Proposed minimum luminous range for existing lighthouses in this age of global navigation satellite systems by using the correlation between light intensity and luminous range

Long-range visual marine aids to navigation are not required for current marine navigational practices. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a minimum luminous range for major lighthouses that are still in existence to sustain the operation of the lighthouses in the future. Two steps were involved in the determination of the minimum luminous range, namely the modification of the existing geographical range formula, and the finding of a strong linear correlation between the light intensity and the luminous range with the lowest gradient possible in a graph. The application of the minimum luminous range would eliminate the loom of light beyond the geographical range of the lighthouse. This approach was applied to seven major lighthouses in Peninsular Malaysia, which resulted in a minimum luminous range of between 12 nm to 14 nm, which was a reduction from the existing range of 18 nm to 25 nm. The validation of the minimum luminous range was performed in two ways; using a Full Mission Ship Simulator (FMSS), and matching the proposed minimum luminous range with the lighting system available. The results of the validation by using the FMSS between the luminous range of 25 nm and 14 nm showed that the light could be sighted and identified at 58.7 nm and 58.6 nm, respectively, which was, therefore, not significant. The validation by matching with the lighting equipment available in the market showed that the eight-tier VLB-44, which has replaced the rotating lighting system in the US since 2008, was highly matched with the proposed minimum luminous range. This further validated the minimum luminous range. The minimum luminous range is sufficient for current navigational uses and may reduce the costs for procuring and maintaining lighting systems, and will be able to sustain the operations of lighthouses in this GNSS age

Malaysian Seafarers: The Need for Policy Review

In 2001, a study on Malaysian seafarers was conducted by the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA). It was discovered that Malaysia relies on the services of foreign seafarers to fulfil about 44% of the manning requirements for its ships. Various reasons were cited for this situation. Among others, the lack of adequate numbers of Malaysian choosing seafaring as a profession. The issue is revisited in 2004, to determine the current profile of seafarers serving Malaysian ships and to identify issues and challenges. This paper presents the findings and provides recommendations on steps to be taken to remedy this situation. Maritime Economics & Logistics (2004) 6, 360–367. doi:10.1057/palgrave.mel.9100118

Assessment and Ranking of Inland Navigation Practices in Malaysia: The Case of Kenyir Lake

Inland navigation does not reside under the purview of international standards and conventions as it is up to the local authorities to manage its operation. This study aims to establish empirical data on navigation practices on Kenyir Lake, Malaysia which is the largest artificial lake in South East Asia that was created primarily for power generation in 1985. Its natural and human-made features result in a multi-use lake involving navigation. The objective of this study is to determine who the users are, the type of vessels used, and the availability of navigational aids and the economic contribution of Kenyir Lake. The research approach was based on a combination of exploratory and descriptive methods utilising observations, interviews and surveys. The study identified and categorised the users into five different criteria, namely 1) government, 2) business, 3) tourism, 4) personal and 5) others that were engaged with navigation on the lake using speedboats and houseboats. Using an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, the pair-wise comparison matrix of all navigation users was analysed and ranking tourism as the highest activity. Furthermore, it was further observed that navigation on the lake does not conform to international standards and conventions as practised elsewhere in Malaysia. It is anticipated that the local authorities will benefit from this empirical study to further enhance navigation safety practices and efficiency in managing all water activities and users at Kenyir Lake, Malaysia. Keywords: Kenyir Lake, Navigation Safety, Analytical Hierarchy Process, Marine Sustainability, Inland Water Transpor