PORT MARINE CIRCULAR NO. 06 OF 2026 - SAFETY OF HARBOUR AND PLEASURE CRAFT OPERATING IN PORT
MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
PORT MARINE CIRCULAR
NO. 06 OF 2026
22 June 2026
Shipping Community
Harbour Craft Community
Pleasure Craft Community
SAFETY OF HARBOUR AND PLEASURE CRAFT OPERATING IN PORT
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) reminds all owners, operators, masters,
and crew of harbour and pleasure craft, the importance of safe operations within port waters,
particularly in regard to navigational safety and to ensure the safety of persons onboard.
Situational awareness
2 Masters and crew shall strictly comply with the International Regulations for Preventing
Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and all applicable port requirements. They must maintain a
proper and continuous look-out by sight, hearing, and all available means when navigating in
busy port waters, and to proceed at a safe speed appropriate to the prevailing traffic density
and conditions.
3 Masters and crew are to keep themselves updated on the latest marine projects and
port developments through Port Marine Notices and Circulars. They should also keep a
listening watch on the appropriate VHF channel for any safety broadcast, where applicable.
Fatigue Management
4 Fatigue can reduce mental alertness and physical performance. Owners and operators
shall ensure masters and crew are sufficiently rested and fit to safely perform their duties at
sea.
Risk Assessment – Safety Checks
5 Owners, operators, masters and crew shall conduct risk assessments and safety
checks prior to commencement of any activity at sea. These should include ensuring the craft’s
seaworthiness, operational readiness of critical systems including engines, steering,
Automatic Identification System (AIS), Electronic Chart System (ECS), safety, firefighting and
communication equipment. Master should also plan routes taking into consideration the traffic,
weather, currents and visibility conditions.
6 In addition, masters and crew should ensure persons on board are familiar with the
safety equipment carried on board and emergency procedures before departure.
Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE)
7 Owners and operators of craft shall provide adequate Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) to all crew members. PPE must be worn by all personnel when carrying out duties to
minimise the risk of injury or fatality arising from workplace hazards.
Reporting
8 All owners, operators, masters and crew shall report any navigational hazards, unsafe
conditions, or marine incidents promptly to the Marine Safety Control Centre (MSCC) via VHF
Channel 07 and/or by calling 6325 2488 / 6325 2489.
CAPT CHONG JIA CHYUAN
PORT MASTER
MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE