MPA's Flag State Control Department has organised and conducted a dialogue session with ferry operators on 10 November 2021 to share the results and lessons on learnt of MPA ferry inspections in 2021 including enhancing operators' awareness and management of the common deficiencies found during the inspections.

The dialogue session was held virtually this year due to Covid-19 safe management measures. The session was well attended by 30 senior staff members from 11 regional and port-limit ferry operators who are involved in the daily safe operation and maintenance of their ferries.

There were active discussions at the dialogue on ways to reduce recurring deficiencies, challenges faced by ferry operators amid the pandemic and preparation for resumption of regional ferry services as the international travel restrictions gradually lifted in Singapore.

Our guest speaker from Classification Society, Bureau Veritas, also shared on how the adoption and effective implementation of Safety Management System and 3rd Party Voluntary Inspection can assist ferry operators with managing ferry safety.

The session concluded successfully and was fruitful for both MPA and the participants.