Police have issued a warning to boat owners travelling coastal waters to be more attentive to the ongoing bad weather conditions and take measures to avoid travelling as much as possible.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Maritime Department would like to remind intended travel boats across inter-island and along coastal waters, as from Solomon Islands Meteorology Services issued weather outlooks on the tropical disturbance with a tropical low pressure expected over Makira and Temotu Provinces waters.
Director of RSIPF Maritime Chief Superintendent Charles Fox Sau says, “The RSIPF Maritime will be on standby for any distress call, boats experiencing problem at sea.”
“A joint operation between the RSIPF Maritime and Marine Respond Communication Centre (MRCC) is purposely in place to coordinate any search and rescue for distress boats,” says Director Sau.
He says, “Mariners and intended boats owners should take extra precautionary measures as bad weather associated with the tropical low poses threats to lives and properties.”
“It is wise not to travel at all and this goes to boats or what called banana boats or outboard motors (OBM) as winds expect of 25 to 33knots with moderate to rough seas expected for Makira and Temotu Province. Remaining provinces expect winds of 10 to 200 knots, precaution is important and before going out to sea must consider the following:-
· Planning
· Check for weather
· Make sure your boat is 100% operational
· Your skipper must well verse with OBM engines and experience.
· Monitor your loading
· Ensure safety equipment’s must be on board.
· Take enough fuel to sustain your operation.
· If you in doubt of your skipper don’t go.
· If you encounter a problem at sea and require help call MRCC or RSIPF.
MRCC and RSIPF will be operating 24/7 and can be contacted at phone number 21609 or 27685 or Toll free 977 Police 23666 or Toll Free 999.
– Police Media