Passage Planning Guide - Lombok and Sunda Straits, Indonesia (2026-27)

Annotated chartlets, which feature satellite imagery, are provided for each of the routes, illustrating aids to navigation and potential hazards to shipping.

To enhance situational awareness and familiarity with the region, the Guide includes aerial photographs of the Indonesian islands and views from various points along the transit. Also included is a pre-entry bridge team meeting checklist, which provides essential points for review prior to passage through the Straits.

Produced in cooperation with Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation, this Guide incorporates the latest guidance for transiting the Straits, including the IMO-adopted Traffic Separation Schemes (TSSs) that were introduced in July 2020, as well as the newly designated PSSA at the Nusa Penida Islands and Gili Matra Islands in the Lombok Strait.

Introduction

The strategic significance of the Sunda Strait and Lombok Strait cannot be overstated. Situated in the heart of maritime Southeast Asia, these two narrow passages serve as vital conduits for international maritime trade and regional security.

The Sunda Strait, nestled between the islands of Java and Sumatra, stands as a gateway connecting the Indian Ocean to the Java Sea. Likewise, the Lombok Strait, nestled between the islands of Bali and Lombok, serves as a crucial maritime passage linking the Java Sea to the Indian Ocean. Its narrow confines pose navigational challenges for seafarers, while its proximity to vital sea lanes heightens its strategic significance.

This book will provide information to all navigator who will pass this Traffic separation Scheme on Sunda Strait and Lombok Strait.

Directorate General of Sea Transportation,

November 2024.

Contents Listing

1.1 Introduction

1.1.1 Explanation of Routes Shown on the Chartlets in this Guide

1.1.2 Lombok Strait

1.1.3 Sunda Strait

1.1.4 TSSs

1.1.5 Routeing

1.2 The Indonesian Maritime Authorities and DGST

1.2.1 Limits, Clearances, Approvals

1.2.2 UKC and Draught

1.3 Navigation in the Straits

1.3.1 Buoyage

1.3.2 ASLs

1.3.3 Pilotage

1.3.4 Ship's Conduct in Indonesian Waters and ASL Routes

1.3.5 VTS, Reporting and Surveillance Strait VTS

1.3.6 Quarantine

1.3.7 Traffic in the Straits

1.3.8 Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas

1.4 Passage Planning

1.4.1 Passage Planning Guidance

1.4.2 Purpose of Passage Planning

1.4.3 Principles of Passage Planning

1.4.4 Error Management

1.4.5 Prior to Planning

1.4.6 Preparing the Passage Plan

1.4.7 Preparing Paper Charts

1.4.8 Preparing ECDIS

1.4.9 Preparing or Amending Passage Notes

1.4.10 Transit Preparations

1.4.11 Pre-Entry Bridge Team Meeting

1.4.12 Monitoring the Passage Plan

1.4.13 Charts and Publications

1.5 Tidal Streams and Currents

1.5.1 Lombok Strait

1.5.2 Sunda Strait

1.6 Tsunamis and Seismic Activity

1.7 Prevailing Winds, Rainfall and Seasons

1.7.1 Wind

1.7.2 Rainfall and Thunderstorms

1.8 Tropical Revolving Storms/Cyclones

1.9 Visibility, Haze and Forest Fires

1.10 MARPOL and Environmental Requirements

1.11 Piracy and Armed Robbery

1.12 Action in Emergencies

1.13 Case Studies - Groundings and Collisions

PART 2 Passage Notes

Indonesia - Overview

Lombok Strait - Overview

Lombok Strait - Northbound

Lombok Strait - Southbound

Sunda Strait - Overview

Sunda Strait - Northbound

Sunda Strait - Southbound

Annexes

Annex 1 Bridge Team Briefing Card

About the Author

Witherbys titles are developed using scripts developed by technical experts that are peer reviewed within work groups. Typically, they seek to improve understanding of the regulations, recommendations and guidelines issued by Industry.

Witherbys staff have significant expertise in the fields of navigation and hazardous cargoes as well as in the presentation of complex subjects in a graphic and easy to understand manner.

Directorate General of Sea Transportation, Ministry of Transportation, Indonesia

The Ministry of Transportation (Indonesian: Kementerian Perhubungan), formerly Department of Transportation or Departemen Perhubungan, is a government ministry responsible for the governance and regulation of transport in Indonesia. The Ministry is located in Jakarta.

The Directorate General of Sea Transportation (DGST) is responsible for registering ships under the Indonesian flag and the exercise of flag and port State functions. The DGST?s role is to ensure that all Indonesian-registered ships comply with national and international rules and regulations on safety, security and marine environment protection.