Palembang Port urges vessels to avoid thick smoke, fog

Palembang, S Sumatra (ANTARA) - Palembang's Harbor Master and Port Authority (KSOP) in South Sumatra on Friday urged captains, pilots and fishermen not to sail through shipping lanes shrouded in thick smoke and fog.

Acting Chief Khairul Anwar said no total sailing ban had been imposed, but authorities issued Notice to Mariners No. PG-KSOP.PLG 15/2026 to reduce accident risks from poor visibility.

"We urge all captains, pilots and fishermen not to sail if weather conditions in the KSOP's working and interest areas significantly reduce visibility," he said.

For vessels operating in limited visibility, KSOP requires crews to activate all available electronic navigation aids and radio communication equipment aboard the vessels.

Strict sound-signal rules must also be followed to prevent collisions. Power-driven vessels underway must sound one prolonged blast at intervals of no more than two minutes.

Power-driven vessels stopped and making no way through the water must sound two prolonged blasts in succession, separated by an interval of about two seconds.

Vessels with restricted maneuverability, sailing vessels, fishing vessels and towing vessels must sound three blasts in succession: one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts.

Anchored vessels must rapidly ring a bell for five seconds every minute. Vessels 100 meters or longer must also sound a gong.

"These sound-signal rules are crucial to preventing accidents along shipping lanes," Khairul said.

He said navigational safety remained the top priority during extreme weather and urged captains to delay departures when fog or smoke posed a safety risk. KSOP also urged all maritime operators to remain vigilant and comply with safety regulations.

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Translator: M.Imam P, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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