TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The recent tragedy involving two boats namely KM Sinar Bangun and KM Lestari Maju within the past two weeks worries travelers who utilize the sea transportation. However, there are things to be noted to avoid incident caused by human errors.
The observer of sea transportation from Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) Surabaya, Raja Oloan Saut Gurning, told Tempo on Wednesday, July 4, that there are at least five tips before boarding to the ship.
1. Check boat’s condition
Traveler is suggested to inspect the condition of the boat before it sails. “First, if the boat full of goods, passengers, and vehicles, ask the crew about the boat safety,” Saut explained. In addition, if the boat is shaky while on the dock, you can opt out from boarding the ship. “Make sure the shake is not caused by waves but the load,” he added.
2. Check the availability of life jackets
After checking the boat safety, the traveler should know about the location of life jackets. “Ask the ship crew,” he suggested. It is better for the traveler to find out if the number of passengers and the life jackets is equal. Its availability must be based on the International Convention for the Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS).
3. Check the availability of lifeboats
In addition to life jackets, the passenger should also concern to the availability of lifeboats. Ideally, lifeboats are placed in two sides of the ship's hull and that should accommodate 100 percent of the passengers. The standard ship must have life-raft for the ship's crew with a capacity of 25-30 percent of the total passenger.
4. Ensure information about the safety
According to Saut, a good ship or crew commonly announce the safety information and evacuation route if any accident happens. “Passenger should know the emergency place or meeting point to access the lifeboat while wearing a life jacket,” he underlined.
5. Check the company or ship owner
Traveler is better to check the boat’s company via internet before sailing. “It may be a bit difficult but it’s also vital,” Saut said. Usually, he mentioned, the good sailing company or ship owner will be transparent in giving information public can access. Avoid the company that is reluctant to give details. For example, hiding the fact of the ship’s condition which may be in a bad state.
FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA
