MIRI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Miri Zone, has detained two offshore support vessels approximately 9.4 nautical miles west of Tanjung Lobang.
This action was taken due to two significant regulatory violations – the failure to report a change of captain to port officials, and the failure to display and present a valid Domestic Shipping Licence (DSL) when inspected by MMEA operatives.
Miri Maritime Zone Director, Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad, stated that the vessels were apprehended by the MMEA patrol team during Ops Permai 01/2019, Ops Naga Timur, Ops Tiris 3.0 and Ops Khas Pagar Laut, between 6.25 pm and 6.46 pm on Saturday.
A total of twelve crew members, including a local captain and an Indonesian counterpart, aged between 32 and 63, were also detained for further investigation.
The detained vessels and their crew members were escorted to the Miri Vessel Detention Centre (PVT) to be handed over to the MMEA investigating officer for further action.
The case is being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 for failing to report the change of captain to port authorities and for not displaying or producing a valid Domestic Shipping Licence during the MMEA inspection.
For any information, complaint or maritime emergency, the public is encouraged to contact the Miri Maritime Zone Operation Centre (PUSOP) at 085-649 111 or Sarawak Maritime at 082-432544/082-432016, or via the emergency hotline 999 for immediate assistance.
