The Phuket News understands that the order (announcement number 9/2557), effective since Wednesday (October 15) could extend for at least a year, or more.
"All boats will not be allowed to moor for long periods anywhere in the area of Chalong Bay Marina, and within a 200-metre radius of the seawall [construction area],” Phuket Marine Office Director Phuripat Teerakulpisut told the Phuket News.
However, he said that boats will still be permitted to enter the marina on a temporary basis to use its one stop service centre.
“Chalong Bay Marina is undergoing renovations and we are also constructing a sea wall. We need to ensure that boats do not obstruct construction, he said.
In May last year, Golden Plan Co Ltd drew up plans for a seawall with the purpose of protecting yachts in the marina from strong waves. Earlier this year, Prommitr S A F T Co Ltd won the construction bid from Marine Department.
The 450-day contract to construct the seawall was effective as of August 21, 2014, and expires in November, next year. The seawall is being built just to the south of Chalong Bay Pier and Chalong Bay Marina.
“As part of the construction project, we will also be fixing all broken moorings and other facilities in and on the water to improve convenience for marine transportation, as well as safety for all boat users,” he explained.
“The construction [of the seawall and other rennovations] will require at least a year to complete. Meanwhile, all boats must anchor at other marinas nearby,” Chief Phuripat noted.
However, he confirmed that Chalong One Stop Service will still operate as usual.
“Boats are allowed to temporarily enter the marina, but will bot be allowed to moor for long periods,” he added.
The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO), who oversees the Chalong One Stop Service Centre, confirmed that boat registration services will continue as usual.
“Boats entering Phuket are still requred to register at the center as per regulations,” PPAO Transportation Division Chief Prasit Yotharak told the Phuket News.
“Everything will run the same, but boats must not obstruct construction, so boats must adhere to the announcement accordingly.” he added.
In addition to broken moorings and other marina facilities in disrepair, the Phuket News notes that there are many concrete blocks on the seabed around the marina, which in the recent past have been linked to sinking vessels.
Most recently, earlier this year, on January 19, the B10 million, 80-foot cruise boat Lady Andaman sank after hitting a concrete block, just 200 metres from the Chalong Pier. The skipper managed to get the badly leaking boat to the pier nearbye and evacuate passengers before it finally sank.