Singapore - Specific requirements by the Singaporean Administration

Flag instructions relating to statutory surveys

Flag procedural requirements

Listings of the surveys carried out and interim/conditionally issued certificates shall be prepared and sent monthly by the MOCs to CSD.

General policy

Agreement

International conventions, codes and national legislation

An Instrument of appointment and authorisation for statutory certification, survey, inspection and audit services, has been signed between the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Recognised Organisation (RO) SA. This instrument commences on 1^st October 2023 and shall be valid for a period of 3 years (see Agreement for international conventions, codes and national legislations)

An addendum to Instrument of appointment and authorisation for statutory certification, survey, inspection and audit services, has been signed between the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Recognised Organisation (RO) SA, with effect on and from 1^st March 2024 (see Agreement for international conventions, codes and national legislations).

An addendum No.2 to Instrument of appointment and authorisation for statutory certification, survey, inspection and audit services, has been signed between the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Recognised Organisation (RO) SA, with effect on and from 6th November 2024 (see Agreement for international conventions, codes and national legislations).

An addendum No.3 to Instrument of appointment and authorisation for statutory certification, survey, inspection and audit services, has been signed between the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Recognised Organisation (RO) SA, with effect on and from 1st October 2025 (see Agreement for international conventions, codes and national legislations).

The Appendix to this Instrument details the applicable instruments and scope of authorisation (see Applicable instruments and scope of authorisation for international conventions, codes and national legislations).

Non-mandatory instruments

An Instrument of appointment and authorisation for certification and survey services in respect of non-mandatory instruments, has been signed between the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Recognised Organisation (RO) SA. This instrument commences on 1^st October 2023 and shall be valid for a period of 3 years (see Agreement for non-mandatory instruments)

The Appendix to this Instrument details the applicable instruments and scope of authorisation (see Applicable instruments and scope of authorisation for non-mandatory instruments).

Singapore Country File

The document “Singapore Country File” forms the base document for Singapore’s interpretations, instructions and requirements pertaining to statutory certification and services under IMO instruments and national legislation applicable for Singapore registered ships.

Refer to attached file “MPA - COUNTRY FILE FOR RO (Version 1.14 dated 10 April 2026)”

Note: This document is not to be circulated to external parties outside the ROs.

Interpretations of requirements that are “to the satisfaction of Administration”

(Shipping Circular No13 of 2022)

In the absence of specific interpretation in the Singapore Country File, the relevant Unified Interpretations (UIs) by the International Maritime Organization and the UIs of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) can be applied for unified implementation.

For interpretation of regulations not addressed by the above, Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to interpret the requirements of the applicable instruments within the limits of those applicable instruments in accordance with the applicable technical standards acceptable to Recognised Organisation (RO), unless otherwise instructed by the Administration.

Registration of ships above 17 years of age - Attestation of condition

(Message SV 4.2.1 / 26 Sept 1996)

Owners intending to register a ship over 17 years of age as a Singapore ship shall produce an attestation (records and conditions of ship above 17 years of age for registration as a Singapore ship).

A model of the attestation is attached in Attestation for ship above 17 years of age.

The attestation is, in fact, issued by the ship’s classification society after:

1. review of the ship’s file, and

2. survey (general inspection)

The ship-connected MOC is in charge of the completion of the attestation, i.e. collecting the necessary information for filling it and sending it, once completed to the Singapore Administration at Ship Registry Dept (marine@mpa.gov.sg).

Paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 are filled in on basis of the information available in the ship’s file.

Paragraphs 4 and 5 are filled in on basis of the information provided by the Survey Centre in charge of the general inspection. With reference to paragraph 4, a description of the damages, if any, should be given as well as a limit date for the repairs. For paragraph 5, particular attention should be paid to a ship who is currently operated in foreign domestic waters.

ISM

Regional ferries

(Message SV 1.4.18 / 29 July 1997)

ISM Code is applicable to all regional ferries plying international voyage from 1 July 1998 and holding:

1. 30-mile limit Passenger Ship Safety Certificate, or

2. Passenger Ship Safety Certificate for a short international voyage.

The society is authorised to conduct assessments and issue DOCs to companies operating Singapore ships and SMCs to Singapore ships.

Ships not classed with the society

The society is authorised under Regulation 2 of the Merchant Shipping (Authorised Organisations) Regulations, 2002, to perform audits and issue Safety Management Certificate (SMC) under the ISM Code to Singapore-registered ships not classed with the organisation, subject to the same terms and condition as stipulated in the instrument on appointment and authorisation for statutory certification, survey, inspection and audit services for Singapore ships signed between the Director of Marine and Recognised Organisation (RO) on 1^st October 2011.

Interpretations, Equivalents, Alternatives and Exemptions

The Administration shall have full discretion to determine all issues relating to the interpretations of the Applicable Instruments, including:

1. specifying the technical standards for equivalents and alternatives that may be accepted as fulfilling the requirements of any Applicable Instrument where the Applicable Instrument provides discretion for the Flag Administration to determine the same to its satisfaction; and

2. determining the requirements for granting and approving any exemptions from the Applicable Instruments.

Recognised Organisation (RO) may interpret the technical requirements of the Applicable Instruments within the limits of those Applicable Instruments, and in accordance with the applicable technical standards acceptable to Recognised Organisation (RO), unless otherwise instructed by the Administration. Recognised Organisation (RO) may recommend for the Administration's acceptance, any equivalent or alternative within the limits of those Applicable Instruments, and in accordance with applicable technical standards acceptable to Recognised Organisation (RO).

In the event the Administration approves any exemption from any Applicable Instrument, Recognised Organisation (RO) shall issue an exemption certificate (whether an initial or renewal exemption certificate as the case may be), indicating the date of the Administration's approval and such other information as may be required by the Administration, and shall promptly notify the Administration in writing as and when any such exemption certificate is issued. The approval of the Administration continues to be valid regardless of the transfer of Class, or the seafarer recruitment and placement service (as the case may be).

Applications for Exemption

(Email from MPA dated 19/09/2011)

The form for the application for exemption from regulations and the forms for the applications for extension (of certificate for surveys and certifications by MPA, of liferaft servicing, of bottom survey, special survey or statutory certificates, etc.) are available through the following website link:

https://www.mpa.gov.sg/singapore-registry-of-ships/flag-state-control/application-forms

The form for Application for exemption from regulation is in attached file “MPA Application for exemption from regulation (ver.3).docx”.

The completed form has to be sent to MPA for review, as well as copie(s) of relevant statutory certificate(s).

(Email from MPA dated 29/10/2012)

Applications for exemptions should be made at the design stage or early stages of construction, rather than after the vessel has been built.

Issuance of dispensation for malfunctioning equipment

(Shipping Circular No.10 of 2025)

With effect from 1 December 2025, Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized to issue the dispensation to Singapore-registered ships classed by Recognised Organisation (RO), on behalf of the Administration for the malfunctioned equipment listed in the Annexes of this Shipping Circular No.10 of 2025:

• Annex 1 - Malfunction of equipment under Safety of Navigation

• Annex 2 - Malfunction of equipment under Radio Communications

• Annex 3 - Malfunction of equipment under MARPOL Annex I

• Annex 4 - Malfunction of equipment under MARPOL Annex IV

• Annex 5 - Malfunction of equipment under MARPOL Annex VI

• Annex 6 - Malfunction of equipment under Ballast Water Convention

• Annex 7 - Malfunction of equipment under Emergency Systems

• Annex 8 - Malfunction of other Shipboard equipment

• Annex 9 - Malfunction of life saving appliances

Application for dispensation for malfunctioned equipment listed in this Shipping Circular shall be submitted by the company to Recognised Organisation (RO) and be supplemented with the relevant supporting documents.

