The Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) received 19 cases of encroachment into the restricted areas of offshore oil rigs for 2022 and 2023 (August). Six cases were dealt with in 2023, Acting Commanding Officer of Marine Police Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Kasnol bin Haji Muhammad Kincho said.
He made these comments during an engagement facilitated by Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn Bhd (BSP) with the cooperation of the Offshore Oil Rig Security Task Force (TF KPMLP) at the Tutong District Civic Centre Complex yesterday.
He also cited the two latest cases sentenced on July 3. In one case, the boat operator was fined BND5,000 or face five months imprisonment in default of payment.
In the December 7, 2022 joint operation, the boat and its operator were detained near the Champion oil rig.
The boat and the operator and two passengers were brought back to the Marine Police for an investigation.
An operator detained on November 23, 2022 during a joint operation near Magpie oil rig was slapped with a BND5,000 fine or faced five months imprisonment in default of payment on July 5.
DSP Kasnol also warned that the RBPF will take action on violators encroaching safety zones of oil rigs in the country as it is an offence that can be charged under Section 132 (6) Merchant Shipping Order, 2002.
A person, if found guilty can face a fine of not more than BND100,000 or imprisonment of not more than 10 years or both.
RBPF prohibits any vessel from entering within 500 metres of any offshore oil rigs.
He added, “Vessels can only enter the safety zone under specific circumstances if the ship has been approved for repair works, vessels involved in search and rescue, vessels involved in cleaning up oil spill operation, government vessels or ships involved in carrying out security and safety operation in the area, and vessels experiencing mechanical issues or bad weather.”
Meanwhile, BSP Head of Health, Safety and Environment Haji Osmera bin Haji Othman said, “The encroachment into safety zone of offshore oil rigs are worrying and can be dangerous to the public as well as BSP staff and the contractors.
“The oil rigs are areas of hydrocarbon, and there are risks of pipeline leakage and items may fall into the work areas.”
Pengiran Bahrain bin Pengiran Haji Mohammad of the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam also highlighted the importance of the Order and why it must be enforced.
The objective of the engagement session is to increase public awareness and knowledge on maritime security issues to ensure the safety of fishermen while at sea.
Present at the session were Legislative Council members Yang Berhormat Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan and Yang Berhormat Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub, Acting Tutong District Officer Mohammad Sofian bin Haji Basri and Senior Superintendent Pengiran Muhaimin bin Pengiran Mustapha as chairman of TF KPMLP.
Among the efforts by BSP through TF KPMLP is to raise public awareness on maritime safety issues especially for fishermen by installing signboards at 11 locations of boat ramp areas. – James Kon
