ID :
389214
Fri, 11/27/2015 - 12:02
Auther :

Navigating The KM Perwira

By Nordiana Barka LUMUT (Perak, Malaysia), Nov 27 (Bernama) -- Despite of his young age, Maritime Lieutenant Abd Hafis Hussin, 29, is entrusted with the task of navigating Maritime Vessel (KM) Pewira, a sophisticated vessel that is being used to monitor the nation's waters. Backed by his five-year experience as the steersman, Abd Hafis on last February was given the honour to bring back the vessel from Australia. The KM Perwira along with its counterpart KM Satria, that was taken delivery in May, were handed over by the Australian government to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). Both are 125 feet long 'bay class patrol boats'. Abd Hafis underwent a month long training stint in Australia before he was involved in the operation to bring home KM Perwira in a 12-day journey. Though the vessel was equipped with sophisticated technology, navigating is no easy task, said Abd Hafis. THE STEERMAN'S CHALLENGE Abd Hafis said the steersman has to be more alert and quick to act in any situation such as strong winds and choppy seas. "Because the KM Perwira weighs lighter than other vessels, it is at risk especially when winds are strong and waves are rough. The steersman will navigate the ship when it enters the jetty, where accuracy is required," he said. He added that the sophisticated electronic systems installed on the ship to assist the steersman allowed faster response in operating the vessel. "For example, the vessel has an electronic charge system with two radars which will help expedite processes onboard the ship when help is needed," he said. STATE OF THE ART SYSTEMS The KM Perwira, along with its counterpart KM Satria, is one of the Maritime’s strategic assets because of the advanced system unlike those on its other vessels. KM Perwira commanding officer Maritime Lt Commander Tuan Mazzukie Mohd, 33, said the vessels have a computerised system to reduce manpower compared with other ships that need between 31 and 36 crew onboard. The KM Perwira, in contrast, only requires 18 crew while its speed can reach up to 25 knots. The vessel is often deployed for various special operations when needed apart from patrolling the nation's waters. "Besides carrying out its enforcement role, the ship also assists in the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom)," he added. THE MEDIA MEMBER'S ONBOARD EXPERIENCE A six hour cruise with 20 media practitioners from various agencies and 60 members from the MMEA Lumut Maritime District 3 provided an unforgettable experience. The 15 nautical mile journey from Pulau Pangkor (a resort island off the coast of Perak, Malaysia) involved three vessels, namely the KM Marlim, KM Gagah and KM Perwira. Not only were they lucky to be able ride onboard the vessel, the media personnel were also given the chance to experience the training carried out by maritime personnel. Lumut Maritime District 3 enforcement chief Maritime Captain Zulinda Ramly informed them that the MMEA had organised a series of efficiency training such as exiting the port, search training, shooting training, ship flood and fire training, as well as training for entering the port. She said the maritime personnel trained rigorously to improve their skills and efficiency when conducting operations in the country's waters. "This is an exposure for the media. We hope programmes like this will continue to foster good relationships between the media and maritime," she ended. -- BERNAMA

X