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to issue relevant short-term certificate (for ships calling Australia’s ports, the relevant short-term statutory certificate(s) shall be issued) and/or statutory recommendation with a validity of up to two months, pending the repair or replacement of the malfunctioned equipment after satisfactory verification of the application.

For further extension of short-term certificate and/or statutory recommendation beyond two months, Recognised Organisation (RO) shall consult the Administration.

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall not issue short-term certificate and/or statutory recommendation for any deficiency observed by Port State Control.

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall inform the Administration when any Singapore-registered ship has been issued with two or more dispensations for malfunctioned equipment listed in this Shipping Circular within the same period.

See also FAQ Shipping Circular 10 of 2025 (For ROs reference only) and Dispensation conditions to be issued to Singapore-registered ships - (For ROs reference only) in attached files.

Malfunction of Voyage Data Recorder (S-VDR or VDR)

(Administration email dated 23/02/2026)

In the event of a faulty VDR (partly or fully), the Company should immediately report VDR issues to Recognised Organisation (RO) and the Administration. The Company must take prompt actions, i.e., arrange for a maker approved service provider at the current port of call, or next arrival port if the ship is underway. If after VDR technician attended and defect could not be rectified due to additional spare required, the Administration allows Recognised Organisation (RO) to issue a short-term certificate till the next port only. However, Recognised Organisation (RO) should review the case and provide recommendations.

Reporting

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall, upon becoming aware of a situation:

1. where a requirement of an Applicable Instrument cannot be met, or involving a major deficiency or a serious safety-related issue whether or not in relation to an Applicable Instrument in respect of which it is providing the Services to the Singapore ship, that would normally be considered sufficient to detain the Singapore ship from proceeding to sea pending correction or prevent her from proceeding to sea without danger to the ship or any persons onboard or presenting unreasonable threat or harm to the environment: or

2. onboard a Singapore ship or within a company responsible for a Singapore ship’s compliance with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code involving a major non-conformity, as defined in the Guidelines on the Implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code by Administrations (resolution A.1118(30), as amended from time to time); or

3. within a seafarer recruitment and placement service, where a requirement of an Applicable Instrument is not met, or involving a deficiency in its management system,

report to the Administration without undue delay, by electronic means or otherwise, the name of the company, or seafarer recruitment and placement service, or the Singapore ship (as the case may be), the IMO number, the official number and a description of the requirement, major non-conformity or deficiency or serious safety-related issue (as the case may be) and, save where the major non-conformity or deficiency or serious safety-related issue is not in relation to an Applicable Instrument in respect of which it is providing the Services, shall consult the Director on the appropriate steps to be taken and immediately ensure that corrective action is taken within a reasonable period specified by it. If corrective action is not taken within such period, Recognised Organisation (RO) may, where permitted by the terms of the Applicable Instrument, suspend the relevant certificate until such time corrective action has been taken to the Recognised Organisation (RO)’s satisfaction. Recognised Organisation (RO) shall immediately notify the Director, and either the owner or master of the ship or the seafarer recruitment and placement service (as the case may be) of any such suspension (and revalidation thereafter) of the certificate. Additionally, the Director may specify the measures to be taken and require the ship to carry onboard supplementary equipment to permit the ship to proceed to a suitable port where permanent repairs or rectifications can be made, as the case may be.

In the event of the occurrence of any machinery or structural breakdown, or failure requiring immediate repair or repair by a given due date in respect of a Singapore ship not covered by the provisions of Clause (a), (b), or (c) above, Recognised Organisation (RO) shall, upon becoming aware of the same, inform the Administration, at the earliest convenient opportunity, by electronic or other means.

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall report to the Administration by electronic or other means, the name, the IMO number, and the official number of the Singapore ship and the name of the seafarer recruitment and placement service in respect of which any statutory survey carried out on behalf of the Director is, or has become overdue, or which has, in the case of a Singapore ship, in respect of which any statutory survey carried out on behalf of the Administration is, or has become overdue, or which has been suspended, terminated or removed from the Recognised Organisation (RO)'s list of classed ships. A brief notification shall be made by electronic means or otherwise within three (3) days of its occurrence, and a full notification shall be made within thirty (30) days, from the date of the overdue survey, or the suspension, termination or removal of the ship from the Recognised Organisation (RO)'s list of classed ships. The full notification shall include a detailed description of the reasons for the overdue survey, or the suspension, termination or removal (as the case may be) of the ship from the Recognised Organisation (RO)'s list of classed ships.

(Email from the Flag Administration 03/11/2025)

Notifications of ship overdue survey / suspension / withdrawal are to be emailed to:

• Mr. Cheah Aun Aun, Director of Marine, CHEAH_Aun_Aun@mpa.gov.sg

• MPA Shipping Division, shipping@mpa.gov.sg

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

Recognised Organisation (RO) is required to inform the Administration of any Singapore-flagged ships under Recognised Organisation (RO) classification that are issued with provisional certificate of classification. In particular Recognised Organisation (RO) shall notify the Administration, through shipping@mpa.gov.sg, where any provisional certificate of classification have been issued for a cumulative period exceeding six (6) months, whether consecutively or otherwise.

Such notification shall include a detailed justification for the continued issuance or extension of the provisional certificates of classification and covers, as a minimum:

• the underlying reasons necessitating the provisional certificate of classification;

• the corrective and remedial actions taken by Recognised Organisation (RO) and the Company; and

• a clear timeline for achieving full compliance and reversion to full-term certificate of classification.

Recognised Organisation (RO) is expected to exercise due diligence and oversight to ensure that provisional certificate of classification are not used as a substitute for full compliance with applicable statutory and classification requirements.

Class suspension, termination or removal

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall report to the Administration by electronic or other means the name, official number and IMO number of any Singapore ship suspended, terminated or removed from the Recognised Organisation (RO)’s list of classed ships for which Recognised Organisation (RO) has performed any services under the Agreement.

A brief notification shall be made by electronic means or otherwise within three (3) days, and a full notification shall be made within thirty (30) days from the effective date of the suspension, termination or removal of the ship from the Recognised Organisation (RO)’s list of classed ships and shall include a detailed description of the reasons for such actions.

(Email from the Flag Administration 03/11/2025)

Notifications of ship suspension / withdrawal / reinstatement are to be emailed to:

• Mr. Cheah Aun Aun, Director of Marine, CHEAH_Aun_Aun@mpa.gov.sg

• MPA Shipping Division, shipping@mpa.gov.sg

Servicing Interval Extension of life-saving appliances and Radio Equipment under the Harmonised System of Survey and Certification (HSSC)

Refer to the Shipping Circular No.14 of 2018 (see attached file “sc_no_14_of_2018.pdf”).

The servicing intervals of inflatable life-rafts, inflatable lifejackets, marine evacuation system inflated rescue boats and hydrostatic release units may be extended up to a maximum period of 17 months in accordance to SOLAS III/20.8.1.1

For the annual performance testing of the VDR and S-VDR, as required by SOLAS regulation V/18.8 and automatic identification system (AIS) as required by SOLAS regulation V/18.9, the annual performance test shall be carried out within the "time window" of the annual / periodical / renewal survey under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), but not later than the date of completion of the survey for endorsement / renewal of the relevant Certificate.For the annual test of EPIRB as required by SOLAS regulation IV/15.9, the annual test of the EPIRBs shall be carried out within the "time window" of the prescribed survey, but not later than the date of completion of the survey for endorsement / renewal of the relevant Certificate.

