THE Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is stepping up its safety checks of vessels between now and the end of January, the period that coincides with the northeast monsoon season that may create dangerous conditions at sea
THE Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is stepping up its safety checks of vessels between now and the end of January, the period that coincides with the northeast monsoon season that may create dangerous conditions at sea.
According to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore's port master Captain Kevin Wong the MPA is urging all port users to 'remain vigilant and safe at sea,' reported Singapore's Straits Times.
The MPA has taken additional measures to raise safety awareness and ensure that all port users observe safety rules. In addition to scheduled inspections, MPA's port inspectors and marine surveyors have been carrying out spot checks more frequently on vessels.
Vessels are also reminded through MPA's Vessel Traffic Information Service broadcast to remain alert and observe safety best practices when crossing narrow waters.
The MPA's reminder follows two serious accidents in recent months. Last August, 10 sailors died when United States destroyer USS John S McCain collided with an oil tanker in Singapore waters. Three weeks later, another five lives were lost when a Dominican-registered dredger and Indonesian-registered tanker collided 1.7 nautical miles southwest of Sisters' Island.
