Sutera Harbour Marina - Merdeka Day

Malaysia's 50th anniversary passed of quietly at Sutera Harbour Marina, Two visiting yachts dressed overall to add a bit of colour. and a larger tourist vessel took a tour group on a cruise around the island other than that it was a normal day. A number of berths are free with yachts taking part in the Labaun - Miri race.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina -Asian Marina's Running Into Problems

An interesting article appeared recently which criticised the way Asia is trying to play catch up to European marinas. Sutera Harbour Marina and even the new The Tanjong City Marina in Penang, suffer due to design flaws. "In Asia, most marinas are developed not by municipalities, like in Europe, but by private developers who have their own agenda on how they're going to make the marina pay back. Hence, most of the marinas developed in Asia are teamed with luxury condominium developments," said Y.P. Loke, managing director of Spinnaker International

The result of this is essential facilities are not supplied for yachts. One major missing link certainly in Kota Kinabalu is facilities for yachts to be hauled out for repairs. Hundreds of yachts pass through the area and at sometime or another need to be lifted out for repairs to underwater damage or repainting. At the moment yachts head for Kudat, the Philippines, Lankawi or Singapore. Hopefully if a marina is developed at Jessleton Point they will make some use of the vast container standing and provide a boat lift.

One other Problem in Kota Kinabalu is that both Immigration and Marine Department are both now outside the city and in peak traffic time it can take hours to complete formalities

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina - Seamans Cards Confusion

Jabatan Laut, Marine Department in Kota Kinabalu seem to be a little confused with the interpretation of the latest rules concerning Seamans Cards. It seems that apart from passengers, everyone else from Owners, Captain, deckhand, steward,cook, bottlewasher and boat keeper on Malaysian registered vessels are required to be registered and hold a Seamans card.

It now transpires that the forms to be completed by doctors as part of the registration procedures have also changed, so what should be a simple matter is now becoming more tedious, especially as Jabatan Laut are based outside the city at Sepanggar

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina - Visiting Yachts Preparing for Borneo International Yachting Challenge

Some visitors to Sutera Harbour Marina such as David Foulkes of Pemburu Laut from New Zealand are making preparations to sail to Labuan for the start of this years Borneo International Challenge, however one of the first boats to enter the race Cetacean II owned by Noah McGrath will not be making the start line as he has had to return to Australia for Business reasons.

Two races take place at Labuan on Sunday 2nd of September which is the secondand day of " Sail The World day promoted by the ISAF which is celebrating its centenary

Sail the World Weekend

1 and 2 September 2007 are dates for your diary!

ISAF will be working with Member National Authorities across the world, to get sailors and newcomers out on the water. ISAF wants to hear your stories and see your pictures.

Every club and every sailor will receive a certificate, whilst each participating MNA will receive a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina - Crews Of Malaysian Registered Vessels To Carry Seamans Cards

Jabatan Laut- Marine Department of Malaysia visited Sutera Harbour Marina this last week, one result of thier visit was to enforce a requirement that owners and crews of all vessels, private and commercial that are registered with the Marine Department are to carry seamans cards.

A Seaman card be obtained from the Marine Department upon application with a medical and fitness certificate,

Foreign registered vessels are exempt from these regulations

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina - Diesel Fuel Contamination

There has been suspicion for some time that diesel fuel sold at Sutera Harbour Marine has been contaminated with water. Yachts have had minor breakdown and had to clear water from their fuel systems. Now it is confirmed that the tanks at Sutera Harbour Marina are contaminated so now all Yachts are advised to go to Jessleton Point if they require diesel fuel.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina - British Team Rules The Waves In China

British Sailors won five gold medals at 1997 Olympic test regatta which finished in China today. Ben Ainslie in the Finn class led the charge with Stevie Morrison and Ben Rhodes in the 49er class, Bryony Shaw in the women’s RS:X windsurfing event, Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson in the Yngling class, and Paul Goodison in the Laser class,with Nick Rogers and Joe Glanfield also adding to the British medal haul with a silver in the 470 men’s event yesterday.

