Early morning scenery along the Serasa beach.

This week activity was a little different than before because this week BEACA students were given chances of a lifetime to sail at Brunei Bay. It was on the 30^th October 2009 at Serasa Beach (parking lot area). The plan should be started at 6.30am but due to some unexpected problems so everything starts at 7.30am. There was a bit of a problem when the safe boat that supposes to take us to the main sailing boat was capsized.

Moment when the safe boat was capsized.

What I’ve learned from this incidence is “Safety first!” Always wear the life-jacket, and remind people to wear the life jacket. Also, switch off phones when traveling over water or put electronic items in a water proof plastic bag. “Salt water” are way worst than any plain water when it comes to electronics due to its ability to conduct way better than any plain water. This is because of the electrons and other molecules contained in salt water are more compacted for electricity to pass through( better conduction of electricity) therefore electronics are higher chances to overloads and the components will be melted(due to overflow of electric charge). It is even worse when the electronic device is switched on which result to 100% condemned!!

The trip will covered Brunei bay area and some of the small island around. As we all know that Brunei Bay is the only mean of water transport area for huge cargo and other ship to stop and loading their cargo into Brunei. Apart from that is has the potential to become an outdoor recreation for boat educational research because of its variety of underwater wonders. It is the only gate through for exporting local dry and wet products to outside country apart from using air transportation.

This sailing activity Dr. Irene and Dr. Asmah manage to find a yacht owned by Captain Pete and his partner Aidee (wife) . They have a lot of experience on how to handle the yacht in any conditions since they have been sailing for ten years travelling from Australia to many countries including Brunei. They have two boats: Petima and Jenny. As the “jenny” starts sailing the crew start to explain all the information that is very crucial when we were on the boat, on what we should do and should not such as never run on board and always have one hand holding for support when walking near the edges. Always bring higher frequency GPS and radio to monitor any relevant marine information.

During the boat ride we learned some boat/sailing jargons such as “BOW” The front of the boat, “HALYARD” A rope used to pull up a sail, “KNOT” Measurement of speed referring to nautical miles per hour for boat and wind speed, “MAST” A vertical pole that is attached to the hull and carries the sails, “STERN” The back of the boat, “STARBOARD” The right side of the boat when facing forwards, “PORT” The left side of the boat when facing forward. These are the important terms used when we are on the boat. Apart from that, we are also given a briefing on how to use the GPS properly so that we won’t hit any shallow shore.

BEACA students enjoying the trip.

"floating farm" powered by solar power.

During the sailing I was able to see many fishing activity going on such as “floating farm”, owned by private sectors which also contribute to the economy and they even use solar power to generate their electricity. There were also huge container’s ship docking near the Brunei bay area since Brunei are said to be the cheapest place to stop by for this huge ship and there also no fishing tax( only pay for the license). There was also big jellyfish swimming near the surface along with the small fish swimming at the same phase with the boat. This show Brunei’s sea has the potential for tourists’ attraction and also for business purpose if it is properly managed. One of the places that I experience myself is the Pelumpong Island, a great place for relaxing with a great view aka “natural spa”.

Quick swim at Pelumpong Island.

From this trip, I’ve become more aware about what’s happening in Brunei, which include the economy (primary resource- fishing) , the environment and also, in return from this sailing trip, I’ve learnt more on how to be environmentally friendly in a way to protect Brunei bay and to develop environment sustainability. By learning more about boats, I gained more knowledge which also may be an important area one day. To become more concern by reminding the others to be ‘safety first’, helping those who cannot swim in case of capsized and to have the belief in myself that I’m doing the right thing. To sum up, this trip was very enjoyable and the experience that I gained will be another approach for me to struggle a battle in life.