Dear Readers, Time has flown by so quickly that we are almost at the end of 2019, and what an exciting year it has been! We are enthused by what we have accomplished so far in terms of new initiatives to enhance maritime safety - one of which is this very newsletter covering industry initiatives promoting safety at sea here in Singapore waters! The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is strongly committed to promoting a safety-first culture at sea and we recognise that safety is a collaborative effort between MPA and the industry. Hopefully, this newsletter has given our readers a glimpse into the various safety initiatives the industry has put in place to address maritime safety concerns. In this last issue of 2019, we speak to the winners of the 2019 Ferry Design Competition, organised by the Worldwide Ferry Safety Association. Picked from multiple entries worldwide, the winning team from Singapore wowed the judges with their innovative design for the ferry which can potentially improve passenger safety as well as ship efficiency! Read more about what this inspiring team of three has accomplished here. We are also glad to speak to two homegrown ferry companies here in Singapore, Singapore Island Cruise ("SIC") and Penguin International Limited ("Penguin"). Safety is of paramount concern for ferry companies and the MPA works closely with these companies to ensure the safety of passengers, crew and property. Hear from both SIC and Penguin on the additional steps they have taken to make sure that the safety of passengers and crew is not compromised during peak travel seasons. As part of Singapore's efforts to promote excellence in sports, the Singapore Sailing Federation (SSF) has remained steadfast in its core mission by providing quality sailing courses for both the young and old. Whether it is training for a regatta or sailing for leisure, safety remains the number one priority especially when out in the open sea. While the SSF continues to introduce new sailors to the sport, hear from SSF General Manager, Mr Chung Pei Ming on the critical roles that participants have to play in order to ensure their own safety as well as others out at sea with them. Looking ahead to 2020, we will focus our safety campaign on the importance of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while at sea. The serious or fatal injuries caused by the absence of PPE use can be prevented. PPE saves lives, so do remind each other and your loved ones to use it! And if you are travelling during this December holidays, please check out our roving interactive safety kiosk for passengers at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and Singapore Cruise Centre Harbourfront. From our team at MPA, here's wishing one and all - happy holidays, safe travels and a safer year ahead! David Foo Editor Director (Ops-Tech Division)