Japanese Govt. Will Make Drive Recorders Mandatory For Small Tour Boats
Japan's transport ministry will require small tour boats and other vessels to be equipped with drive recorders.
The move comes after the fatal sinking of a tour boat off the coast of Hokkaido, northern Japan, in April.
The government began formulating its plan after listening to opinions from the victims' families. A government committee approved the plan last week.
Drive recorders currently are not required for small passenger ships, but some businesses voluntarily use them. The ministry plans to require companies operating small tour boats and other kinds of vessels to install the devices and utilize them for educational training.
Data from the devices will also be used in accident investigations.
The ministry will compile its guidelines after deciding the details of the plan, including vessels to target. Officials will also examine potential problems, such as the performance of drive recorders in wet conditions and the feasibility of installing them on roofless sightseeing boats.
The ministry also says it will require boat operators to promptly inform passengers of the location of life jackets and how to wear them once they board.