Only Specific Ships Permit For Sailing

Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan (AntaranewsKalsel) - The Banjarmasin Port Master (KSOP) temporarily allow only certain types of ships to sail until weather conditions improve.

"Circular letter of postponement of sailing permit (SPB) issuance for a ship of certain size valid until December 22, 2017," said Head of Class I Banjarmasin Port Master M Takwim Masuku, Tuesday.

He said although the latest report from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) that the wave height in the Java Sea has been reduced, not up to three meters high, the port master is not reckless allowing the ship to sail.

"We have to make sure the stable weather along the waters to be navigated is completely safe, then all ships can go to sea again," Takwim told Antara News Agency.

The territorial waters are still vulnerable to extreme weather such as the eastern Java Sea, the waters of the Masalembo Islands, Bawean waters and the southern part of Makassar Strait.

For ships that are allowed to sail, said Takwim, it is mandatory to monitor the weather conditions at least six hours before the ship sails and report the results to the port master at the time of application for SPB.

BMKG predicted on December 22 and 23 there is a potential the wave height in the Java Sea to increase to reach four meters.

To that end, the port master continues to monitor weather every hour and request information or reports from skippers who know firsthand the real conditions in the middle of the sea when the ship passes.