Use of Electronic Certificates

(MPA Shipping Circular No26/2017 dated 15/12/2017).

The Administration is moving towards the full implementation of electronic certificates, in accordance with FAL.5/Circ.39/Rev.2, to replace the traditional paper statutory certificates.The verification of the authenticity and validity of the electronic certificates issued by the Administration can be done online either by using the QR Code found in each electronic certificate or by entering the unique tracking number at: https://marinet.mpa.gov.sg/sr-vs/.

Original hard copy certificates that were previously issued by the Administration shall remain valid and be carried on board till such time the electronic certificates are available on board.

For RO issuing electronic certificates to Singapore ships on behalf of our Administration, the electronic certificates issued shall contain the features as stated in FAL.5/Circ.39/Rev.2.

A copy of this Shipping Circular shall be placed on board to facilitate the acceptance of electronic certificates by other relevant authorities.

For further information, refer to attached file “sc_no_26_of_2017”.

Carving and Marking Note (CMN)

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

From 01 December 2025, the requirement for ROs to endorse on the Carving and Marking Note (CMN) will be removed. ROs are required to check for completion of carving and marking in change of ship particulars in accordance with Section 10 of the Merchant Shipping Act.

ROs would continue to be directly responsible for ensuring the ship’s particular changes (i.e. change of name and/or change of flag, confirm the Official No.) onboard, during their survey attendance.

Following a change in ship particulars, the RO would issue relevant class and statutory certificates to reflect the changes.

24/7 Customer Service Hotline

(Shipping Circular No.18 of 2017)

The Administration has implemented a 24/7 after office hours customer service hotline for Singapore registered ships. When requiring urgent assistance after office hours services relating to ship technical matters, crewing matters and registry matters, it is possible to call MPA’s newly launched 24/7 customer service hotline at (+65) 6-CALL-SRS (6-2255-777).

For futher information, refer to attached file “ShippingCircular_08_2017”.

Acceptance for the use of remote inspection techniques for surveys

(MPA Shipping Circular No.13 of 2018)

The usage of remote inspection techniques can be accepted for the conduct of surveys on board Singapore Registered Ships. When permitted, remote inspection technique may be used to facilitate the required external and internal examinations. The methods applied for remote inspection technique are to provide the survey results normally obtained for/by the Surveyor.

The remote inspection techniques may comprise of the following:

• Unmanned Robotic Arm

• Remote Operated Vehicles (ROV)

• Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)

• Other means acceptable to the Administration.

For periodical surveys using UAS, if the UAS is not operated by Recognised Organisation (RO) itself, the company engaged to operate the UAS for the inspection is to be approved by Recognised Organisation (RO) for carrying out such services in accordance to Recognised Organisation (RO)’s criteria for approving service providers. Inspections should be carried out in the presence of the Surveyor.

An inspection plan for the use of remote inspection technique(s), including any confirmatory survey/close-up survey/thickness measurements, is to be submitted to Recognised Organisation (RO) for review and acceptance in advance of the survey. The proposal for usage of UAS in periodical surveys is to be submitted by Recognised Organisation (RO) to the Administration for acceptance.

Unless agreed by the Administration, the usage of remote inspection technique is not accepted or not to be continued for the specific location on the ship, at the following conditions:

1. Where there is existing record or indication of abnormal deterioration or damage to structure or to items to be inspected.

2. Where there are existing recommendations for repairs or conditions affecting the class of the vessel.

3. Where during the course of the inspection survey, defects were found such as damage or deterioration that requires attention. In such cases, the normal close-up survey/thickness measurement without the use of remote inspection technique is to be carried out to determine the scope of repairs required.

4. Where the coating condition of the tank/hold is rated as less than “Good” by the Surveyor. This does not apply to sections of cargo oil tanks that are not coated and stainless steel cargo tanks.

For further information, refer to attached file “sc_no_13_of_2018”.

Authorization to carry out remote survey

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

Recognised Organisation (RO) is not required to sought for Administration’s approval to carry out remote survey for the following items:

1. Change of load line mark for ships issued with more than 3 load line markings.

2. Amendment/update of statutory documentations (e.g. Fire safety plan, SEEMP, SOPEP etc).

3. Closure of dispensation (e.g. replacement/repair of malfunctioned equipment).

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall assess and accept the remote survey as appropriate. In addition, the remote survey shall be carried out in accordance with the relevant class rules and is equivalent to a physical survey.

For Singapore-registered ship which are detained, remote surveys are not allowed for the closure of detainable deficiencies.

Verification of electronic record books

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

Remote survey shall be the default means for the shipboard verification of electronic record books, subject to the following conditions:

1. The electronic record books are approved by ROs in accordance with relevant IMO guidelines.

2. Remote survey(s) are to be carried out, in accordance with applicable remote survey procedures and relevant requirements, to the satisfaction of attending class surveyor,

3. Physical verification shall be carried out by attending class surveyor at the next statutory survey.

Voluntary early implementation

(MPA-RO Technical Committee Meeting dated 07/09/2023)

The Administration would not have the power to early implement the revised regulations unless these amendments were enacted in Singapore’s legislation.

However, the Administration would not object, should the owners or Recognised Organisation (RO) wished to implement them early, provided these were “add-on” to the safety standards. Recognised Organisation (RO) did not need to get specific approval/authorisation from the Administration if it was an ‘add-on’.

Circulars and Notices

Refer to the website of the Administration: https://www.mpa.gov.sg/web/portal/home/port-of-singapore/circulars-and-notices/

Detentions

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

Actions to be taken when a ship is detained by Port State Control (PSC):

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to carry out an additional survey equivalent to annual survey scope and additional ISM audit at the port where the ship has been detained by PSC. Recognised Organisation (RO) and ISM RO shall promptly report to the Administration when they are attending the ship to seek the Administration advise for further instruction.

The additional survey should not be limited to PSC inspection deficiencies, and the attending Recognised Organisation (RO) surveyor should also cover the following areas:

1. Fire safety related (condition and operational of emergency fire pump, integrity of fire dampers, fire detection system, deck fire line system, FO/LO tanks quick closing valves system, emergency drill and records, crew familiarisation etc.);

2. General overview of MLC compliance;

3. MARPOL Annex I (condition and operational of oil filtering equipment, 15ppm alarm and 3-way change over valve, oil/water interface sensor and oil drain valves, unauthorised bypass or modification of bilge and sludge system, Oil Record Book entries, crew familiarisation etc.);

4. Lifesaving appliances (Condition and operational of lifeboat engine & starting batteries, lifeboat davits and launching arrangement, lifeboat lifting hooks attachment and foundation bolts, on-load release gears, supporting air system and embarkation ladders etc.);

5. General overview of ISM implementation (any lacking in report and analysis of non-conformity, maintenance of ship and equipment, effectiveness of company's safety and environmental policy etc);

6. Stability, structure and equipment (any hull and ballast tank cracks and their wastage condition, crew familiarisation in operation of emergency generator, able to auto cut in and on load test, and emergency lighting system condition etc.);

7. STCW certification and safe manning requirements (COE, GOC & safe manning, crew rest hour records etc.);

8. Machinery space (any excessive leakage from fuel, lub oil and cooling system, any soft patches on the system piping, any fire safety hazards due to excessive oil accumulation in save all tray, tank top & bilges, unprotected hot surface etc.);

9. Load lines related (condition of ballast tank ventilators, hatch covers, coaming, securing devise (cleats) and self-closing arrangement on double bottom tank sounding pipes, load line marking etc.); and

10. Navigational and GMDSS radio communications (condition of the navigation lighting and bridge navigation equipment, off charge/on load test of reserve source of power, MF/HF DSC operation, crew familiarity with GMDSS equipment operation and functional requirement etc.).

