As a responsible port and flag state administration, the MPA aims to continue to foster strong relationships with our foreign counterparts / administrations and promote the exchange of knowledge to improve safety and security standards of shipping.
The steadfast commitment to quality and safety of the SRS has also been recognised by
the United States Coast Guard (USCG) through its Quality Shipping for the 21st Century
(QUALSHIP 21) programme. Singapore has qualified for the QUALSHIP 21 consecutively for
the past five years since 2017. The programme aims to eliminate substandard shipping by
rewarding companies, operators, and vessels that demonstrate the highest level of commitment
to quality and safety through compliance with international standards and United States law
and regulations.
On 17 May 2022, MPA hosted U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Lieutenant Commander Chris Nichols and Lieutenant Commander Peter Bizzaro for discussions on the potential collaborations between the USCG and MPA. Both like-minded agencies shared their initiatives and explored opportunities for collaboration to improve flag State oversight of Recongnised Organizations.
First Row from left: Director of Shipping, Director of Marine Mr Cheah Aun Aun; U.S Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Christopher Nichols; Deputy Director of Shipping, Deputy Director of Marine Mr Chen Kit Jam
Second row from left: Assistant Director (Flag State Control) Mr Aidan Ho; U.S Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Peter Bizzaro; Assistant Director (Port State Control) Mr Kelton Lim
USCG Lieutenant Commander Chris Nichols presented MPA's Director of Marine Mr. Cheah Aun Aun with a U.S. Coast Guard hammer. The hammer is an iconic tool of the Coast Guard Marine Inspector and is used to sound hulls, evaluate steel integrity, and test welds. The origins of the modern U.S. Coast Guard Marine Inspection Program, which today is responsible for the execution of U.S. Port, Flag and Coastal State functions, stems from the legacy Steamboat Inspection Service which was created in 1871.
USCG Lieutenant Commander Chris Nichols (left) presenting the USCG hammer to Mr. Cheah Aun Aun, MPA's Director of Marine
MPA is looking forward to many more and future discussions and collaborations with USCG.
