LAW ENFORCEMENT OF SHIP SEAWORTHINESS TO ENSURE MARITIME SAFETY

Abstract

Maritime safety is a fundamental aspect of sea transportation that is closely linked to ship seaworthiness. As an archipelagic state, Indonesia is highly dependent on maritime transport, making the issue of seaworthiness directly related to the protection of human lives, the smooth flow of logistics, and the stability of the national economy. This study aims to analyze law enforcement on ship seaworthiness at the Port of Cirebon and its implications for maritime safety. The research employed a juridical-empirical approach by combining normative analysis of Law No. 17 of 2008 on Shipping with empirical data obtained through interviews, observations, and document studies at the Cirebon Harbor Master and Port Authority (KSOP). The data were analyzed qualitatively using descriptive-analytical techniques to illustrate the gap between legal norms and their implementation in practice. The findings reveal that, although the existing regulations on ship seaworthiness are normatively adequate, their implementation remains far from optimal. The main issues identified include technical deficiencies in ships, unfit safety equipment, limited human resources of harbor masters, and low legal awareness among shipowners. These conditions increase the risk of maritime accidents, which may result in material losses, fatalities, and marine pollution. This research contributes theoretically by reinforcing the concept of a compliance gap in Indonesian maritime law and practically by offering recommendations to strengthen technical regulations, enhance supervisory capacity, utilize modern inspection technology, and promote continuous legal awareness programs. Therefore, the study concludes that effective law enforcement on ship seaworthiness requires synergy between normative provisions and empirical practices to ensure safe, orderly, and sustainable maritime navigation.