Boat operators must comply with safety standard operating procedures (SOP) when carrying passengers and conducting tourism activities at sea.

Terengganu Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, Plantation and Commodities Committee chairman Datuk Muhammad Pehimi Yusof said emphasis should be on the wearing of safety jackets whenever passengers are taken on boats.

He said boating licence would not be renewed if the operators failed to comply with the safety procedures.

"This measure is taken to avoid any untoward incident while at sea which may may affect the relevant industries in future.

"People should always wear life jackets as long as they are out at sea regardless if the sea is calm or choppy," he told reporters after a safety briefing for fishing vessel owners, here Sunday.

-- BERNAMA