ALL vessels operating in the waters of the country are strongly reminded to be equipped with two-way radio while traveling at seas.
Principal Marine Officer of Search and Rescue Peter Young reiterated on this, Tuesday when speaking to the Solomon Star over the phone.
He said some ships were found out to have no radios onboard and some could not make contacts with radio stations clearly which means they need to replace their radios.
Mr. Young said those ships without radio cannot be allowed to continue operate in our waters by carrying passengers or cargoes because it is very risky to lives and properties of people.
He warned that vessels without a radio or have not replaced their radios must get one onboard or officials from of the Solomon Islands Maritime Administration ((SIMA) will detained the ship.
He said ships cannot rely on mobile phones to communicate when there is an incident of distress.
“Mobile phones cannot be used because it only reach one or two people being call over the phone when reporting incidences at sea needing help,” he explained.
He further explained that radios on board vessels can reach all stations once communicating any problem at sea, thus, can be fast to get assistance from the nearest ship.
“Unlike mobile phones it cannot guarantee that relevant authorities will respond in time to problems reported by vessels at sea because help can only be provided easily through radio communication to alert all stations, including the nearest ship to the scene,” he said.
In this case, Mr. Young urged all vessels to equip with radios or SIMA will detained them once found not complying.
He said this is a cyclone season so all vessels must comply.
By AATAI JOHN LAUNGI
