Yangtze Maritime Safety Authorities issued a public warning on 11 October that vessels passing the middle reaches would need separate permits as the dry season starts and as water level has fallen to as low as 3.5 metres in places.

Captains’ qualification certificates will be suspended for six months if the draught of their vessels is incorrectly documented or if the markings on their vessels have been tempered with. Offending vessels will be barred from operating for 7-10 days.