IFC Advisory: anchorage area off Indonesian (Tanjung Berakit) waters

​The club previously published an update on the detention of anchored vessels by Indonesian Navy.

The Information Fusion Centre (IFC) has issued attached shipping advisory on the enforcement activities by Indonesian authorities against illegal anchoring in the east of Tanjung Berakit.

During the period from January to July 2022, 10 foreign merchant vessels (5 cargo vessels and 5 tankers) were detained. Investigations by local authorities revealed that in some instances the designated anchorages were not marked on the charts, and there was limited understanding of Indonesian archipelagic baselines.

Therefore, the IFC recommends following measures before anchoring of ships:

1. Obtain information on the designated anchorage area.
2. Appoint a local agent and get permission from local port authority.
3. Comply with local law and regulations.

The club is aware that a number of ships are apparently instructed to ‘wait for orders’ off Singapore OPL (outside port limits). However, the waters in the Strait of Singapore and Malacca may not necessarily be international and will be claimed either by Malaysia, Singapore or Indonesia. Releasing the ship from detention in such circumstances could be difficult and a time-consuming process. As such, the club recommends its members to avoid anchoring at non-designated anchorages unless proper approval has been granted by the relevant authorities.

Category: Loss Prevention