For the additional ISM audit, the Recognised Organisation (RO) auditor is required to focus on the following ISM elements during the audit, taking into account the nature of the PSC inspection deficiencies during the audit:

1. Is the company's policy clear and how they ensure their policy is implemented and maintained at all levels on the vessel? [ISM Code section 2]

2. Are the master and key ship personnel familiar with the company's policy and have they adhered to them? [ISM Code section 5.1.1 and 5.1.2]

3. Has the Company established procedures in its SMS to identify equipment and technical systems the sudden operational failure of which may result in hazardous situations? Have the company's SMS provides for specific measures aimed at promoting the reliability of such equipment or systems, including regular testing of stand-by arrangements and equipment or technical systems that are not in continuous use. [ISM Code section 10.3]

4. Is the work being supervised and oversight by senior ship's officers and the master? [ISM Code section 5.1.4]

5. Are shipboard deficiencies properly dealt with in accordance with the ISM Code requirements? In meeting the above requirements, did the Company or the master ensure that:

a) inspections are held at appropriate intervals;

b) any non-conformity is reported, with its possible cause, if known;

c) appropriate corrective action is taken; and

d) records of these activities are maintained. [ISM Code section 10.2]

6. When serious deficiencies cannot be rectified, is the company or shipboard management aware of and comply with the mandatory requirements under SOLAS regulation I/11(c) or other applicable IMO regulations for reporting serious shipboard deficiencies to the flag Administration or RO and the port authorities if the vessel is in a foreign port? [ISM Code section 9.1 and 10.2.2]

7. Has the master periodically reviewed the SMS and report its deficiencies to the company's management? [ISM Code section 5.1.5]

8. Has the Company ensured that the master is given the necessary support to perform his duties safely? [ISM Code section 6.1.3]

9. Has the Company established procedures to ensure that new personnel and personnel transferred to new assignments are given proper familiarization with their duties and has it been effectively implemented? [ISM Code section 6.3, 6.4, and 6.5]

10. Has the company established adequate procedures to ensure that non-conformities, accidents and hazardous situations are reported to the Company, investigated and analysed with the objective of improving safety and pollution prevention. Have these procedures been effectively implemented? [ISM Code section 9]

11. Has the Company carried out internal safety audits to verify whether the relevant activities comply with the company's SMS and mandatory requirements. Were the internal audits effectively carried out? [ISM Code section 12.1]

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall also carry out additional ISPS audit and/or additional MLC inspection equivalent to intermediate scope of audit/inspection in the port of detention when there is a detention deficiency related to ISPS or MLC.Recognised Organisation (RO) is required to provide the Administration with copy of the survey/audit/inspection report, with photographic evidence, within 24 hours of completion of the survey/audit/inspection.

IACS PR 17 report

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

When PR 17 is issued by the Recognised Organisation (RO) surveyor for deficiencies relating to possible safety management system failure on board SRS, Recognised Organisation (RO), when issuing the PR 17 to the SMC RO, shall notify MPA Singapore Flag State via email at shipping@mpa.gov.sg with proposed actions to be taken (after validation of the PR 17 by the MO).

Specialists

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

Recognised Organisation (RO) may engage the services of technical specialists in carrying out surveys such as the survey of radio installations provided these technical specialists are qualified and authorised by Recognised Organisation (RO) to execute the services they are engaged to carry out and are subject to Recognised Organisation (RO)’s quality assurance system and regular audits.

Change of flag survey

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

The attending surveyor should immediately notify the Administration via email at shipping@mpa.gov.sg, if a ship was found to in substandard condition during the change of flag survey, The surveyor should suspend the change of flag survey until the critical deficiencies are rectified. The surveyor must ensure the ship was in a satisfactory condition before issuing the statutory certificates.

Application of IACS UIs

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

Recognised Organisation (RO) should apply all IMO “noted” IACS UIs to Singapore-registered ships as the default. Should Singapore-registered ships be unable to comply with any IMO “noted” IACS UIs, Recognised Organisation (RO) should provide details with class assessment to the Administration for review and comments.

Where differing interpretations exist between IMO approved UIs and IACS UIs (i.e. MSC.1/Circ.1685 and UI SC 305), IMO approved UIs shall apply.

LL 66

Southern boundary of seasonal tropical zone extended to include Gladstone (Australia)

(IMO Circular LL.3/Circ.90) (Message SV 1.3.9 / 29 March 1997)Marine and Port Authority (MPA) may allow any Singapore registered ship to load to her tropical mark at Gladstone from 1 April to 30 November each year, on a case by case basis.

Revised guidelines for vessels carrying more than one Load Line Certificate

Refer to the Administration instructions in the attached file “MLL Revised Guidelines 5 May 2023”.

1. The ship shall comply fully with all the requirements appropriate for a ship of the maximum dead weight corresponding to the least freeboard assigned for which a Load Line Certificate has been issued.

2. The deepest summer draught corresponding to the least freeboard shall not be greater than the moulded draught indicated on the International Tonnage Certificate (1969).

3. Each set of load line marks shall be verified by a surveyor when they are marked on the ship’s sides for the first time. Subsequently, during a periodical inspection required by article 14(c) of the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, as amended, they shall be verified by the attending surveyors and their corresponding Load Line Certificates endorsed.

4. The stability booklet shall contain information relating to all the freeboards assigned for which a Load Line Certificate has been issued.

5. The master shall be responsible and accountable for the proper use of the Load Line Certificates, and the display and proper maintenance of the appropriate Load Line marks at all times.

6. The master shall ensure that only one set of load line marks is visible on the ship’s sides and the corresponding Load Line Certificate is displayed at any one time. The remaining load line marks shall be effectively obliterated and the remaining Load Line Certificates which are not in used shall be in proper safe keeping.

7. The master may on his own accord change the set of load line marks in use as and when desired at any appropriate time. However, if the ship is issued with more than three (3) sets of Load Line Certificates, every change of load line marks in use shall be verified by a surveyor to ensure that they are properly marked and the appropriate Load Line Certificate is displayed on board.

8. The master shall make an official entry in the ship’s official log book and the deck log book on every occasion the load line marks in use are changed.

9. Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to issue more than one Load Line Certificates to Singapore-registered ships. Approval by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore to carry more than one Load Line certificate is not required. However, MPA is to be notified for each new Load Line Certificates issued.

10. A copy of these guidelines shall be retained on board Singapore-registered ship.

Application form

(Message SV 1.1.1 / 15 February 1990)

An application form for multiple Load Line Certificates shall be issued by the shipowner, completed and endorsed by the Marine Operational Centre, when multiple load line is requested. The form is then forwarded to the MPA by the Marine Operational Centre.

Information to be entered under “Certificate 1 (Principle Load Line Certificate)” are these particulars of the principle / initial load line certificate or assigned summer freeboard.

See the attached file “Application for Multiple LL certificates.docx”.

Handling of Multiple Load Line certificates issued in Electronic format

(MPA-RO Technical Committee dated 24/07/2018)

Ships issued with multiple load line certificates in electronic form (E-certs) shall put in place procedures requiring the Master to record in the deck log book, the following information: (i) date of change; (ii) the certificate number of the load line certificate in use; and (iii) the dead weight corresponding to the load line certificate in use.

