The Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) urged the public, especially boat owners and operators, to be vigilant before and during water activities.

The MPABD requires boat operators to attend Class 9 (Limited) course and qualify for Class 9 (Limited) licences before operating any boats.

Every boat operator is issued with the Permission Letter for Passenger Boat Service, the number of crew members and passengers allowed and the usage of lifejackets are stated in the letter. If boat operators do not abide by the stipulated requirements, MPABD will retract the permission letter effective immediately, said the agency.

The MPABD issued a Domestic Shipping Notice No: 02/D/2020 dated June 5, 2020 regarding the use of life jackets. If the boat driver or owner and its passengers are found not wearing life jackets while on board, MPABD will revoke the boat’s Certificate of Registry and its boat driver’s Certificate of Class 9 (Limited).

Boating safety is a social and community responsibility. Wearing life jackets while boating and adhering to the boat’s capacity will reduce the risks of drowning and injury in the event of boat accidents or capsizing and facilitate rescue efforts, said the MPABD.

In the last four years, MPABD said it has received reports of 13 drowning cases and three capsized boats in Kampong Ayer.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin