PORT MARINE CIRCULAR NO 23 OF 2017 UNDERWATER DIVING OPERATIONS WITHIN THE PORT

MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE

PORT MARINE CIRCULAR

NO. 23 OF 2017

19 Dec 2017

Harbour Craft Community

Pleasure Craft Community

Shipping Community

UNDERWATER DIVING OPERATIONS WITHIN THE PORT

This circular supersedes Port Marine Circular No. 05 of 2008, and

updates that the sea areas surrounding Sisters’ Islands previously designated

for recreational underwater diving operations by the Port Master have been

removed. Information on recreational underwater diving operations in the

Sisters’ Islands Marine Park may now be accessed at the National Parks

Board’s website (www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-

nature-reserves/sisters-islands-marine-park/dive-trails).

2 In the exercise of his powers under Regulation 54(4) of the Maritime and

Port Authority of Singapore (Port) Regulations (the “Regulations”), the Port

Master hereby approves, until further notice, all recreational underwater diving

operations carried out during daylight hours within the designated sea areas

surrounding the coastline of the following islets (the “Designated Areas”)

(please see the Designated Areas in the attached chartlets):

a. Pulau Hantu

b. Pulau Jong

c. St John’s Island

3 The Port Master directs that with immediate effect, all applications for

any underwater diving operations and activities of any kind anywhere within the

port, are to be submitted through the MARINET using the online application in

the “Underwater Diving Application System”.

4 For underwater diving operations at terminals, yards and wharves,

notifications are to be made through the same online application.

5 All such applications and notifications shall be submitted at least 3

working days prior to the conduct of underwater operations.

6 Pursuant to Regulation 45(2)1 of the Regulations, the Port Master hereby

notifies, that until further notice, no vessel shall, while (at any point and for any

duration of time) within the port, move in any area to do any of the following

things in connection with underwater diving operations of (a) any kind outside

the Designated Areas, or (b) a recreational nature within the Designated Areas

during twilight hours, except with the prior written approval of the Port Master:

a. Launch and/or use any equipment;

b. Deploy any person; or

c. Do any other act, thing or deed.

7 All divers involved in underwater diving operations of any kind in the port

shall adhere to the recommended international codes of safe practices

applicable to the diving operation undertaken. A list of conditions applicable to

diving operations in connection with the maintenance of vessels is attached in

ANNEX.

8 Nothing in this Port Marine Circular shall be construed as restricting or

limiting the right of the Port Master to revise the Designated Areas.

9 Any queries relating to this circular should be directed to Capt Shawn

Hoe at Tel: +65-6773-7401 (email: shawn_hoe@mpa.gov.sg).

CAPT KEVIN WONG

PORT MASTER

MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE

1 Regulation 45(2) of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Port) Regulations states –

“The Port Master may at any time by notice restrict or prohibit the movement of a vessel or

class of vessels in the port but the notice must state the period of the prohibition, the area to

which it is applicable, the nature of the prohibition and whether the prohibition relates to

anchorages or passage or such other purposes as he may require.”

ANNEX

CONDITIONS IN RESPECT OF UNDERWATER OPERATIONS IN

CONNECTION WITH THE MAINTENANCE OF VESSELS

Underwater cleaning and maintenance operations in respect of vessel’s

propeller, stern tube, and/or small area of the hull (“underwater maintenance

operations”) shall not hamper cargo operations and movement of vessels in the

channel or anchorage.

2 For a vessel alongside a terminal, yard, or wharf, the person-in-charge

(PIC) of any underwater maintenance operation shall:

i. Notify MPA through the online application system on the MARINET;

ii. Seek the terminal, yard, or wharf operator’s permission prior to

commencing any operations; and

iii. Also comply with any rules and regulations as the terminal, yard, or

wharf operator may impose.

3 The Master of the vessel or the PIC of any underwater maintenance

operation shall notify the appropriate MPA Control Station via VHF before the

start of and on completion of any such operation. A listening watch shall be kept

on the appropriate VHF channel assigned to the port sector during the entire

underwater maintenance operation. Permission must be sought for all entries

and departures from the respective sector.

4 A safety boat equipped with VHF radiotelephone capable of operating

on channels 16, 68 and the appropriate channel that is assigned to the port

sector, shall be deployed in the immediate vicinity to warn any approaching

vessel/craft of any underwater maintenance operation.

5 No underwater maintenance operation shall be undertaken except by a

competent personnel. Divers engaged in any such operation shall be

knowledgeable and conversant with all safety procedures and requirements.

6 All diving support/safety boat(s) and the vessel being serviced shall

display the appropriate international day and night signals.

7 The working area shall be adequately illuminated during hours of

darkness.

8 All underwater maintenance operations shall cease during adverse

weather conditions or periods or poor visibility.

9 During an underwater maintenance operation, the master or PIC shall

not test the main engines of the vessel or turn the vessel’s propeller without

obtaining clearance from the diving supervisor.

Pulau Hantu

Pulau Jong

PULAU

SEBAROK

Pulau Seringat

(P. Renget Besar)

Pulau

Seringat Kl.

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Pulau Sakijang Bendera

(S. John's Island)