Mahakam Ulu Pier Tightens Cargo Checks to Prevent Boat Overcapacity Risks
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| Mahakam Ulu Pier in Samarinda tightens vessel cargo monitoring to prevent overcapacity risks and ensure passenger safety amid rising river transport activity. |
Samarinda – The management of Mahakam Ulu Pier in Samarinda has tightened supervision of passenger and cargo loads to prevent potential boating accidents caused by overcapacity.
Head of Mahakam Ulu Pier, Fadlin, stated that strict compliance with safety standards remains a top priority in daily operations.
“We continue to ensure that vessel loads remain within the maximum capacity standards in accordance with manifest procedures,” Fadlin said on Tuesday in Samarinda.
He emphasized that vessels with a maximum capacity of 150 tons are strictly prohibited from exceeding that limit. This measure is crucial to reduce the risk of sinking incidents that could endanger passengers.
Currently, Mahakam Ulu Pier operates 23 vessels with capacities reaching up to GT 141, or approximately 150 tons of cargo.
In addition, the pier management ensures that life jackets are available at 125 percent of total passenger capacity, providing an extra layer of safety in emergency situations.
Fadlin added that every vessel must undergo a series of inspections before departure, including engine checks to ensure operational readiness.
“To maintain smooth river transport routes, we continuously coordinate with upstream pier operators,” he explained.
The stricter safety procedures come amid a recent increase in river transportation activity. Over the past seven days, the pier has recorded 15 vessel departures.
A total of 929 passengers were transported during that period, consisting of 836 adults and 93 children.
Meanwhile, total logistics distribution via river transport reached 268 tons, including essential goods. The pier also facilitated the transport of 179 motorcycles within the same timeframe.
The highest activity was recorded on March 14, when two vessels carried 231 passengers, 90 tons of cargo, and 39 motorcycles.
On Tuesday’s departure, two vessels transported 133 passengers, 16 tons of logistics, and 19 motorcycles.
Fadlin expressed hope that strict pre-departure supervision will ensure the safety of river transport users, particularly those traveling to remote areas of East Kalimantan.
