The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) urges the public to exercise care and remain vigilant at sea during the current Northeast monsoon, which will continue until March 2025, stronger winds, choppy sea conditions, moderate to heavy rain, and an increased risk of lightning can be expected.
Industry stakeholders and port users are reminded to implement the necessary safety measures during operations to safeguard lives and property. Those travelling on ferries and other vessels are advised to adopt basic safety practices to prevent accidents. These include maintaining three-point contact using handrails when embarking and disembarking between vessels and landing steps, staying seated when onboard, securing belongings to avoid tripping hazards, and familiarising oneself with the storage locations of life jackets in case of emergencies.
MPA also reminds port users, including shipowners, operators, masters, and crew, to ensure that vessels and cargoes are properly secured at sea. Firefighting and life-saving appliances on board ships must be properly maintained and in working condition, in compliance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations and applicable Singapore Port regulations.
Masters and crew must be familiar with safety and emergency procedures, especially when embarking and disembarking passengers during adverse weather conditions. Vessels should maintain safe speeds, observe the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), and ensure proper mooring arrangements when alongside. At anchorage, crew members should maintain vigilance, monitor weather conditions, ensure the readiness of main engines for immediate manoeuvring, and wear appropriate life jackets when boarding or leaving the vessel.
To enhance vigilance during this monsoon season, MPA inspectors will conduct additional checks on ferries, harbour craft, and pleasure craft. These inspections will assess the general condition of the vessels, the embarking and disembarking process, the readiness of firefighting and life-saving equipment on board, and the operators’ familiarity with emergency procedures.
During this monsoon season, all port users should exercise greater care and vigilance. This will go a long way to ensure safety for all.
… highlighted Captain Chong Jia Chyuan, Port Master of MPA
As part of efforts to improve maritime safety and with the support of the pleasure craft community and marina managers, MPA launched the Safer Seas Volunteer Programme during Singapore Safety@Sea Week in August 2024. Under this initiative, volunteers whose craft are near the incident site can assist in search and report operations.
Safety at sea is a shared responsibility requiring partnership between government, industry, and the community to foster a culture of vigilance and preparedness. It is also about personal responsibility. I encourage those engaging in recreational activities at sea to stay informed, prepare for emergencies, and understand their limits when engaging in these activities.
… said Ishak Ismail, Chairman of the National Maritime Safety at Sea Council
