Abstract
The role of the ship guide (pilot) is very important to ensure that the process of docking a cruise ship at Benoa Port, Bali, takes place safely. Along with the increasing frequency of cruise ship arrivals that transport thousands of foreign tourists and the surge in foreign tourist visits to Bali. Therefore, it is necessary to continuously improve the performance of ship guidance to support the increase in state revenue from the tourism sector. This essay outlines the regulations governing boat pilots as well as safety measures during docking. In addition, it also discusses passenger flow patterns and economic impacts on the results of ship pilot activities.
Keywords
Ship pilot; secure backup; Benoa Port; Cruises; Bali Tourism; State revenue.
Introduction
Benoa Port is the main gateway for cruise ships docked in Bali. Between January and October 2023, there were 30 cruise ship visits with a total of 21,679 passengers. This condition increased by 14 visits, or around 7,000 passengers compared to the same period in the previous year. The 2024 projection estimates a surge in visits of up to 45%. In addition, BPS data shows that foreign tourist arrivals in Bali will reach 6.3 million in 2024, or an increase of 20.1% from 2023. This increase demands increased pilot professionalism in maintaining the smooth and safe leaning process.
Regulations and Responsibilities of Ship Pilots
The ship’s pilot is an official certified personnel from the port authority and the Ministry of Transportation. Their responsibilities include navigation in port channels, ship speed control, and coordination with the captain. In addition, also with local authorities in the selection of the right mooring rope. The SOP requires pilots to conduct an initial assessment of weather conditions, currents, and water depth before commencing the docking maneuver. Miscalculations can result in ship damage or accidents that disrupt the schedule.
Stages of Backup Security
The yacht docking process consists of:
Approach. Enter the port canal with the setting of turn angle and speed to avoid friction.
Determination of mooring position. Work with a tugboat when large ships need help with movement.
Tethering. Attach the rope to the bollard according to the size of the boat and weather conditions.
Final Verification. Check stability after docking, including utility connections and readiness of the emabarkation-debarkation line.
Every ship visit demands the consistent application of this procedure, given the differences in ship design and changes in the weather in Bali.
The Impact of the Tourist Surge
The increase in cruise ship visits is in line with the growth of Bali’s tourism. Nationally, foreign tourist visits will reach 13.8 million in 2024, with Bali accounting for 6.3 million of the total. In April 2024, the number of international arrivals in Indonesia will increase by 23.23% to 1.07 million. This surge in tourists has lifted foreign exchange, where the estimated contribution of tourism to GDP is IDR 1,131 trillion (5.1% of GDP). The prediction of foreign tourist spending also increased to touch IDR 291 trillion (USD 19.1 billion). Third quarter of 2024 reported tourism foreign exchange receipts of USD 12.63 billion.
The Strategic Role of Pilots for the Economy
A speed and safety of the docking affect the ship’s turnaround time. Because the Pilot is a skilled pilot, he is able to minimize the risk of delays, insurance claims, as well as operator complaints. The reliability of this service strengthens Benoa Port’s reputation as a leading port of call. Because, by encouraging the addition of cruise schedules, it will magnify the multi-effect of accommodation, culinary, to local transportation.
Challenges and Recommendations
Some of the constraints include:
Capricious Tropical Weather. Need a real‐time current and wind monitoring system.
Port Facility Capacity. Addition of docks and equipment (fenders, bollards) as well as advanced training for pilots.
Standardization of Competencies. Certification needs to be aligned with international conventions (STCW) and support for large ship maneuver simulations.
In this technological era, it is also important to adopt digital navigation technology and establish Virtual Reality-based pilot training centers. Furthermore, the collaboration of the Bali Provincial Government, Pelindo, and the Ministry of Transportation in the preparation of integrated SOPs.
Stakeholder Collaboration
The success of the cruise ship docking process at Benoa Port requires high synergy. Especially between ship pilots, port managers, ship operators, and local governments. Among them, scheduling ship arrivals (booking slots), dock governance, and direct monitoring of water conditions.
The implementation of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) connected to the Automatic Identification System (AIS) makes it easier for pilots to determine the entry and exit trajectory of the ship. Directly or indirectly, this situation can minimize the risk of collision or friction with other vessels when approaching the dock.
In addition, the collaboration of customs and immigration authorities in the fast passenger administration process, will support the ship’s schedule on schedule. Through a pre-clearance scheme, electronic passport and manifest checks before the ship arrives, it is able to shorten bureaucratic time by up to 30%. The construction of facilities such as raw water intake, shore power connections, and waste reception facilities at the Benoa pier is very important. This also supports the protection of the marine environment and meets the provisions of MARPOL.
Infrastructure Improvement
At the community level, the presence of cruise ships opens market access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Pilots are often the liaison between ship operators and local entrepreneurs, ranging from tour tours, land transportation, to Balinese handicrafts. The concept of port-based tourism that offers visit packages during the turnaround period adds economic value to the community around the port. According to studies, each cruise with an average of 2,000 passengers can trigger local spending of up to USD 80,000 per visit. The variety includes culinary, souvenirs, and tourist services.
The technological aspect also plays an important role. For example, the PilotPro-based mobile application allows pilots and terminal coordinators to monitor dock occupancy and provide land route recommendations for tourists. The integrated dashboard at the port control center makes it easy to make quick decisions, whether the weather changes or the arrival schedule changes.
By combining cross-sector collaboration and strengthening digital and physical infrastructure, Benoa Port can improve the speed and security of the docking process. In addition, it also maximizes the multi-economic effect, and ensures the sustainable growth of cruise tourism in Bali.
Conclusion
Ship guides (pilots) are at the forefront of ensuring that the docking of cruise ships at Benoa Port is safe and efficient. The pilot’s expertise contributes directly to increasing port capacity, growing tourist visits, and optimizing state revenues from tourism. Strengthening competencies through training, certification, and the use of cutting-edge navigation technology is the key to Bali becoming a world-class cruise hub.