1. What Qualifies as a Recognized Emergency? You are permitted to stop, anchor, or seek shelter in Indonesian waters without prior Clearance-In only under genuine emergency circumstances (force majeure or distress):
Severe Weather: Navigating into extreme sea conditions that threaten vessel safety.
Mechanical or Structural Failure: Critical breakdown of main propulsion, steering, or hull integrity rendering the vessel unseaworthy.
Medical Emergency: Severe illness or injury on board requiring urgent medical intervention.
Distress Assistance: Stopping to rescue or assist persons, vessels, or aircraft in danger.
2. Mandatory Actions Required from the Master If an emergency forces you to anchor or halt your passage, you must follow these immediate steps:
Broadcast Your Situation: Immediately report your location and the nature of your emergency via VHF Channel 16 to the nearest Coastal Radio Station (PKK), Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), Harbour Master (Syahbandar), or Navy/Coast Guard (TNI AL / BAKAMLA).
Document the Incident: Record the exact coordinates, time, and details of the distress in your official vessel logbook.
Contact Immigration: Notify the nearest local Immigration Office directly or through port authorities as soon as anchor is dropped.
3. What We Do During an Emergency Stop Our priority during genuine distress is safety and humanitarian aid. When notified of your emergency stop:
Verification & Assistance: We coordinate with port health, customs, and maritime security officers to inspect the vessel and verify the emergency.
Humanitarian Clearance: If crew members require onshore medical treatment or urgent repairs, we issue temporary emergency permits so you can step ashore legally without standard advance visas.
No Penalty for Legitimate Distress: A genuine emergency stop does not constitute an illegal entry or immigration violation, provided it is reported immediately.
4. Resuming Your Voyage or Changing Plans
Direct Departure: Once repairs are completed or the weather clears, notify local authorities before weighing anchor to resume your innocent passage.
Transition to Tourism Stay: If you decide to remain in Indonesia for leisure after resolving the emergency, you must navigate directly to the nearest designated Port of Entry (TPI) to complete formal Clearance-In and visa processing.
Crucial Rule: Unreported anchoring or stopping in territorial waters without a verifiable emergency is a serious violation of Indonesian maritime and immigration laws. Clear, prompt communication with local authorities ensures your safety and legal protection.