The existing shipping circular (SC) requiring the load line certificates not in use presently to be sealed, was meant for paper certificates.

Non-convention ship

(Merchant Shipping (LoadLines) Regulations, Reg 16(2))

A Singapore Load Line Certificate shall be issued to every new ship of less than 24 metres in length or every existing ship of less than 150 tons gross tonnage which has been surveyed and marked in accordance with the Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) Regulations.

This certificate is available in “Certificate Editor” through “Specific & National Certificates” for Singapore flagged ships.

For further information, refer to attached file “Singapore Merchant (Load Line) Regulations”

Use of adhesive bonding procedure for windows in lieu of metallic panel/frame

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

As per Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Safety regulations/Regulation 23(1) - Side Scuttles, and windows and skylights:“Side scuttles and windows, together with their glasses, deadlights and storm covers2, if fitted, shall be of an approved design and substantial construction. Non-metallic frames are not acceptable.”

Under the provision of regulation 8 of Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Safety regulations, the Administration accepts the use of adhesive bonding procedure for windows in lieu of metallic panel/frame, subject to the following conditions to be complied with:

1. The installation of the glass with adhesive materials for the ship’s accommodations and wheelhouse shall be carried out in accordance with Recognised Organisation (RO) approved bonding procedures and verified to the satisfaction of the attending surveyor.

2. Recognised Organisation (RO) shall verify and satisfied that the adhesive bonding materials used for the installation of the glass for the ship’s accommodations and wheelhouse shall be of adequate bonding strength and suited for the ship’s operations.

3. The adhesive bonding materials shall be typed approved by Recognised Organisation (RO).

4. The adhesive bonded windows shall be weathertight tested to the satisfaction of the attending surveyor during statutory initial, annual, intermediate and renewal surveys.

5. The ship shall be operating within Singapore port limit or 30-mile limit from port of Singapore and the ship’s operation restrictions shall be stated in the statutory certificates.

6. The weathertight testing during statutory surveys shall be included in the “statutory condition” section of the ship’s survey status.

Recognised Organisation (RO) is to include the requirement for the adhesive bonded windows to be weathertight tested during every statutory annual survey in the ship’s survey status.

This acceptance is only limited to Singapore-registered ships operating within Singapore port limit and 30-mile limit from port of Singapore.

SOLAS 74

Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate

SOLAS II-1/3-2 (IMO PSPC) - Delay in delivery of ships

(Email from the Administration dated 21/05/2012 and 25/07/2012)

Refer to MPA Shipping Circulars No.20 of 2007 and No.13 of 2009, on MPA website.

The unified interpretation and guidelines contained in MSC-MEPC.5/Circ.4 and MSC.1/Circ.1247 are applicable to Singapore ships.

MPA will consider the matter strictly on a case by case basis and will need the owners and Recognised Organisation (RO) to give MPA in writing specific information and objective evidence to determine that the delivery of the vessels concerned was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the shipbuilder and the owner.

(Minutes of MPA meeting with recognised classification societies held on 23^rd August 2012)

MPA has no objection for Recognised Organisation (RO) to approve the Coating Technical File and accept the ship as PSPC compliant if the coating procedures were applied in accordance to “IACS Common View on non-PSPC new buildings to be made PSPC compliant”, in the attached file “IACSCommonView_PSPC”, for ships originally scheduled for delivery prior to 1 July 2012 but subsequently delivered after 1 July 2012.

Asbestos

(Email from MPA dated 23/11/2012)

Installation of materials containing asbestos is prohibited under SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-5.

If Singapore-flagged vessels are found in contravention of SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-5, action should be taken to remove the materials containing asbestos as soon as possible. Applications for the issuance of exemption certificate (in relation to paragraph 13 of MSC.1/Circ.1374) for the time period pending removal of the materials containing asbestos will be evaluated by MPA only on a case-by-case basis.

Attention is drawn to the “Guidelines for maintenance and monitoring of on-board materials containing asbestos” (MSC.1/Circ.1045).

Inspection of the ship’s bottom

Untitled

(MPA-class agreement renewal minutes of meeting dated 26/09/2013)

MPA would not agree to extension beyond the 36-month interval nor allow consecutive in-water inspections of the ship’s bottom to be carried out in lieu of dry docking.

Considerations on inspection of the outside of the ship’s bottom in afloat conditions during intermediate/renewal surveys )

(MPA-RO Technical Committee dated 24/07/2018)

For non-ESP ships:

MPA considers that:

1. for ships less than 15 years of age and not subjected to the ESP Code will be allowed to alternate inspections of the ship's bottom with the ship afloat during its intermediate surveys. Inspection of the ship afloat should only be carried out when Recognised Organisation (RO) determines that the conditions are satisfactory and proper equipment and suitably qualified staff is available.

2. for ships that are 15 years old and above, alternate inspections of the ship's bottom with the ship in afloat conditions is allowed, subject to Recognised Organisation (RO)’s determination that the conditions are satisfactory and proper equipment and suitably qualified staff is available.

Under normal circumstances, the inspection of a ship’s bottom should be carried out in dry dock during the renewal surveys. MPA’s approval is to be sought on a case by case basis, with recommendations to be provided by Recognised Organisation (RO) for cases where it is intended for a ship to undergo inspections of the ship's bottom in afloat condition in-lieu of dry-docking during its renewal survey. (i.e. bottom inspection already carried out in dry dock during intermediate survey and falls within SOLAS requirement for minimum of two inspections of the outside of the ship's bottom during any five year period and less than 36 months interval in-between).

For ESP ships:

Bulk carriers as defined in regulation IX/1.6 and oil tankers as defined in regulation II-1/2.22 shall be subject to an enhanced programme of inspections in accordance with the 2011 ESP Code. MPA considers that:

1. for ships less than 15 years of age, alternate inspections of the ship's bottom with the ship afloat during its intermediate surveys is allowed, subject to Recognised Organisation (RO)’s determination that the conditions are satisfactory and proper equipment and suitably qualified staff is available.

2. for ships that are 15 years old and above, inspections of the ship's bottom in afloat condition in-lieu of dry-docking during its intermediate survey is not allowed.

Forward Collision bulkhead valve

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to early implement the new draft SOLAS regulation II-1/12.6.2 (Peak and machinery space bulkheads, shaft tunnels, etc.) in regard to the type of valves to be used for pipelines passing through collision bulkheads and can be applied to ships built before 1 January 2024. (Reference to IMO Resolution MSC.474(102) and MSC.8/Circ.1.)

CSS code

Existing containerships shall apply sections 4.4 (Training and familiarization), 7.1 (Introduction), 7.3 (Maintenance) and section 8 (Specialized container safety design) of the new Annex 14 of CSS code by the first survey relating to the ship’s safety construction certification on or after 1 January 2016.

Ship owners are encouraged to apply the relevant provisions of section 6 (Design) and 7.2 (Operational procedures) as far as practicable. As a minimum, existing container ships the keels of which were laid or which are at a similar stage of construction before 1 January 2015 shall comply with the requirements at their first scheduled dry-docking survey on or after 1 January 2016, but not later than 1 January 2021.

For container ships the keels of which were laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 January 2015, Annex 14 of the CSS Code shall be applied in its entirety.

