ROYAL Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has reissued measures and safety at sea in a recent press conference, in Honiara.
It has obvious that people start to travel across the islands without care about safety at sea; therefore properties and lives have been lost.
Assistance Commissioner (AC) National Operation, Ms. Evelyn Thugea said police reiterates that safety at sea is very important so anyone wish to travel to other islands must plan their trip very well before travelling.
“Safety at sea starts with you, if you not sure about the weather stay at shore don’t take the trip.
“Plan your trip before travel to other islands, safety at sea is very important,” she said.
She said before going out in the sea, one must plan his or her trip properly, especially on what to carry during the sea trip is most important.
“Plan your trip and tell any neighbour in your family where you go and when will you arrive, listen out for weather information on SIBC or you can call Met Service on phone toll free 933 or phone number 36310 or 24219
“If you start your trip but the weather is unfavourable, find shelter until weather is calm. Make sure your boat is fit to travel before you go out at sea and make sure your engine and boat are maintained every time.
“You must know your skipper (boat driver), make sure he or she must be experienced on driving OBM and make sure not to overload your boat,” she said.
She said when you are ready to travel, you must take live saving equipment with you like life jacket, paddles, aid kit, anchor, rope, food, buckets, torch, mobile phone, flares, biscuits and water and mirror to signal other people and also take extra fuel with you when you travel.
She further added that if skipper is drunk do not follow him.
“If you require help at sea call these numbers Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre 21609 or 2785 or toll free 977,” she said.
The bad weather still hit Solomon Islands and it is important to learn these measures and basic safety at sea when travelling.
By LACHLAN EDDIE
Newsroom, Honiara
