Approved Dockmaster Scheme for Oil and Storage Terminals

The Approved Dock Master Scheme for Oil and Storage Terminals (ADSOT) gives the oil and storage terminals the convenience and flexibility to plan and conduct vessel movements at short notice, maximising manpower and logistic resources such as tugs and mooring crew. The approved dock master, being familiar with the layout, tidal regime and procedures of the terminal, will enhance overall efficiency and operational safety.

Oil and storage terminals that wish to take part in the ADSOT are required to enter into a Dock Master Agreement with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

The area of operation, or ‘defined area’, will be stipulated in the ADSOT terminal agreement between the MPA and the oil terminal.

Fees will be charged for application processing, and the practical and oral assessments.

General requirements

To qualify as an approved dock master, the applicant must:

  • Have a Certificate of Competency Class 4 (Home Trade Master) or equivalent, or ex-harbour pilot
  • Be medically fit to perform the task of dock master.
  • Pass the eye-sight test (STCW convention).
  • Be an employee of the oil terminal.

Specific requirements

Candidates selected under the scheme must also:

  • Attend and complete the Pilotage Exemption Course for Large Vessels. Ex-MPA authorised pilots are exempt from this requirement.
  • Pass a practical and oral assessment conducted by the Pilotage Exams and Licensing Section (PEL) Section of MPA
  • Complete a Familiarisation Programme (see below).

Renewal requirements

The requirements for renewal of licence are as follows:

  • Obtain annual medical certification of fitness to perform the task of dock master.
  • Pass the annual eyesight test (STCW convention).
  • Continue to be employed by the oil terminal.
  • Undergo a Crisis Management and Emergency Procedures (CMEP) assessment every two years on the Full Mission Ship Simulator at the Integrated Simulation Centre (ISC) conducted by a PEL officer.

Familiarisation Programme

The objective of the Familiarisation Programme is to prepare applicants to qualify as an approved dock master.

Movement schedule

Ex-MPA authorised pilots, who have left the service for less than 12 months, are required to observe six movements as follows:

  • Berthing 3 moves
  • Un-berthing 3 moves
    Note: At least 30% of the movements are to be observed in the hours of darkness.

Ex-MPA authorised pilots, who have left the service for 1 to 3 years, are required to observe 12 movements as follows:

  • Berthing - 6 movesv Un-berthing - 6 moves
    Note: At least 30% of the movements are to be observed in the hours of darkness.

New entrants (ie. non-MPA authorised pilots or MPA authorised pilots who have left pilotage service for more than 3 years) are required to observe 30 movements as follows:

  • Berthing -15moves
  • Un-berthing - 15 moves
    Note: At least 30% of the movements are to be observed in the hours of darkness.