In the wake of Monday's sinking of a ship carrying 456 passengers in Jianli, Hubei province, Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration has launched a crackdown on the safety of passenger vessels, ferries and hazardous goods vessels across Guangdong province.

The administration requires all vessels with a capacity of 50 or more passengers to be monitored around the clock.

In a month-long campaign starting on Tuesday, workers in the sector will be trained in safety issues, to review emergency programs, take emergency drills and identify and eradicate flaws in safety management.

The administration will also conduct checks of the weather alert issuing system.

As a province with an extensive river network, Guangdong records huge waterborne passenger and cargo transport.

June marks the start of the beach tourism season and part of the typhoon season, featuring high temperatures and frequent rain storms.