Opening the Indonesian Archipelago to Maritime Tourism - No more Green Book

Saturday 7th Nov 2015 will be remembered as a historical day for Mr Francis Lee, President of Raffles Marina. After 21 years of engaging the Indonesian maritime community and making friends with the likes of Dr Aji & Dr Indrojono, to name just two, Francis Lee finally broke down all immigration & custom barriers that made visiting the archipelago a pain in the butt. With immediate effect, any pleasure craft from Singapore & 90 other countries can enter Indonesia without having to first apply for a Sailing Permit. The need to purchase a Green Book is also a thing of the past. So from today I can just sail into Nongsa Point Marina unannounced and do my usual custom & immigration clearance at little or no cost.

You still have to do the usual Singapore port clearance at Sister's Island or Changi Point before sailing to Nongsa or Bintan Resort.      

Well let's see how well the new procedures are executed on the ground. ..

Francis Lee President of Raffles Marina with the Indonesian delegation from the Tourism Ministry

50 guests were invited for the historic announcement by Dr Indrojono Soesilo, Senior Advisor for Minister Tourism

The SPBA team with Dr Aji Sularso, Cruising & Fishery Consultant & Admiral Marsetyo, former Chief of Naval Staff

Mr Francis Lee, the man behind the historical announcement to open Maritime Indonesia to Pleasure Yachts

Boat Handling Training - Certificate of Competence 2

The first time I conducted boat handling training 20 years ago, I loved it. The sun, the sea and the cool breeze. The sound of the engines , the smell of sea salt and the beautiful interiors of modern yachts all add to the allure of being out on the water. It has been sometime since I conducted formal boat handling in the Marinas. Now that I've been back at it again, I fondly remember how much I miss this life and the absolute freedom being out at sea gives.

onboard a Meridian 391 preparing for alongside drills

Visual checks on the trim tabs & trim of the Meridian 341

Stamping a Buoy before practicing alongside drills

Watch keeping and Navigation

Setting up the perimeters of the Garmin Chart Plotter

Conducting engine checks before starting the propulsion engines

Picking up a buoy to hone boat handling and boat maneuvering skills

 

SPBA's Council of Experts Meet

In support of the National Maritime Safety at Sea Campaign, the SPBA took the initiative to set up the Council of Experts to promote safe & responsible boating in Singapore. These 18 men from all facets of Singapore pleasure boating came together to do their part in promoting this campaign.