Prior to the Regatta there were some thoughts that the heavier Europeans would not be competitive in the light and shifting winds of Qingdao, however yesterday the winds of 15-17 knots saw many capsizes and helped the Britons cause


David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina - Marine Department Make Surprise Visit

Officers of Jabatan Laut Sabah(Marine Department of Malaysia) paid a surprise visit to Sutera Harbour Marina today, which caused consternation amongst the operators of ferry services from the marina to the outlyings Island of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. One can only hope now that vessel operators will comply with the relevant regulation and raise the standards of safety so as to better protect the hundreds of visitors who use the services from Sutera Harbour Marina on a daily basis.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina - Crewing Opportunities

Twice today people have asked me about crewing opportunities aboard Yachts in Sutera Harbour Marina, this raises the question are there any yachts looking for novice or experienced crew. It is quite common in Asia to employ a boat boy or girl to help keep a yacht shipshape and Bristol fashion and assist with the sailing.

Its not unusual for world travellers to seek passage on yachts to travel from place to place. Sometimes an extra pair of hands can be useful on longer voyages, one has to be sure that people are well matched.

I know in the UK there is a thriving crewing opportunities business with yachts looking for crews for weekend sailing and longer, and crews looking to gain experience. Yachting is growing in popularity so perhaps more crewing opportunities will arise.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina - Why Do Local Speedboat Ferries Not Observe Rules and Regulations

Speedboat ferries continue to flout the laws relating to permitted numbers of passengers allowed to be carried and also International COLREGS.

Yesterday afternoon boat belonging to SeaQuest was observed entering Sutera Harbour Marina with over 20 passengers on board, any vessel carrying over 12 passengers needs to be under the command of a certified skipper and the vessel has to carry the relevant safety equipment laid down my the Marine Department, which includes fire exstinquishers, flares and first aid kits.

Later in the afternoon three boats belonging to the same company left the Sutera Harbour Marina three abreast, breaking at least two of the statutory COLREGS. They were two close together and should have kept to the right hand side of the entrance. If a boat had arrived when they wer departing a nasty incident could have occured. If these Skippers have certificates they should be examind and tested by the Marine Department.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina - Borneo International Yachting Challenge

Borneo International Yachting Challenge' welcomes cruisers visiting the region to join in the fun and share in a unique cultural experience from duty-free Labuan, East Malaysia and finishing up in Miri Marina in Sarawak. So if your looking for somewhere new to sail make sure you check out the Asian Calendar as we can assure you plenty of variety and excitement in the Asian region. Some 31 yachts are entered at the moment including 14 from Australia, 8 - New Zealand, 3- UK, 2- USA , Malaysia, Brunei, Sarawak and St Vincent.

The large number of Yachts from down under once again proves how popular a destination Borneo is for visiting Yachtsmen, who are able to sail in mostly unspoilt waters. of course the money incentive for early entries and free drinks might have a lot to do with it.

Participating yachts will each receive:-
A Captain’s goodie bag with a t-shirt each for all crews

Invites to all functions at
Labuan
1st Sept.. Welcome Dinner
2nd Sept.. Labuan Harbour Regatta Prize Giving Dinner
(Free flow of BEERS whilst it last)

Miri
5th Sept. Garden Party – Piasau Boat Club
6th Sept.. Prize Giving and C losing Ceremony
(Free flow of BEERS whilst it last)

Every boat arriving at the Miri Marina - regardless of time of day or night - an iced cold carton of HEINEKEN beer each.

FREE shutter bus services to and from venues at Labuan and Miri for official events.

