MARINE operators should always obey the needs and demands within the acts and regulations to ensure improvement over the security and protection of maritime environment locally and internationally, said the Minister of Communications.

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Hj Abu Bakar Hj Apong said this during the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the International Maritime Organisation in remembrance of the IMO convention under the United Nations at Muara Port yesterday.

"I urge for each owner, businesses, sailors or ship crews or boats registered and licensed in Brunei to always obey the needs and demands that has been made in a bid to improve the security and protection of maritime environment locally and internationally," said Pehin Dato Hj Abu Bakar.

Additionally, in response to the government's aim towards safeguarding and enhancing the interests of maritime industry in the country, regulations and standards which are up to international standards has been created to protect the interests of foreign-going vessels who are handling Brunei's main resource and passenger ship services for near coastal voyage with neighbouring countries.

With the assistance of the Attorney's General Chambers, several acts and regulations relating to maritime has been re-examined, said the minister. "As a result, four acts and 23 regulations have been consented by His Majesty and has been enforced."

Among them were Maritime Offences (Ships and Fixed Platform) Order 2007, Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Order 2005, Merchant Shipping Order 2002 and Ports Act (Amendment) Order 2002.

The acts and regulations stress on the importance of a ship's security and the protection of the maritime environment as well as technical etiquette and rights relating to the crew, employees responsibility, safety, crew matters and environment, said Pehin Dato Hj Abu Bakar.

"The acts and regulations has allocated the Marine Department the task in fulfilling the act and regulations while taking action by placing fines to any authority that has broken the acts and rules," he said.

In areas of maritime infrastructure developments, Pehin Dato Hj Abu Bakar cited the newly opened Serasa Ferry Terminal which has began operations since October 17 and is among the ministry's plan in areas of transportation for the Bimp-Eaga which can be utilised once the technical aspects has been resolved.

He stressed that in relation to the additional facilities, aspects of safety and security were vital in the transportation industry including the maritime transportation. "With the existence of the laws and regulations relating to maritime, the Ministry of Communications will take serious steps at ensuring that the laws and regulations are followed and obeyed for all those involved," he said.

The ministry also announced that it plans to make 2009 the Year of Safety for the transportation industry, which aims at improving the level of safety among workers, entrepreneurs, users and members of the public in all departments of the Ministry of Communications who are directly involved with transportation.

The maritime industry has a vital role to play in Brunei as the bulk of the country's source of economy is contributed in the maritime area with 95 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product deriving from Hydro Carbon (Oil and Gas), fisheries and shipping activities, according to the minister.

"We hope that the World Maritime Day will enhance awareness for the members of the public to preserve, appreciate and improve care towards the importance of safety, security and the maritime environment," he said.

Following the minister's speech was a presentation of the Marine Department's new uniforms and a demonstration of the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCOP) held around the Muara Port premises.

nk: http://www.bt.com.bn/en/home_news/2008/11/28/maritime_day_observed_with_emphasis_on_safety_security