Search & Rescue

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is responsible for co-ordinating maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) operations within Singapore's maritime search and rescue region (SRR).

MPA's Port Operations Control Centre (POCC) is the operational headquarters for a maritime SRR that covers both the island of Singapore and over 1 million square kilometres of the South China Sea.

The POCC operates a shore-based Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) facility to monitor distress alerts and calls from ships, and co-ordinate SAR operations. It also disseminates Maritime Safety Information (MSI) through the VHF, NAVTEX and SafetyNET systems.

 

24-hour emergency contact

VHF Channel 16

VTIS working channels 7, 10, 14, and 73

Tel (+65) 6226 5539 or (+65) 6325 2493

Fax: (+65) 6227 9971

Email: pocc@mpa.gov.sg

The POCC operates the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and monitors distress alerts and calls from ships round the clock via:

VHF Channel 16

VHF DSC Channel 70

COSPAS-SARSAT system

Inmarsat services (Sentosa LES).

Singapore POCC’s designated MMSI number is 005630002.


Routine broadcast of navigational warnings, weather bulletin and other information related to safety of navigation is conducted via the following:

VHF Channel 9

Timing of broadcast: Once every two hours commencing from 0100h (UTC).

NAVTEX

  • POCC transmitter identification character is “C”.
    • Timing of broadcast: 0020–0030h; 0420–0430h; 0820–0830h; 1220–1230h; 1620–1630h and 2020–2030h (UTC).
    • The weather bulletin is broadcast twice daily at 0020h and 1220h (UTC).

SafetyNET

  • Broadcast is conducted on an ad hoc basis.

Note that broadcast of urgent information may be conducted outside the routine broadcast schedule.

The POCC administers the SAR Co-operation Plan submitted by all ferries and passenger ships operating within the Singapore's maritime SRR.
Singapore POCC maintains a database of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) fitted on board Singapore registered ships.