<![CDATA[Kapal Ro-Ro memiliki tingkat risiko keselamatan operasional yang relatif tinggi, khususnya terkait dengan pengikatan muatan kendaraan selama pelayaran. Pengikatan muatan yang tidak sesuai prosedur berpotensi menyebabkan pergeseran muatan, gangguan stabilitas kapal, hingga kecelakaan pelayaran. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi prosedur pengikatan muatan kendaraan terhadap keselamatan operasional kapal Ro-Ro pada KM. Mila Utama. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif melalui observasi langsung di atas kapal, wawancara dengan Mualim I dan Kelasi, serta studi dokumentasi. Evaluasi dilakukan dengan membandingkan praktik pengikatan muatan di lapangan dengan standar keselamatan yang ditetapkan oleh International Maritime Organization (IMO) dan ketentuan International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa secara umum prosedur pengikatan muatan kendaraan telah diterapkan, namun masih ditemukan beberapa ketidaksesuaian, antara lain jarak penempatan kendaraan yang terlalu rapat, kondisi peralatan lashing yang aus, serta sudut dan ketegangan tali pengikat yang belum memenuhi ketentuan standar. Ketidaksesuaian tersebut berpotensi meningkatkan risiko pergeseran muatan dan menurunkan tingkat keselamatan operasional kapal, terutama pada kondisi cuaca buruk. Penelitian ini menegaskan pentingnya evaluasi berkala terhadap prosedur pengikatan muatan, peningkatan kompetensi awak kapal, serta pemeliharaan peralatan lashing guna mendukung keselamatan pelayaran kapal Ro-Ro secara berkelanjutan. Ro-Ro ships are associated with relatively high operational safety risks, particularly related to vehicle cargo securing during voyages. Improper cargo securing procedures may lead to cargo shifting, reduced ship stability, and serious maritime accidents. This study aims to evaluate vehicle cargo securing procedures in relation to operational safety on board the Ro-Ro vessel KM. Mila Utama. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, utilizing direct onboard observations, interviews with the First Officer and deck crew, and documentation analysis. The evaluation was conducted by comparing actual cargo securing practices with safety standards established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). The results indicate that although cargo securing procedures have generally been implemented, several non-compliances remain, including insufficient spacing between vehicles, worn lashing equipment, and improper lashing angles and tension that do not fully meet prescribed standards. These deficiencies may increase the risk of cargo movement and compromise operational safety, particularly under adverse weather conditions. The study highlights the necessity of regular evaluation of cargo securing procedures, continuous crew training, and proper maintenance of lashing equipment to enhance the operational safety of Ro-Ro vessels.]]>