FREE berthing at the Labuan & Miri Marinas



David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Yachting TV Comes To Sutera Harbour Marina

Yachting TV broadcasts monthly episodes that are of interest to cruising Yachts, the current episode has an interview plus pilotage, sailing skills and some of the latest gadgets soon to be coming to the market. Its is UK based but is of interest is you wish to brush up skills courtesy of a UK Yachtmaster. Yachts in Sutera Harbour Marinacan see watch the program via the WIFi Link and going to http://yachtwatchservice.com

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina - Island Ferry Closes Service

The Island Ferry Company operates large passenger ferries, has closed its routes from Sutera Harbour Marina to Mamutic, Manukan and Sapi Island, which now means tourists are forced to use speedboats which are often overloaded, especially when returning from the islands in the afternoon, although the boats in question have seats for more than 12 passengers, they do not comply with the relevant Malaysian Marine Regulations for passenger vessels which require licensed skippers and safety equipment such as fire extinguisher's, flares and marine radios. The Owners of the vessels appear to be flaunting the law with impunity, just this afternoon one speedboat entered Sutera Harbour Marina carrying around 30 people, some of whom were not wearing life jackets. It is going to be a sad day when lives are lost due to negligence.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina - COLREGS

Having observed both near misses and actual collisions between vessels in Sutera Harbour Marina I have decided to highlight the relevant steering & sailing rules which form part of The International Collision Regulation (COLREGS) commonly referred to as "The Rules Of The Road"

The Rules Apply to All craft, those propelled by mechanical machinery are referred to as Power driven. Those under sail only as Sailing Vessel and all others as vessel, which includes rowing boats and canoes.

Section II - Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another

Rule 11

Application

Rules in this section apply to vessels in sight of one another.

Rule 12

Sailing Vessels

(a) when two sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows:

(i)when each of them has the wind on a different side, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other;

(ii) When both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward;

(iii) if the vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the port or the starboard side, she shall keep out of the way of the other.

(b) For the purposes of this Rule the windward side shall be deemed to be the side opposite that on which the mainsail is carried or, in the case of a square rigged vessel, the side opposite to that on which the largest fore-and-aft sail is carried.

Rule 13

Overtaking

(a) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Rules of Part B, Sections I and II, any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.

(b) A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with a another vessel from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam, that is, in such a position with reference to the vessel she is overtaking, that at night she would be able to see only the sternlight of that vessel but neither of her sidelights.

(c) When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether she is overtaking another, she shall assume that this is the case and act accordingly.

(d) Any subsequent alteration of the bearing between the two vessels shall not make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel within the meaning of these Rules or relieve her of the duty of keeping clear of the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear.

Rule 14

Head-on Situation

(a) When two power driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision each shall alter her course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other.

(b) Such a situation shall be deemed to exist when a vessel sees the other ahead or nearly ahead and by night she could see the masthead lights in line or nearly in line and/or both sidelights and by day she observes the corresponding aspect of the other vessel.

(c) When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether such a situation exists she shall assume that it does exist and act accordingly.

Rule 15

Crossing Situation

When two power driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.

Rule 16

Action by Give-way Vessel

Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

Rule 17

Action by Stand-on Vessel

(a)

(i) Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way of the other shall keep her course and speed.

(ii) The latter vessel may however take action to avoid collision by her maneuver alone, as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action in accordance with these Rules.

(b) When, from any cause, the vessel required to keep her course and speed finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, she shall take such action as will best aid to avoid collision.

(c) A power driven vessel which takes action in a crossing situation in accordance with subparagraph (a)(ii) of this Rule to avoid collision with another power driven vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, not alter course to port for a vessel on her own port side.

(d) This Rule does not relieve the give-way vessel of her obligation to keep out of the way.

Rule 18

Responsibilities Between Vessels

Except where rule 9, 10, and 13 otherwise require:

(a)A power driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:

(i)a vessel not under command;

(ii)a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver;

(iii)a vessel engaged in fishing;

(iv)a sailing vessel;

(b) A sailing vessel under way shall keep out of the way of:

(i)a vessel not under command;

(ii)a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver;

(iii)a vessel engaged in fishing;

(c)A vessel engaged in fishing when underway shall, so far as possible, keep out of the way of:

(i)a vessel not under command;

(ii)a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.

(d)

(i)Any vessel other than a vessel not under command or a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draft, exhibiting the signals in Rule 28.