Testing procedures of watertight compartments (SOLAS II-1/11)

(Administration email dated 05/11/2021)

The requirement in “IACS UR S14 Revision 6 Annex I - PART A - SOLAS Ships (including CSR BC & OT)” is accepted as equivalent arrangements of SOLAS Regulation II-1/11.

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to carry out the approval of tank testing plan on behalf of the Administration.

(Administration email dated 28/09/2023)

The Administration accepts the testing procedures of watertight compartments for ships contracted for construction on or after 1 January 2024:

1. The requirement in IACS UR S14 Revision 7 Annex I - PART A - SOLAS Ships (including CSR BC & OT) is accepted as equivalent arrangements of SOLAS Regulation II-1/11;

2. Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to carry out the approval of tank testing plan on behalf of the Administration.

Firefighting - Early implementation of Amendments to SOLAS Reg. II-2/1 and II-2/10

(MPA-RO Technical Committee Meeting dated 08/03/2019)

For existing ships fitted with domestic boilers of less than 175kW, or boilers protected by fixed water-based local application fire-extinguishing systems, the Administration will consider on a case by case basis, the owners application should they wish to remove the foam-type extinguisher of at least 135 litres capacity prior to 01 January 2020.

Clarification of the term “bulk carrier” & application of SOLAS Regulations

(MPA-RO Technical Committee dated 08/03/2019)

The Administration confirms that Resolution MSC.277(85)-Clarification of the term "bulk carrier" and Guidance for application of regulations in SOLAS to ships which occasionally carry dry cargoes in bulk and are not determined as bulk carriers in accordance with regulation XII/1.1 and chapter II-1, remains non mandatory.

Stability

Dispensation of inclining test of an individual cargo ship

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

Recognised Organisation (RO) may dispense new build cargo ships that are built from the same shipyard and plans, from the inclining test requirement in pursuant to SOLAS Regulation II-1/5.2 subject to the following conditions:

1. Basic stability data are available from the inclining test of a sister/lead ship, and it is shown to the satisfaction of Recognised Organisation (RO) that reliable stability information for the exempted ship can be obtained from such basic data, as required by SOLAS Regulation II-1/5-1.

2. A lightweight survey shall be carried out upon completion and the ship shall be inclined whenever in comparison with the data derived from the sister/lead ship, a deviation from the lightship displacement exceeding 1% for ships of 160 m or more in length and 2% for ships of 50 m or less in length and as determined by linear interpolation for intermediate lengths or a deviation from the lightship longitudinal centre of gravity exceeding 0.5% of L is found.

Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue a statement or statutory note for this dispensation in the ship’s survey status.

Lifting appliances and anchor handling winches

(Shipping Circular No. 6 of 2026)

Competent Person means a person possessing the knowledge and experience required for the performance of duties specified in the guidelines. Either the recognised organisation that issues the ship’s Safety Construction Certificate, or the Maker/Manufacturer of the lifting appliances/loose gears that are acceptable to the recognised organisation are considered acceptable by the Administration.

For ship equipment that does not fall under the definition of lifting appliances, as defined in paragraph 6(c) of this Shipping Circular No. 6 of 2026, the ISM company shall ensure that these are appropriate and suitable for use onboard the ship, including maintenance and labelling of the safe working load as part of the company’s SMS and PMS, and the conduct of risk assessment for each lifting task.

Lifting appliances with SWL below 1,000 kg

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

Referring to Para 1.3 on applicability of Para 2.1 and 2.4 towards lifting appliances which have a safe working load below 1,000 kg, the position of the Administration is as follows:

1. SOLAS Chapter II-1 Regulation 3-13.2.1 does not apply to new and existing ship lifting appliances with a SWL of below 1,000 kg, installed on or after 1 January 2026.

2. SOLAS Chapter II-1 Regulation 3-13.2.4 does not apply to lifting appliances with a SWL of below 1,000 kg, installed before 1 January 2026.

3. All lifting appliances with a SWL of below 1,000 kg used on board Singapore Registered Ship shall be addressed through the following conditions in relation to the ISM Code (Element 10 – Maintenance of the Ship and Equipment) and MLC (Title 4, Regulation 4.3 – Health and Safety Protection and accident Prevention):

   • The ISM Company is required to review their SMS and develop an appropriate planned maintenance system (PMS) accordingly to maintain all lifting appliances, anchor handling winches and all associated loose gears (including those below 1000 kg) by 1 January 2026, taking into account the Guidelines MSC.1/Circ. 1663; and

   • Recognised Organisation (RO) in charge of the SMC certification is delegated to review these requirements and shall verify compliance at the next scheduled on-board SMC audit on/after 1 January 2026.

For ships changing to the Singapore Flag after 1 January 2026, to which the losing flag did not apply SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13.2.1 and 3-13.2.4 to lifting appliances with SWL of below 1,000 kg, Recognised Organisation (RO) issuing the SMC is authorised to issue a memo for the relevant personnel(s) to verify at the next scheduled SMC audit in the Recognised Organisation (RO)’s survey/audit system, for the ship’s lifting appliances to comply with the conditions aforementioned in c).

Harmonisation of ILO 152 surveys

(MPA-RO Technical Committee Meeting dated 19/03/2026)

The Administration has no objections for ILO 152 lifting appliances surveys to be aligned with the survey window of the Safety Construction Certificate.

Emergency escape from machinery space

(MPA-RO Technical Committee Meeting dated 23/04/2025)

For existing vessels contracted for construction/keel laid on or after 1 Jan 2016, emergency trunks should be lowered to the lowest part of the space, where possible. In cases where vessels cannot meet these regulations, companies must incorporate appropriate measures within their Safety Management System to ensure prompt escape by a person is possible from the lowest part of the machinery space during an emergency. Vessels would be given until the next scheduled dry-docking to rectify the non-compliance. Recognised Organisation (RO) should report any identified non-compliance to the Administration. The report should include photographic evidence taken from the bottom of the escape trunk platforms showing clearly the ship’s structural obstructions to support acceptance of the non-compliance.

For new builds, modifications should be implemented from the earliest possible stage of construction, instead of seeking dispensation for compliance from SOLAS regulation II-2/13.4.2.1.

Pump room recess height under the provision of SOLAS Reg. II-2/4.5.1.1

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to grant the permit the lower part of the pump room to be recessed into the category A machinery space to accommodate the pumps, but the recess height should not exceed one half of the moulded depth above the keel on condition that:

1. the tanker is less than 25,000 tonnes deadweight; and

2. the applicant has demonstrated with reasons of access and satisfactory piping arrangements is impracticable to comply with SOLAS Reg. II-2/4.5.1.1 (one third of the moulded depth above the keel).

Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate

Fire extinguishing appliances in boiler rooms

(SOLAS 74, Regulation II-2/7.3)

Boiler rooms on board ships of 1,000 grt and over must be fitted with a sand box or equivalent of 0.3 m³ capacity. For ships over 500, but under 1,000 grt, the capacity of sand box shall be 0.15 m³. One additional portable fire-extinguisher may be an acceptable equivalent arrangement.

Boilers rooms in cargo ships over 1,000 grt must be fitted with:

1. either a pressurized spraying system or a fire smothering gas installation or a fixed froth installation,

2. 2 portable extinguishers,

3. 1 portable extinguisher with a capacity of 9 litres for each burner provided that the total capacity of the additional extinguishers or extinguishers need not exceed 45 litres for any one boiler room.

In each firing space:

1. a receptacle containing either sand, sawdust impregnated with soda or other approved dry material,

2. a portable extinguisher may be substituted instead of the receptacle.

