PORT MARINE CIRCULAR NO. 09 OF 2026 - BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN FOR HAZE
MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
PORT MARINE CIRCULAR
NO. 09 OF 2026
31 Aug 2026
Shipping Community
Harbour Craft Community
Pleasure Craft Community
BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN FOR HAZE
This circular supersedes Port Marine Circular No. 09 of 2023.
- With reference to the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) joint media release
issued on 9 August 2026, hotspots were observed in parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan,
with prevailing winds potentially bringing smoke haze towards Singapore. The dry
conditions may further increase the likelihood of haze affecting Singapore. The
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) encourages all maritime companies,
especially those with workers performing outdoor work to maintain a business
continuity plan for haze.
- MPA advises all maritime companies to monitor the PSI level through the media
and the NEA’s website (www.haze.gov.sg), keep at least a one-week supply of N95
masks for workers especially those who work outdoors, and observe the Ministry of
Manpower’s (MOM) Haze guidelines and advisory for work which can be found on
their website (www.mom.gov.sg/haze). The latter include guidelines to ensure that
stocks of N95 masks are periodically inspected, remain serviceable, and not expired.
- The visibility in the Singapore Strait and port waters could be significantly
reduced in the event of haze. During periods of restricted visibility, shipmasters are
advised to keep a proper lookout and navigate with caution. They are also advised to
comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and in
particular Rule No. 19, Rule No. 20 and Rule 35 concerning conduct of vessels in
restricted visibility, exhibition of navigation lights and sound signals in restricted
visibility, respectively.
- In the interest of safety of navigation and life at sea, the Port Master may restrict
the movement of harbour craft and pleasure craft in the port waters during reduced
visibility conditions.
CAPT CHONG JIA CHYUAN
PORT MASTER
MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE