Most ferry operators found to observe life jacket rules a year after tragedy
Post survey of 10 services indicates only one exception to vessels having life saving equipment on board within easy reach of passengers

Ferries serving most routes checked by the South China Morning Post are complying with the law by providing enough life jackets for adults and children.
Of the 10 ferries Post reporters travelled on, nine had life jackets available and within easy reach of passengers. On the other, a small kaito service between Cheung Chau and Sai Wan, no life jackets could be seen, nor were there any signs indicating that they were available.
Since 2008, ferry operators have been obliged by law to carry a number of life jackets equivalent to their maximum capacity, plus a number of children's life jackets equivalent to five per cent of capacity.
But the commission of inquiry into the Lamma ferry tragedy, which claimed 39 lives a year ago yesterday, found that enforcement of the law by the Marine Department had been lax.
The Lamma IV, which sank after its collision with the Sea Smooth, carried no life jackets for children. Eight children were among the dead.
The 10 routes the Post inspected last month were operated by Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry, New World First Ferry, Discovery Bay Transportation Services, Lam Kee Kaito, Coral Sea Ferry Service, as well as the service from Cheung Chau to Sai Wan.
The life jackets were typically placed under or at the back of the seats, below the ceiling, in baskets or in cabinets on the decks. Instructions on how to don a life jacket were on show.