BINTULU: A passenger boat operating without a legally registered skipper was detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
The detention was made during a routine patrol under operations codenamed Ops Tiris 3.0 and Ops Permai 01/2019 at around 2.30 nautical miles northwest of the Kemena River estuary today.
Bintulu Maritime Zone director Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffian Eldine Abdullah said the boat was intercepted around 1.30pm, and checks revealed that it was manned by a 37-year-old local crew member and was carrying a 43-year-old local male passenger.
“The boat is suspected of committing an offence under Section 477(2) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 for failing to provide written notification to the Ship Registrar regarding a change in the skipper’s name on the vessel’s registration certificate,” he said in a statement.
He added that if found guilty, the offence may result in a fine or compound.
The boat and crew were later escorted to the Bintulu Maritime Zone Vessel Detention Centre before being handed over to maritime investigating officers for further action.
MMEA also reminded members of the maritime community to adhere strictly to all laws, regulations, and safety procedures while at sea to prevent unwanted incidents.
The public may channel any information, complaints, or emergencies at sea to the Bintulu Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 086-314254, the Sarawak State Maritime Operations Centre at 082-432544, or the emergency line 999 for a prompt response.