(ii) A vessel constrained by her draft shall navigate with particular caution having full regard to her special condition.

(e) A seaplane on the water shall, in general, keep well clear of all vessels and avoid impeding their navigation. In circumstances, however, where risk of collision exists, she shall comply with the Rules of this Part.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Yacht Watch Service Sutera Harbour Marine New Contract

Noah, Owner of Cetacean 11 has contracted Yacht Watch Service to provide boat keeping services for his Yacht.

Regular checks will be made of bilges, batteries, awnings, lines and fenders and other equipment, enhancing the 24 hour security already provided to vessels berthed at Sutera Harbour Marina.


David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Sutera Harbour Marina - New Customs and Immigration Proceedures for Singapore

Yachts leaving Sutera Harbour Marina bound for Singapore should be aware of new Singapore customs and immigration check in and out arrangements in Singapore. The 3 locations yachts currently use are Raffles Marina, Republic of Singapore and Changi Sailing Club, there are other options available. Two on water immigration anchorages for commercial vessels are currently in operation. Yachts can use these check in on the water with customs and immigration. Owners/crew/passengers can expect to get up to a maximum of 30 day visa subject to nationality/valid passports, port clearances and crew/passenger lists. There is no charge for this service. Western quarantine and immigration anchorage, west of The Sisters Islands. Eastern anchorage is at the entrance to West Johor Straits between Frontier and South angler navigation marks. Vessels requiring clearance need to fly numeral pennants two over five and call Singapore immigration on VHF channel 74 or their mobile No. 90888605. Another alternative which superyachts use is to have an agent make all the arrangements, book the pilot, meet the vessel, arrange the berthing. The on the water arrangements are used 24/7 by general commercial traffic, tugs, barges, many small/medium cargo boats. It works well for ships/yachts with a small number of crew and passengers. The Marinas/Club checking in costs SGD 50 plus taxi fares for the immigration officer to and from the Sailing Club or marina.


David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Standards of Seamanship Questioned

Jabatan Laut Malaysia- Marine Department Malaysia
are responsible for enforcing the international collision regulations COLREGS and vessel safety, however in the case of small craft they appear to be turning a blind eye and not taking action against speedboats owners who flaunt "The rules of the Road" Perhaps this is a problem in Malaysia as they drive on the the left and can often be seen passing starboard to starboard at the entrance to Sutera Harbour Marina, when they should be passing port to port. Speedboat ferry skippers also fail to give way to vessels with restricted maneuverability, such vessels towing and large yachts.

Yachtsmen approaching Sutera Harbour Marina are advised to proceed with care especially during the hours 1000-1130 and 1330-1500 when speedboats are abundant.

The matter has been raised with management of Sutera Harbour Marina wh0 promise improvements.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Tourists At Risk Due To Overloaded Boats

Speedboat ferries operating out of Sutera Harbour Marina Kota Kinabalu Sabah which take tourist to the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman marine park are carrying more passengers than legally permitted to carry. The trip maybe fast but it could end in tragety and it is questionable is the boat skippers are themselves certified. Tourists who are concerned about safety are recommended are to travel on the larger wooden ferries which take a little bit longer, but also allow you to stand up, walk around, observe the views and take pictures.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Boat Sinks at Sutera Harbour Marine

A boat launched yesterday at Sutera Harbour Marina at 0200 hrs this morning. Marina staff had to wait until a diver was available later in the morning to help a crane recover the vessel. An oil pollution boom was used to prevent fuel from the vessel spreading accross the marine. It is thought that workmen on the vessel failed to repair a hole they had made in the hull, and this together with the weight of a new engine caused the boat to founder.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service

Yacht Watch Service launched in Sutera Harbour Marina

Yachtsman sailing via Sutera harbour Marina or who wish to base a yacht in the marina can now be sure that yacht will be kept in good condition during their absence, thanks to Yacht Watch Service. The caretaker service will ensure bilges are pumped,batteries are topped up , engines kept in running order, awnings and sail covers are kept in place, so that your boat is ready to sail upon your return. Monthly status reports are emailed to absent owners.