River lifeboat tours operate 12 months/ year because we have overhead hardcover & plastic windows providing full protection from the elements.
During Spring and Summer the lowest tide is during daylight hours which in some shallow parts of the rivers makes journey by lifeboat difficult or even impossible.
Night passage on rivers in Vietnam is always difficult & dangerous because of floating rubbish & trees, illegal fishing practices (often illegally blocking shipping channels), unlit or badly lit nets & boats; for these reasons we normally only make passage during daylight hours (except for full moon!).
Do NOT go swimmimg on the beach during Autumn & Winter - there are strong ocean currents.
Local sea conditions for passage by vessels are governed by the shallow river - ocean inlet (average 0.9 metre) making passage difficult or impossible during the monsoon season (Normally September - December) when ocean swells sometimes create large breakers across the inlet. The inlet is closed to all vessels during sea conditions of Beuford 5 and above.
Therefore passage is normally possible May - August; rarely possible September - November; sometimes possible during the rest of the year December - April.
We operate a renovated Norwegian built LOA 7.43 m GRP open lifeboat with single cylinder 15hp diesel engine.
Overhead cover with clear plastic side and front roll down windows provides protection from sun and rain for 12 months/year service on the river. No head (toilet). On board navigation and interior lights.
This lifeboat (one of the safest boats capable of surviving in very rough ocean conditions) is registered and licensed to carry 16 passengers and 2 crew men up to 10 miles offshore.
Lifejackets, man overboard, marine radio and other safety equipment on board.
We have third party insurance coverage.
