PORT MARINE CIRCULAR NO. 22 OF 2021 FLYING OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT OVER SINGAPORE PORT WATERS
MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
PORT MARINE CIRCULAR
NO 022 OF 2021
04 Jun 2021
FLYING OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT OVER SINGAPORE PORT WATERS
- The flying of unmanned aircraft (UA) is regulated by the Civil Aviation
Authority of Singapore (CAAS). Persons looking to conduct drone operations
may refer to the following link: (https://www.caas.gov.sg/public-
passengers/unmanned-aircraft)
- UA is an aircraft that can be flown or used without a person on board to
operate it. Some examples of UA include radio-controlled aircraft, drones, and
remote-controlled kites. A UA has many applications spanning from recreational
activities to sophisticated commercial use. It is important that the flying of UA
does not compromise aviation and public safety.
- Pursuant to Section 44(2)(b)(vi) of the Maritime and Port Authority of
Singapore Act (Cap.170A), the owner, agent or master of any vessel entering the
port of Singapore, must notify the Port Master of any UA flight from its/his/her
vessel before the UA is flown from the vessel. The notification is to be made in
this form. [LINK] [or scan QR code below] The owner, agent or master of any vessel
who fails to comply with this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be
liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000.
- Prior to flying over the port waters, the following checks should be
conducted:
a) Ensure that the relevant regulatory requirements on purpose of
activity, registration of the UA, location and allowable flying heights are
complied with (Annex A refers).
b) Ensure that relevant proof of registration and activity permits by CAAS
are readily available to be shown when requested.
c) Understand and comply with CAAS’s UA Safety Guidelines as shown
in Annex B. If a permit is required, apply for the permit prior to
operating the UA and comply with the permits issued by CAAS
d) Read and understand UA advisory circulars issued by CAAS. Details
of these advisories can be found via the following link:
(https://www.caas.gov.sg/legislation-regulations/guidelines-
advisory/unmanned-aircraft/advisory-circulars)
- Masters and owners of vessels, including yachts, oil rigs, offshore
platforms, harbour craft and pleasure craft, are also to remind all crew and
passengers onboard to read and understand UA advisory circulars issued by
CAAS or, if unsure, to seek clarification with CAAS/MPA before any UA
operations.
- It is an offence to operate an unregistered UA (when registration is
required) or without the requisite permits and any person convicted of such an
offence could be fined up to $50,000 or imprisonment for a term up to 2 years or
both.
- Please contact Capt Chong Gi Kian (Tel: 6773-7401, email:
CHONG_Gi_Kian@mpa.gov.sg) for clarification on this Port Marine Circular.
CAPT KEVIN WONG
PORT MASTER
MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
Circular updated on 18 Jun 2021
ANNEX A
CAAS Regulatory Requirements
ANNEX B
CAAS UA Safety Guidelines