Directorate General of Sea Transportation through the Directorate of Marine and Coast Guard (KPLP) had alerted the captain to eyeing the weather condition before the voyage. It is because of the extreme weather predicted to happen during the festive season.
“We keep alarming about the extreme weather predicted to happen within seven days ahead by declaring the notice Number 114/XII/Dn-17 dated December 11, 2017,” said Marwansyah, Jakarta, Thursday (12/14).
Marwansyah explained, approaching to the date of Christmas and New year holiday which start from December 18, 2017, all harbormasters and port authorities, KPLP, Port Operator Unit (UPP), and District Navigation must to prioritizing the safety on the sea.
“According to the Meteorologic, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), from 10-16 December 2017 the extreme weather with 2.5-4 meters high wave and heavy rain would hit Northern Natuna waters, Anambas, Talaud, Western Sulawesi, Northern Pacific Ocean, Halmahera, West Papua, and Biak,” Marwansyah commented.
Thus, all relevant parties; the Regulators and Operators including the captain should be ready anticipate this condition.
Furthermore, Marwansyah urged the UPT heads to prepare the prevention steps in case of the incident at sea to occur.
First, keep up to date with weather forecast by accessing BMKG portal and spread out the forecast to the users and paste it at the passenger terminal.
“Whenever the weather condition risks the safety, the notice of sailing permit (SPB) shall be postponed until the territory completely safe to be sailed,” said Marwansyah.
The captain must at least checks on the weather forecast six hours before go underway, then reports it to the harbormaster to get the sailing permit.
The captain must also report the weather condition every six hours to the nearest Coast Radio Station (SROP) and jot it down to the log book.
“In case the bad weather occurs, the captain must go to the safer location provide that the ship in ready status,” added Marwansyah.
Once it is safe, the captain must report again to the harbormaster and SROP the position with precise information.
Marwansyah also appointed all the Sea and Coast Guard Units and Navigation Departments to set up patrol and navigation ships all standby and ready to operate when the emergency or ship accident reported.
“The Head of SROP and captains must always monitor and report the weather condition. When there is an accident, they should coordinate it with the Head base,” Marwansyah remarked.
Writer : Ismadi Amrin
Translator : Puji Astuti