Accommodation and service spaces in ships of 1,000 grt and over must be provided with at least 5 portable fire-extinguishers. For ships over 500 but under 1,000 grt, at least 3 fire-extinguishers must be provided.

The capacity of fire-extinguishers must be as follows:

1. Fluid type 9 to 13,5 litres

2. CO₂ type 5 to 25 kg

3. Powder type 4.5 to 25 kg

Fire-extinguishers must not use noxious gases. Either spare charge must be provided for each extinguisher, or an additional extinguisher of the same type must be supplied instead of the spare charges.

Fire hydrants, hoses and nozzles

(SOLAS 74, Regulation II-2/4.7)

Ships of 1,000 grt and over must be provided with a minimum of five hoses and the total minimum of hose length must be not less than 60 % of the ship’s length.

Ships over 500 but under 1,000 grt must be provided with a minimum of 3 hoses and a minimum total length of hose not less than 60 % of the ship’s length.

Notes:

1. fire hoses required in machinery spaces are not included in above figures,

2. the length of each hose must not exceed 18m, but if the ship’s length exceeds 27m, hoses for exterior locations and cargo spaces may be 27m in length

3. for ships under 1,000 grt, the minimum pressure at hydrants shall be 2.2 kg/cm².

Fire pumps and emergency fire pumps

Capacity of fire pumps

(SOLAS 74, Chapter II-2, Regulation 10[2.2.4])

Every ship, irrespective of her tonnage, must be equipped with two independent pumps. An emergency pump must be capable of supplying simultaneously two hoses from two hydrants, and of delivering two water jets at least 12m in length at a pressure of 2.2 kg/cm².

Emergency fire pumps in cargo ships (Paragraph 2.2.1.3 in Chapter 12 of the FSS Code)

(Email from the Administration dated 05/06/2012)

For Singapore registered ships, MSC.1/Circ.1388 (“Unified interpretation of Chapter 12 of the International Code for Fire Safety System”) is applicable to ships whose keel is laid on or after 1 January 2012 regardless of the date on which the contract to build the ship is made.

All other exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis.

Maintenance, testing and inspection of fire protection systems and fire fighting systems and appliances

Refer to the Shipping Circular No. 13 of 2021 in the attached file “sc_no_13_of_2021” (superseding Shipping Circular No.19 of 2013) and to MPA Country File for RO - SOLAS - SAFETY EQUIPMENT Para 2 (see Singapore Country File).

Regulation II-2/14.2.2.1 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 74 (SOLAS), as amended, requires that the maintenance, testing and inspections of fire fighting systems and appliances onboard ships shall be carried out based on the guidelines developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and in a manner having due regard to ensuring the reliability of fire-fighting systems and appliances.

The IMO has recently revised several guidelines which provides the minimum recommended level of maintenance and inspections for fire protection systems and appliances. Ship owners, ship masters, ship’s officers and crew, and all other parties concerned shall apply the requirements mentioned in the guidelines on Singapore registered ships for implementing the fire protection systems and appliances maintenance plan onboard, in compliance to SOLAS II-2/14.2.2.2 and II-2/14.2.2.3. These requirements shall not override the manufacturers more stringent maintenance plan, if so stipulated.

The IMO guidelines, as revised are as follows:

1. MSC.1/Circ.1318/Rev.1 on Guidelines for the Maintenance and Inspections of Fixed Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishing Systems

   • The revised guidelines clarify the hydrostatic testing regime for high pressure CO2 cylinders and align the relevant requirements in the guidelines with those in the revised guidelines for the maintenance and inspection of fire protection systems and appliances (MSC.1/Circ.1432) and requires all high-pressure CO2 cylinders to be subjected to a hydrostatic test before the 20th year anniversary and every 10th year anniversary thereafter.

     From 1 January 2022 onwards, Singapore registered ships are to carry out the hydrostatic test of all its high pressure CO2 cylinders at or before their 20th and 30th year anniversary, and every 10th year anniversary thereafter.

   • For ships that had completed the maintenance requirements during its 20th anniversary in accordance with Shipping Circular No.19 of 2013, i.e. another 10% of its CO2 cylinders have been subjected to an internal inspection and hydrostatic test during its dry docking prior to 1 January 2022, the administration will take into consideration the need for a pragmatic implementation and that hydrostatic test of these CO2 cylinders would usually be carried out during the ship’s dry-docking. These ships are to carry out the hydrostatic testing of all its CO2 cylinders at its 30th anniversary and every 10th anniversary thereafter.

     For ships that had completed the maintenance requirements at its 30th year anniversary in accordance with Shipping Circular No.19 of 2013 prior to 1 January 2022, they are to carry out the hydrostatic testing of all its CO2 cylinders by their next scheduled dry docking, but not later than 1 January 2027.

   • In addition from 1 January 2022 onwards, whenever the CO2 cylinders are removed for hydrostatic test, they shall be replaced such that the quantity of fire-extinguishing medium continues to satisfy the requirements of 2.2.1 of chapter 5 of the FSS Code, subject to SOLAS regulation II-2/14.2. The exception applies if these CO2 cylinders are removed for hydrostatic test during the ship’s dry docking.

2. MSC.1/Circ.1516 on Amendments to the Revised guidelines for the maintenance and inspection of fire protection systems and appliances (MSC.1/Circ.1432)

   The revised guidelines amend the testing of automatic sprinkler systems and provide the minimum level of maintenance and inspections for fire protection systems and appliances. Reference should be made to MSC.1/Circ.1318/Rev.1 on maintenance and inspection of fixed carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems and Resolution A.951(23) on marine portable fire extinguishers which MSC.1/Circ.1516 does not address.

   The revised maintenance and inspections requirements shall be implemented as soon as possible, but not later than 1 January 2022.

3. Resolution A.951(23) on Improved Guidelines for Marine Portable Fire Extinguishers

   The guidelines remain unchanged and have been developed to supplement the relevant requirements for marine portable fire extinguishers of SOLAS and the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code). The maintenance and inspections requirements have been implemented on Singapore ships since 1 December 2013, as promulgated in Shipping Circular No.19 of 2013.

The onboard maintenance plan should also clearly indicate the inspections and maintenance task that may be performed by competent crew members and the tasks that are to be completed by persons specially trained in the maintenance of such systems. Any aspect of the inspection and maintenance of the systems assessed by the Company to be beyond the competence of the ship’s personnel, should be carried out by a competent shore maintenance specialist.

Recharging breathing apparatus cylinders used during drills

(Email from the Administration dated 16/07/2014)

For Singapore flagged ships, the Administration would implement SOLAS regulation II-2/15.2.2.6 (adopted by Resolution MSC.338(91)) as follows: “For ships without onboard means of recharging breathing apparatus cylinders, the company (as defined in ISM Code) shall determine the suitable number of additional spare cylinders required to replace those used during drills, taking into consideration the operating conditions of the ship. In no cases shall the lesser of two additional breathing apparatus cylinders be provided to satisfy SOLAS regulation II-2/15.2.2.6.”.

Immersion suits and thermal protective aids

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

Provisions of regulations III/7.3, III/22.4 and III/32.3 and resolution MSC.152(78) are to be complied with.

Immersion suits are not required for vessels engaged on voyages in warm climates (this does not apply to bulk carriers from 1 July 2006). Voyages within the latitudes of 30°N and 30°S are deemed to be voyages in warm climates. This exemption does not cover the thermal protective aids required to be carried as part of the normal equipment of liferafts, lifeboats and rescue boat respectively.

