Essential Documents Required for a Boat to Sail to Komodo Island

1. Safe Manning & Crew List

The Port Authority requires every boat to maintain a Safe Manning Certificate. This document outlines the minimum number of qualified crew members required to operate the boat safely.

• The Requirement: Every crew member must hold valid maritime certifications, seaman’s books, and licenses specific to their position (Captain, Engineer, etc.).

• The Purpose: This ensures that the boat is handled by professionals who are legally contracted and trained to manage both navigation and emergency protocols.

2. Safety Certificate (Sertifikat Keselamatan)

This certificate validates that the boat is a safe “floating home” for travelers. Before this is issued, the boat must undergo a rigorous inspection of its life-saving appliances.

• Equipment: The boat must be equipped with life rafts and life jackets that match its maximum passenger capacity, fire extinguishers, and functional lifeboats.

• Training: The crew must also hold certificates proving they have passed fire prevention and emergency response drills.

3. Health & Sanitation Certificate

To ensure the boat is in peak condition, the Port Authority requires a health inspection every three months. This does not only refer to hygiene but also the “mechanical health” of the boat.

• Scope: This covers the integrity of the engine, the structural soundness of the hull, and the availability of a fully-stocked First Aid (P3K) kit.

• Renewal: Operating with an expired health certificate is a major violation, as it guarantees the boat’s readiness to handle the rigors of the open sea.

4. RPK (Authorized Sailing Route)

The RPK (Rute Pelayaran Kapal) is a permit that must be renewed every three months. It specifies the exact ports and islands where the boat is authorized to dock.

• The Purpose: This regulation prevents boats from wandering into unauthorized or dangerous waters. Adhering to the RPK ensures that the boat stays within monitored navigational paths, providing an extra layer of security for everyone on board.

5. Load Line Certificate (Plimsoll Mark)

The Load Line is a visible mark on the boat’s hull that indicates the maximum depth to which the boat may be safely immersed when loaded.

• The Critical Factor: This mark is crucial for maintaining buoyancy and preventing the boat from being overloaded. In the unpredictable currents between Lombok and Komodo, respecting the load line is a non-negotiable safety standard regulated by international maritime law.

6. Passenger Manifest & Data

The Port Authority requires a complete passenger manifest at least 24 hours before departure. This data includes full names, passport numbers, nationality, and gender.

• Why we ask for your Passport Copy: We submit this data to the Syahbandar to ensure every passenger has full legal protection and insurance coverage during the voyage. In the unlikely event of an emergency, this manifest allows authorities to identify and assist passengers immediately.

7. Certificate of Registry (Pas Besar / Pas Kecil)

Just as every individual has an identity card, every boat must have a Certificate of Registry, known locally as Pas Besar (for boats over 7 GT) or Pas Kecil (for smaller boats).

• The Purpose: This document serves as the boat’s official “nationality” and ownership proof. It is issued by the Ministry of Transportation and is a mandatory requirement for any boat to fly the Indonesian flag and operate in national waters.

• Why it matters: Without this, a boat is essentially “stateless” and illegal. It ensures that the boat you are boarding is officially recognized and monitored by the government.

8. Radio Station License & Communication Permits

In the middle of the ocean, communication is your lifeline. Every boat is required to have a valid Radio Station License and equipped with a functional radio system.

• The Equipment: This includes VHF radios and often AIS (Automatic Identification System) which allows the boat to be tracked by the Port Authority and other vessels.

• The Safety Factor: This document ensures that the boat has the necessary tools to receive weather updates and, more importantly, to send distress signals (SOS) to the nearest coast guard or surrounding boats if an emergency occurs.

Here our provide an example of boat document last year of Golden Island Cruises. this document can prove that we always ask to the boat operator to give us their legality document before we sent them our guest to sailing with them. our priority always guest safety first!

boat document

Our Commitment to Your Safety

At the Kayangan Port in Lombok, the Port Authorities maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding maritime documentation. There have been many instances where boats were prohibited from departing, even with passengers already on board, simply because a single document was missing or expired.

At Kompass Komodo, we prioritize these legalities above all else. By ensuring our boats are fully certified and our documents are always up to date, we guarantee that your journey to the Komodo National Park is not only breathtaking but also legally secure and safe.

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