The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has taken over from Singapore Telecoms the watchkeeping for distress traffic on VHF radio channel 16 with effect from 1 Mar 98. VHF 16 is one of several distress frequencies assigned by the International Telecommunication Union. The latest service for the international shipping community is part of the Authority's continued efforts to promote safety of navigation in the Singapore Strait and within port waters. The designated identification of the new station for this service is "Singapore Port Operations Control" located at the Tanjong Pagar Complex.

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is scheduled to replace the present system of distress watchkeeping including VHF 16 by 1 Feb 99. However, as small vessels such as pleasure craft, fishing boats and other vessels not fitted with the GMDSS equipment are unable to alert GMDSS-equipped vessels if watchkeeping on channel 16 is discontinued, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is expected to approve the recommendation to extend the date of cessation for channel 16 watchkeeping to 1 Feb 2005.

In view of this, the MPA will continue to monitor distress watchkeeping on channel 16 beyond 1 Feb 99.

End of Statement.