The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) are currently conducting investigations to determine the cause of three collisions in Singapore waters recently.
Whilst the investigations continue, the MPA will introduce several measures effective immediately in order to minimize future marine incidents.
MPA , along with the shipping community (shipping agents, shipowners, ship managers and ship charters) will be conducting briefings on the importance of navigational safety and maintaining vigilance whilst navigating.
“MPA is gravely concerned about the recent incidents in Singapore’s waters. We are working with the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) to take immediate steps to raise the level of awareness of navigational safety in the shipping community. MPA is committed to ensuring the safety of navigation in our waters and will work closely with our partners in the shipping community to reinforce this. MPA is also enhancing its navigational alerts to provide ship masters and pilots to help improve their situational awareness, pending the outcome of the investigations into these incidents,” said Mr Andrew Tan, MPA’s Chief Executive.
Mr Patrick Phoon, President of SSA said, “The SSA is working closely with MPA on reinforcing the importance of safety of navigation in Singapore waters. I have full confidence that my members will heed this urgent call to do their utmost to emphasise to their ships’ masters and crew members to exercise vigilance at all times. We all have an important role to play in protecting our marine environment and to ensure safety at sea,” he added.
Source: mpa.gov.au
