Singapore

Singapore Strait Navigation – Singapore

Members may recall concerns earlier in the year regarding navigational safety in the Singapore straits, which was reflected in Bulletin 944 “Singapore Strait Navigation.”

As a follow up to this, the Singapore MPA has released a press release on the outcome of investigation findings into marine incidents and measures to enhance Singapore port waters and Singapore Straits. The Press release can be found at:

http://www.mpa.gov.sg/sites/global_navigation/news_center/mpa_news/mpa_news_detail.page?filename=nr140529.xml

On this subject, there has also been a release of a pamphlet entitled, “Safe Passage: The Straits of Singapore and Malacca”.

The pamphlet, which is the result of an initiative pursued within the Co-operative Mechanism, a framework established in 2007 by the littoral states of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore and the users of the Straits of Malacca, provides helpful guidance to the ships staff with navigational guidelines and best practices to be observed in addition to adhering to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS).

The PDF version of this pamphlet can be found on the Co-Operative Mechanism’s website at:

http://www.cooperativemechanism.org.my/images/PDF/Publication/2014-Safe%20Passage%20Pamphlet.pdf

Members wishing to get more details on the VTIS and STRAITREP can get it on the MPA website at:

http://www.mpa.gov.sg/sites/port_and_shipping/port/vessel_traffic_information_system(vtis)/vessel_traffic_information_system.page

21 February 2014 - Bulletin 944

Following multiple incidents since the beginning of the year, MPA Singapore has released a shipping circular urging vessels to exercise caution when transiting the Singapore straits or inside the port waters.

The circular stresses on proper bridge team management including the master pilot exchange and compliance with the Navigational regulations.

An effective VTIS is in operation in the Singapore straits and the notice also reminds vessels to maintain watch on the proper VHF channel for any information provided by the Singapore VTIS.

Members wishing to get more details on the VTIS and STRAITREP can get it on the MPA website.

The Club would also like to remind members of a previous article from the Club regarding dangers of vessels dragging anchor at Singapore anchorages:
http://www.ukpandi.com/knowledge/article/vessels-dragging-anchors-due-to-gusty-winds-1838/