The Malaysia Scuba Diving Association has advised tourists against insisting on sea trips during haze or bad weather as safety must take priority.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Scuba Diving Association (MSDA) has urged tourists not to insist on proceeding with sea trips simply because they have already paid, especially as the monsoon season approaches and haze or adverse weather makes conditions unsafe.
MSDA president Aminor Azmi Abdul Latip said tourists should respect the decisions of operators and boat skippers to postpone or cancel trips on safety grounds, describing such decisions as a reflection of professionalism and responsibility.
“Operators, in turn, must provide clear explanations and discuss rescheduling or other reasonable solutions in accordance with booking terms,” he said in a statement today.
He also urged marine tourism operators, particularly those serving islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, to prioritise safety over fulfilling last-minute bookings before the seasonal closure.
He said operators should adjust their schedules according to local conditions and directives from the authorities.
Operators must also monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings for areas near island destinations and assess visibility at sea, as haze can pose health risks and hamper the ability of boat operators to spot other vessels and people engaged in water activities, he added.
He stressed that activities must be stopped whenever conditions become unsafe, and boat skippers should decide whether to turn back or seek shelter in a safe location after assessing weather and sea conditions, visibility, the vessel’s condition and the crew’s capabilities.
“Before each trip, operators must inspect their vessels to ensure all systems are functioning properly, fuel supplies, including emergency reserves, are sufficient, and communication equipment is operational.
“They should not rely solely on mobile phones for communication, he said.
Operators must also ensure that adequate and functional safety equipment is available on board, vessels are not overloaded, and crew members are prepared to handle emergencies.
Passengers should receive safety briefings before departure, while shore-based staff must be informed of trip details and the procedures to follow if a boat is delayed or loses contact.
Aminor Azmi also advised tourists to ensure they are in good health, bring sufficient personal medication and keep details of their medications, allergies and emergency contacts readily available. They should also inform operators of any existing medical conditions.
MSDA further called on rescue agencies to strengthen their preparedness in terms of assets, personnel and communication.
Operators, meanwhile, must promptly report emergencies, providing details such as the location, number of people involved and the situation, while coordinating with nearby operators to facilitate assistance.
However, Aminor Azmi stressed that the readiness of rescue teams should not be taken as justification for proceeding with high-risk trips, as adverse weather could delay rescue operations.
He said the safety of passengers, crew members and rescue personnel must always remain the top priority.