| Rokiah Mahmud |
ALL local boat vessels must register with the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) to heighten safety standards for local water transport.
In addition, boat operators are required to undergo a course on safety regulations and procedures in boat handling, before they can obtain a Class 9 (Limited) licence.
This was highlighted by MPABD Chief Executive Haji Mohd Salihin bin Haji Aspar yesterday during the distribution of lifejackets at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Jetty.
He told the Bulletin that the event was aimed at promoting awareness among boat operators and their passengers on the importance of wearing lifejackets.
“It is part of a continuous campaign which has been carried out by the MPABD prior to this,” he said.
“Several dialogue sessions have been actively organised, to further stress on the importance of wearing lifejackets, so that this matter would not be taken lightly.”
As one of the regulatory bodies behind the campaign, the MPABD hopes that lifejackets will be a priority among boat operators and passengers.
“All forms of water transportation, particularly boats, are easily exposed to hazards, bad weather and unstable water conditions,” said Haji Mohd Salihin. “Lifejackets help the wearers to keep afloat, so that they can be easily rescued.
“To reinforce their importance, it is hoped that the practice of not wearing a lifejacket during short journeys will cease altogether.”