SIBU: Many ships have yet to be installed with the Search and Rescue Transponder (SATS) and Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), which could speed up search and rescue mission.
INSTALL LIFE SAVING EQUIPMENT: Ting (second right) speaking to reporters while secretary Renco Yong King Hwa (centre) and others look on.
Sarawak and Sabah Shipowners Association (SSSA) president Ting Heng Kiong revealed, saying that these life saving equipment are crucial as they allow speedy tracking of shipwreck survivors since time is of essence.
Taking lessons from the ill-fated MV Soon Bee II that went missing in rough sea condition on Jan 11, Ting also reminded ship owners to monitor closely the sea and wind conditions, given waves were expected to be between 4.5 and 5.5 metres high, starting today till Jan 18.
“These two equipment are enforced by Marine Department as compulsory life saving equipment since few years ago for all sea going vessels weighing more than 500 GRT (Gross Registered Tonnage).
“This explains why many local plying ships are not required to be fitted with these tracking devices,” he told reporters last Saturday.
Asked on SATS, he said it is a small device, measuring 250mm in length and 65mm in diametre that can be hand carried by crews to the life raft and may be triggered by any radar within a range of approximately nine nautical miles (15 kilometres).
Added Ting: “As time is of essence, this will help make the search and rescue job fast and accurate. Furthermore, the key purpose of EPIRB is to ensure victims are rescued within the so-called ‘golden day’ during which, the majority of survivors can usually be saved.”
EPIRB could transfer signal to the satellite and promptly locate the ship at the longitude and latitude position, he said.
Ting warned that when waves reached 3.5 metres high (equivalent to a two-storey building), ships below 3,000 tonne are advised to dock.
This was because any sea activity during that period would be extremely dangerous.
And as waves were expected to hit between 4.5 and 5.5 metres high for the next two days, the president reminded ship owners to monitor closely the sea waves and wind speed when planning their shipping schedule and destination.
“When the tragedy struck on Jan 11, Soon Bee II was not able to neither foresee nor prevent the sudden change in sea conditions,” he said, reminding ship owners to take necessary precautions.
Still on the ill-fated cargo ship, he assured that they were willing to give full support and assistance although the owner was not their member.
He had been made to understand that Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agencies (MMEA) had taken necessary action for the search and rescue operations.
On their part, Ting disclosed that they had informed Malaysia Shipowners Association (MASA) regarding this incident and to assist in this matter.
He noted due to the rough sea conditions, the relevant authority had refused to issue a Port Clearance.