PORT MARINE CIRCULAR NO. 03 OF 2014 IMPORTANCE OF SAFE NAVIGATION IN THE SINGAPORE STRAIT AND SINGAPORE WATERS
MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
PORT MARINE CIRCULAR
NO. 03 OF 2014
13 Feb 2014
Shipping Community
Harbour Craft Community
IMPORTANCE OF SAFE NAVIGATION IN THE SINGAPORE STRAIT AND
SINGAPORE WATERS
1 All types of ship including Very Large Crude Carriers, Very Large Ore
Carriers, Mega Container Ships and unwieldy tows navigate through the busy
Singapore Strait and call at the Port of Singapore. Hence, the safety of navigation in
the Singapore Strait and Singapore waters are of utmost importance.
2 Shipmasters and watchkeeping officers when navigating in these waters are
reminded to:
a) Maintain vigilance, keep proper lookouts and proceed at safe speed
taking into consideration the prevailing weather conditions;
b) Maintain VHF radio watch and listen for regular traffic information
promulgated by the Singapore Vessel Traffic Information Service (VTIS) to
ensure safety of navigation. The information, advice, warnings and alerts
provided by Singapore VTIS are to assist shipmasters in the safe navigation
and do not relieve shipmasters from their duties and responsibilities of the
ship;
c) Conduct master/pilot exchange of information and passage plan; and
d) Brief bridge team thoroughly on the intended passage.
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3 Shipmasters and watchkeeping officers of all vessels are reminded to fully
comply, at all times, with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at
Sea, 1972 and the Port Regulations applicable within Singapore port limits. Failure
to observe these regulations may result in accidents, and the responsible parties
may also be prosecuted under the Merchant Shipping Act, the Maritime and Port
Authority of Singapore Act, and/or the Penal Code.
4 Shipowners, managers and agents are requested to bring the contents of this
circular to the attention of shipmasters and officers.
CAPT KEVIN WONG
DEPUTY PORT MASTER
MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
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