Basarnas calls for better EPIRB use, ship communication improve safety

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chief of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), Vice Marshal Mohammad Syafii, called for the optimization of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and stronger inter-ship communication to improve search and rescue (SAR) operations at sea.

Syafii said the move is part of Basarnas' evaluation following a number of recent sea transportation accidents.

"EPIRBs should be activated during emergencies, as this would make it easier for us to conduct SAR operations," Syafii said during a working meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission V here on Wednesday.

He said Basarnas has found that EPIRBs had not been optimally utilized in several accidents it had handled.

In addition to emergency equipment, Syafii said stronger communication with ships around an incident location was also important, as Basarnas still faced difficulties communicating directly with all vessels operating in the area.

He cited the fire involving the KM Mutiara Sentosa II as an example, saying Basarnas used coastal radio stations and the Basarnas Command Center's e-broadcast application to disseminate emergency information to ships around the incident location.

"The concept Basarnas is promoting is to build an increasingly responsive rescue ecosystem by utilizing all available resources around the incident location," he said.

According to Syafii, in certain conditions, the ship closest to an incident location could become the first responder to provide assistance before government SAR assets arrived.

From January to August 15, 2026, Basarnas recorded 601 special SAR operations related to ship accidents, affecting a total of 3,607 people.

Of that total, 3,165 people were successfully rescued, 239 people died, and 203 people were declared missing. Of the total victims, 220 were foreign nationals.

In addition to optimizing EPRIB use and communication systems, the agency recommended improving safety equipment, conducting safety briefings for passengers, and holding integrated emergency drills to strengthen preparedness.

Basarnas is also working to enhance its operational capabilities to ensure faster response times and better protect public safety.

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Translator: Aria, Kenzu
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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