The Port Authority of Rio de Janeiro authorized six cruise ships to anchor in front of Copacabana Beach, in the south of the city, to accompany the New Year’s Eve party. The plan is to inspect between 200 and 300 smaller vessels, such as sports, nautical tourism and passenger transport boats, so that they can also anchor close to the beach.
Vessels interested in participating in the party will have to request inspection from the Port Authority. The boats will be inspected until December 30th.
“This inspection will involve checking documents, security items, compliance with the capacity of each vessel”, explains the captain of the Ports of Rio de Janeiro, commander Luciano Calixto.
According to Calixto, on the 31st, before approaching Copacabana, the boat drivers will undergo breathalyzer tests. “The driver will receive a zero-alcohol bracelet and the vessel will be released to sail,” he said.
The Port Authority will also inspect the ten ferries responsible for the fireworks display, which will last 12 minutes, starting at midnight. The ferries will be closer to the beach, after them the tugboats and support boats will be positioned and then the Navy vessels. Further ahead, smaller boats will be positioned and, further away from the beach, will be the six cruise ships authorized to accompany the party.
