MPA Safety Checks In Singapore Ports
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has stepped up checks on vessels to ensure that passenger ferries are seaworthy and comply with international safety standards. Marine surveyors will conduct up to 13 inspections during peak travel periods such as the festive season, or twice the average number each month. These checks are conducted on 58 Singapore- and foreign-registered ferries, run by 10 operators. MPA believes that safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Mr Lim Hock Lye, senior assistant director (Flag State Control) at MPA, said: “We do spot checks to make sure that the crew are familiar with their duties and responsibilities.”
MPA also checks the documents like safety certificates, records of safety equipment, the crew’s certificates of competency, as well as navigational and communication equipment are in order. Finally, they check if lifesaving and firefighting equipment has been serviced, stowed and carried in adequate numbers. Surveyors will also review the safety video and posters on board.
Another crucial aspect of an inspection is the simulation of an emergency, to check the preparedness of the crew members to respond to any incident on board.
According to MPA the ferry operators that fail to meet safety standards will not be allowed to operate the vessel until the problem is rectified.
Source: Channel News Asia
