THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) warned the public to consider sea safety as people from the province will travel to Honiara for the Sol2023 XVII Pacific Games ahead of the event.
Operation Commander, Police Operation Centre (POC) Assistant Commissioner (AC) Crime and intelligence Patricia Leta said as we are approaching the commencement of the major event (PG23), our nearby islands who are using Outboard Motors (OBM) as a means of transport to be more cautious when travelling to Honiara for the game.
POC Commander AC Leta said as part of the police operation, police will check all the boats coming in and going out to make sure everyone is safe.
AC Leta said owners of boats and vessels are urged to think safety first before embarking on any trip at sea between our islands as we are also experiencing a wet season.
She said check the weather by listening to the SIBC and other radio stations or call the Met service and get the right advice before travelling .If you are not sure, stay ashore.
“If you are at sea and need help, contact the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) on phone 21609 or 27685, or toll free 977. You can also call the National Police Communication Centre on 23666 or toll free 999,” AC Leta emphasises.
RSIPF would like to remind boat owners and skippers of the importance of sea safety.
Before you travel, please plan your trip properly. Here are some safety points to remember before travelling:
- Plan your trip and let at least a member of your family know where you are going and what time you expect to arrive;
- Check the weather on SIBC or call the Met Service on 23658 or toll free 933;
- If you start your trip and the weather becomes bad, seek shelter until the sea is calm;
- Make sure your boat is seaworthy and your OBM is serviced and maintained;
- Know your skipper. Make sure they are experienced in driving boats;
- Do not overload your boat
- Wear life jackets. Take food and water, paddles, first aid kit, anchor and rope, mirror to signal others, tools, bucket, torch, phone, flares and EPIRB;
- Take extra fuel; and
- If your skipper is drunk, do not go with them or let them control the boat.
