The
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has reminded the shipping community about the importance of safe navigation following three recent collisions that have resulted in oil spills in Singapore waters.
The MPA's port marine cirular, entitled:
'Importance of Safe Navigation in the Singapore Strait and Singapore waters' has been provided below.
"1 All types of ship including Very Large Crude Carriers, Very Large Ore Carriers, Mega Container Ships and unwieldy tows navigate through the busy Singapore Strait and call at the Port of Singapore. Hence, the safety of navigation in the Singapore Strait and Singapore waters are of utmost importance.
2 Shipmasters and watchkeeping officers when navigating in these waters are reminded to:
a) Maintain vigilance, keep proper lookouts and proceed at safe speed taking into consideration the prevailing weather conditions;
b) Maintain VHF radio watch and listen for regular traffic information promulgated by the Singapore Vessel Traffic Information Service (VTIS) to ensure safety of navigation. The information, advice, warnings and alerts provided by Singapore VTIS are to assist shipmasters in the safe navigation and do not relieve shipmasters from their duties and responsibilities of the ship;
c) Conduct master/pilot exchange of information and passage plan; and
d) Brief bridge team thoroughly on the intended passage.
3 Shipmasters and watchkeeping officers of all vessels are reminded to fully comply, at all times, with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 and the Port Regulations applicable within Singapore port limits. Failure to observe these regulations may result in accidents, and the responsible parties may also be prosecuted under the Merchant Shipping Act, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Act, and/or the Penal Code.
4 Shipowners, managers and agents are requested to bring the contents of this circular to the attention of shipmasters and officers."
