Fourteen electric ships will begin night sailings at the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area on a trial basis every Friday and Saturday between October 20 and December 16 this year (2017). As such, the Maritime and Port Bureau (MPB), MOTC is working together with Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration on the inspection of passenger ships to assist with the successful implementation of night sailings on Sun Moon Lake. Chen Pin-Chuan, Deputy Director-General of the MPB, made a special trip to supervise related operations, verify that affairs are properly carried out, and instructed that more attention be paid to safety announcements while passengers are admiring the scenery, so as to ensure night sailing safety.

        Chen Pin-Chuan indicated that all electric ships that will be sailing at night have an Automatic Identification System (AIS) and GPS, so their status can be monitored at all times. The MPB also required electric ships to maintain speeds under 5 knots (approx. 9 km/hr) and carry no more than 30 passengers. A safety announcement must be made before sailing so that passengers can enjoy the best tour quality and safety.

        Chen Pin-Chuan stressed that the MPB will conduct more frequent inspections for ship safety and enforce the passenger limit on ships for night sailings on Sun Moon Lake. He requested that electric ship operators implement proper safety measures, and refrain from speeding or overloading. He also called on passengers to beware of their safety when taking ships to admire the lake's scenery, so that they can fully enjoy their night sailing experience on Sun Moon Lake.

        The ship operators stated that they are actively implementing safety measures, and that nearly 200 passengers have enjoyed the night sailing experience by now. Passengers all gained good memories and praised the tranquil, beautiful nighttime scenery of the lake and fireworks. The trial for night sailings in Sun Moon Lake will be held between 6:00 and 9:30 P.M. every Friday and Saturday until December 16. There will be fireworks on October 28 and November 4 for the Fireworks Festival, so citizens who want to experience night sailing and fireworks should seize this opportunity.