Benoa Port Authority has begun inspecting water activity operators that fail to comply with safety requirements. Inspectors are checking pre-departure safety briefings, life jackets, and the routes used by speedboats towing banana boats and parasails.
The concern is that neither operators nor tourists understand the risks involved, and tourists choose locations based on photos. “They only look at where they can take a selfie with a beautiful background,” said Port Authority chief Aprianus Hanky.
Safety briefings are usually limited to life jackets. Meanwhile, speedboat drivers are not following the rules: they tow banana boats and parasails into areas where these activities are prohibited. The Port Authority plans to address the issue together with the tourism authorities, while managers and supervisors will receive training. MyBaliTrips offers jet skis from vetted operators through MyBaliTrips: a safety briefing, life jacket, and instructor supervision are included in the price.
The authority is also responsible for Sanur Port, which handles 79 vessels travelling to Nusa Penida every day. Tourist boat operators have also been instructed to hold emergency response drills at least once a month.
The fleet is inspected three times a year: ahead of Eid al-Fitr, Christmas, New Year, and the high season. Inspectors check the condition of each vessel, its documents, lifesaving equipment, and crew certificates, using the international SOLAS Convention as a benchmark. Vessels without confirmed seaworthiness will not be allowed to sail.
Sources: detikBali, ANTARA Bali
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