The Indonesian Navy or the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency have been detaining vessels which were anchoring or drifting in the Eastern portion of the Singapore Strait. These incidents are also reported this year.
As the Japan Club explains, when vessels were detained in the area, ordinary steps were interview to the master, payments of fines, and release of the vessel.
However, there were some cases which a period of detention was very long are reported, anchoring or drifting in the area must not be carried out to avoid the risk of the detention.
If there are any reasons to do anchoring or drifting in the area, it is highly recommended for avoiding risks that a local agent must be appointed to obtain clearance.
For your information, these kind of fines may not be in the coverage of the Association
Japan Club added.
During 2021, the Club had also warned that on avoiding detention, given the uncertainty of the Territorial claims and enforcement of same in both Indonesia and Malaysia, “it is simply not safe to anchor or drift in the area loosely.”
If vessels are detained unfortunately, note that attempts to provide security to enable release have been unsuccessful, as a P&I Insurer’s Letter of Undertaking for example, is not deemed acceptable security
