Particularly from December this year to early January next year, monsoon surges are expected to cause widespread continuous moderate to heavy rain, with strong winds and choppy seas that can increase risks at sea.
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) would thus like to remind all port users and members of the public to stay safe at sea during this year-end holiday season.
MPA inspectors have been conducting checks on ferries to ensure that shipboard fire-fighting apparatus and life-saving appliances are in good working condition. These checks are in addition to the statutory surveys and certifications for regional ferries carried out by MPA and its authorised recognised organisations.
Ferry masters are also briefed on any new developments along their operating route and are reminded to remain vigilant when navigating in the Port of Singapore and the Singapore Strait.
Advisories have been sent to owners and operators of port facilities and ferries to stay alert for security threats and to ensure that ship crew are familiar with safety measures such as the location of emergency exits, storage of lifejackets and donning instructions, as well as assisting with passenger safety during embarkation and disembarkation of ferries.
For contractors that are involved in marine projects such as the development of Tuas Port, as well as land reclamation at Tuas West Coast and Pulau Tekong, MPA has reminded them to exercise due diligence to prevent workplace accidents during this festive period.
Companies are also encouraged to carry out safety time-out drills as a reminder that everyone at the worksite has a role to play to ensure that safety is not compromised.
President of the Singapore Boating Industry Association and member of the National Maritime Safety at Sea Council Mr Y P Loke said, “With the restrictions on travel due to the COVID-19 situation, we see more users of the sea space for recreational activities and we would like to remind everyone to keep a safety-first mindset when out at sea. Simple measures like wearing life jackets for sea sports activities, and observing boating etiquette at the anchorage, will help ensure that safety incidents continue to remain low in the Port of Singapore.†■