Page 12 - SG Nautilus Issue 47.indb

ISSUE 47 PAGE 10

SHIP’S LOG HAPPENINGS

MAKING CREW CHANGE SAFE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Photos: Ministry of Transport

Since COVID-19 struck, Singapore has been taking a calibrated and risk-based
approach when it comes to safety protocols that reduce transmission. Hence,
the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has taken enhanced
measures to secure safe port operations and facilitate crew change. This will

allow essential goods to continue to flow through the Port of Singapore, and
Singapore to play its part in the global supply chain. Working closely with
other government agencies, unions, and the shipping industry, MPA continues
to facilitate and support crew change daily. From March 27 till September,
MPA has facilitated crew change for about 40,000 sign-on and sign-off crew,
and expects to conduct some 200–300 crew changes per day. For Singapore-
registered ships, 98% of crew change has taken place. MPA will continue to
work with the Singapore Shipping Association, Singapore Maritime Offi cers’
Union, Singapore Organisation of Seamen, and the industry to review crew
change procedures and adapt to the fast-changing situation.

JOINT OIL SPILL EXERCISE

Photos: Ministry of Transport

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) held a joint oil spill exercise at Raffles Anchorage on September 29 to test inter-agency
coordination and response to oil-spill incidents in the Port of Singapore amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking part in the drill as well were

the Police Coast Guard and Singapore Civil Defence Force. Supporting the exercise were ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Oil Spill Response Ltd,
and Singapore Salvage Engineers Pte Ltd. The scenario involved 10,000 tonnes of crude oil spilled into the sea due to the collision between two
oil tankers that ruptured two cargo oil tanks. Observing the exercise was Mr Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport &
Foreign Aff airs.