.

According to the forecast from Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) cited in the order, waves in the Andaman Sea were expected to reach 1–2 metres on September 21–22, with waves exceeding 2 metres possible in areas affected by thunderstorms.

Unsettled conditions are expected to continue in the following days, with wave heights potentially rising above 2 metres in storm-affected areas.

The Marine Department has instructed boat captains to closely monitor weather conditions along their routes and avoid areas experiencing thunderstorms.

Captains are also required to check the technical condition of their vessels and engines before departure and ensure that emergency equipment is ready for use. This includes life jackets, fire extinguishers, radio communications equipment and other safety gear.

Before going to sea, operators must assess conditions along their planned route, follow weather warnings issued by the Meteorological Department and other authorities, and comply with instructions from officials.

Phuket Marine Office separately reminded operators that small boats in Phuket provincial waters should remain close to shore from September 21 to 27 whenever possible. Vessels shorter than 7 metres are prohibited from leaving the shore for open-sea operations during this period.

The restrictions are being applied under existing Marine Department regulations, which take into account vessel length and actual sea conditions when determining whether boats can safely operate at sea.