On the lookout: An MMEA boat patrolling the waters off Mersing, Johor.
JOHOR BARU: With the northeast monsoon season here, Johor’s maritime community has been told to take several steps that would ensure their safety in the open sea.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Lt-Cmdr maritime Ahmad Zamri Zakaria said it is dangerous to go out to sea during the monsoon season and they should be well prepared for bad weather and choppy seas.
“Vessel owners, including those that have small boats such as traditional fishermen, should be extra careful during this monsoon season.
“Before going out to sea, they must inspect their boats to make sure that their vessels are in tip-top condition.
“If there is any minor damage, they must immediately repair it because a small blemish can lead to major damage if it is hit by big, constant waves,” he said in an interview yesterday.
Ahmad Zamri, who is the senior assistant director of the agency’s search and rescue disaster relief unit, reminded vessel owners to make sure that their boats are well equipped with essentials such as life jackets, flashlights, personal locator beacons and others.
In addition, they must make sure that communication devices on their boats such as the radio are in good working order, he said.
“They should also get their mobile phones fully charged and bring powerbanks along.
“The maritime community here, including anglers, should also bring extra thick clothes to keep their bodies warm as it can get really cold during the monsoon season.
“Also, prepare extra fuel to prevent empty tanks, as well as food and clean water,” he added.
Ahmad Zamri also highlighted the importance of monitoring weather forecast reports from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
“If MetMalaysia issues any warning about strong big waves in Malaysian waters, take note of it,” he said.
Bringing extra food and potable water is really important, especially when an emergency occurs at sea, he added.
“Hunger and dehydration would affect anyone’s mental state and can even be life-threatening.”
Another vital step to take before venturing out to sea, said Ahmad Zamri, is to inform their loved ones or employers of their location at sea.
“This will be extremely helpful to agencies such as MMEA in narrowing down the search area should the situation call for it.
“It is mandatory for large boats to be equipped with a global positioning system, also known as GPS, but not smaller boats – while there are also those that are not in working order.
“Telling their family members and even employers which area they are headed for and how many days they will be out at sea will really help authorities,” he added.
Ahmad Zamri said MMEA is ever ready for any sort of emergency or incident that may occur at sea, including during the monsoon season.
The agency, he noted, is responsible for search and rescue operations at sea and will despatch a response team as soon as it receives information or a distress call about an incident.
“We have a close relationship with other agencies such as the Marine Department, marine police, Fire and Rescue Department, and Fisheries Department, which will all assist us during an emergency.
“When an emergency happens, we will see which agency’s assets are close by and relay information immediately to ensure help is on the way,” he said.
MMEA will also enlist the help of local fishermen, with whom it has forged a close relationship, he added.
“Besides that, we will also seek help from vessels that are near the location in question. Under international maritime laws, vessels are obligated to help those in distress,” he said.
Ahmad Zamri urged the public to report any emergency at sea to the Maritime Rescue Sub Centre Johor Baru at 07-221 9231 or the Malaysian Emergency Response Service by calling 999.
