Construction Techniques and Structural Evaluation of Traditional Fishing Vessels in Kubu District, Rokan Hilir Regency (Case Study: 1 GT Longliner)

Abstract

Although contemporary fishing vessel construction techniques have undergone various changes, particularly in terms of construction materials, such as the use of fiberglass to replace wood, fishing communities along the Indonesian coast, including those in Kubu District, Rokan Hilir Regency, Riau Province, continue to show a strong preference for wood as the primary material for boatbuilding. This is evidenced by the high demand for wooden vessels in several local shipyards within the region. Considering that this trend remains persistent, a case-study research was conducted through direct observation and interviews to analyze the construction techniques of a 1 GT longline fishing vessel and to evaluate its structural integrity based on BKI rules. The study found that the conventionally built fishing vessels rely solely on the craftsmen’s experience without referring to modern naval-architectural standards. The wood characteristics used in the construction fall within strength classes I and II, and durability classes I, II, and III for essential structural components such as the keel, stem, floors, frames, and shaft bracket. This indicates that the types of timber used in the construction meet the criteria specified by BKI. However, several structural dimensions—namely the outer hull planking thickness and frame scantlings—do not comply with regulatory requirements. The traditional fishing-vessel construction techniques observed in this study will be further elaborated and discussed in this article.