Exemption certificates for the carriage of immersion suits

For ships other than bulk carriers as defined in SOLAS Regulation IX/1 constantly engaged in voyages in warm climates (as defined above) that are not required to have immersion suits onboard, the issuance of Exemption certificate is no longer necessary.

MPA Guidelines:

1. Storage locations of immersion suits required by regulation III/32.3 of SOLAS 74 are not prescribed in the regulations. It is left to owners and operators to decide how best the storage of these immersion suits can be arranged to suit the operational needs and safety management system of the vessel.

2. The number of immersion suits to be provided in compliance with regulation III/32.3 of SOLAS 74 should correspond to the total number of persons indicated in section 2.1 (Total number of persons for which life-saving appliances are provided) of Form E (Record of equipment for the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate).

3. For ships whose actual number of crew is less than the total number of persons indicated in section 2.1 of Form E, the number of immersion suits in excess of the actual number of crew on board may be used to meet the requirement of regulation III/32.3.3 (additional immersion suits for persons normally on watch or working at watch or work stations).

4. The immersion suits provided in compliance with regulation III/32.3 of SOLAS 74 may be used for the purpose of compliance with regulation III/7.3 of SOLAS 74 (immersion suits for persons assigned to crew rescue boat or assigned to the marine evacuation system party).

5. There is no requirement to provide additional immersion suits at the location of the additional liferaft stowed as far forward or as far aft stipulated in regulation III/31.1.4.

6. It is not a requirement in the SOLAS 74 regulations to provide immersion suits for children on board. The master should ensure how best the existing immersion suits can be used for a child should it become necessary for a child to don an immersion suit and be evacuated into the sea. Children are not expected to participate in any preparatory activities in the event of emergency where falling into the water may be a probable consequence.

7. Regulation III/32.3.3 calls for additional immersion suits to be provided at any watch or work stations which are located remotely from the place or places where immersion suits are normally stowed. The main objective is to enable a duty personnel at a watch or work station to have immediate hold of an immersion suit at the watch or work station without having to leave the station. Generally, key duty personnel on watch or at a work station may have to hold on to their duty at the station till the very last minute in order to keep the ship in control or in cases where immediate evacuation of the watch or work station to emergency station is necessary, the additional immersion suits stowed at these watch or work stations will serve these duty personnel.

8. Work stations will depend on the organisation and structure of shipboard operation of the vessel. For example, if you were to asked yourself, “Where does the ship’s cook do his work”, and if your answer is “the galley”, it follows that the galley is a workstation, and has to be provided with an immersion suit or suits for the ship’s cook or cooks, if that work station is remotely located, i.e. not adjacent to the place where immersion suits are normally stowed.

9. Any watch or work station which is not on the same deck level as the place where immersion suits are stowed should be regarded as remote. Where the watch or work station is on the same deck level, then more than one compartment away should generally be regarded as remote depending on the generally arrangement of the ship.

10. The additional number of immersion suits to be provided at these remote locations should commensurate with the normal number of people working at these locations in accordance with the operational shipboard organisation and work structure of the ship so that every person normally working at these locations is provided with an immersion suit.

11. Notwithstanding the “UMS” capability of the vessel, sufficient additional immersion suits are required to be provided for day workers in the engine room, and in any other watch or work stations.

12. The ship’s bridge is regarded as a watch station and sufficient additional immersion suits are required to be provided for watch-keeping officers and any lookouts on the bridge. If you have onboard deep sea pilots on a voyage on watch keeping duties on the bridge, they are also to be provided with immersion suits on the watch keeping station.

13. If the forecastle deck store is a work station where crew members are working in the store, sufficient immersion suits are required to be provided for these crew members. However, if crew members simply go to the forecastle deck store to get anything stored there, it is not necessary to provide immersion suits in that location.

14. In cargo control room, if it is required to be manned during periods of time by a person on a voyage while at sea, then the cargo control room is a work station. Similarly, the same consideration may be used in respect of cargo pump room.

(memo MPA received 01/06/2011)

It has to be noticed that Singapore does not accept the concept of keeping immersion suits in air-tight packages.

Immersion suits and corresponding entry on Form E

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

The number of immersion suits as provided under Reg III/32.3 should correspond with the total number of persons indicated in Section 2.1 (Total number of persons for which life-saving appliances are provided) of Form E (Record of Equipment for the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate).

Requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear (MSC 402(96))

(Shipping Circular No. 11 of 2019 and Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

1. MPA has authorised eight (8) ROs to carry out the approval of service providers located in Singapore and overseas on its behalf. MPA will not carry out any direct approval of service providers. Service providers seeking approval should contact any of their ROs.

2. All service providers that carry out the services onboard SRS on or after 1 January 2020 will need to be approved by their ROs.

   The authorisation of service providers shall include demonstration of employment and documentation of personnel certified in accordance with the manufacturer's established certification programme. Personnel certified with a standard other than the manufacturer’s established certification programme will not be accepted.The only exception applies to the original equipment manufacturer when carrying out the services on its own equipment. In such cases, the original equipment manufacturer need not be approved by their ROs.

3. Regarding the certification of the service supplier, MPA has communicated that it is not mandatory to be ISO certified and the use of any documented and certified quality system that satisfy paragraph 7.1.5.1 to 7.1.5.8 of Resolution MSC.402(96) is acceptable.

4. Existing service providers approved are allowed to continue to provide services to SRS on or after 1 January 2020, subject to the RO’s confirmation that the service providers meet the requirements of MPA.

5. In cases where a manufacturer is no longer in business or no longer provides technical support, ROs may authorise service providers for the equipment on the basis of prior authorisation for the equipment and/or long-term experience and demonstrated expertise as an authorised service provider.

6. The services should normally be carried out by approved service providers. If there is no approved service provider at the port and there is an urgent need to carry out the services onboard SRS, the RO which issued the vessel’s Cargo Ship Safety Equipment certificate should be contacted to evaluate the suitability and acceptance of the proposed service provider. Upon satisfactory assessment that the service provider is competent to perform the services, the RO may accept the services, subject to the attending surveyor witnessing the services carried out onboard. Further approval from Administration for these instances are not required.

For further information, refer to attached file “sc_no_11_of_2019”.

Lifeboat on-load release mechanisms

(MPA - RO technical committee meeting dated 18/03/2015)

For rescue boat where shipowners had opted to equip with on-load release mechanism, the owners should ensure that the rescue boat remains capable of being safely launched in consideration of the revised LSA code.

MPA had previously granted approval, after the release mechanism were modified / replaced to be compliant, for the alternatives to the SOLAS requirement for lifeboat to be capable of being launched with the ship making headway at speeds up to 5 knots, i.e. simulating speed over water in propeller wash of a stationary tug, on the condition that it was dealt with to the satisfaction of the attending Recognised Organisation (RO)’s surveyor. This was dependent on the circumstances, and would be approved on a case by case basis.

First-aid outfits for lifeboats, liferafts and rescue boats

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

Notwithstanding the revised Chapter III of the 1996 SOLAS Amendments which apply to ships constructed on or after 1 July 1998 unless expressly provided otherwise, the Administration allows ships built before 1 July 1998 to comply with the revised Chapter II of the 1996 SOLAS Amendments in respect of first-aid outfits. Ship-owners may choose to carry first-aid outfits for lifeboats, life-rafts and rescue boats respectively with items as prescribed in Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) Regulations in force immediately prior to 1 July 1998 or with items as prescribed and approved by a Maritime Administration of an IMO member State for the purpose of paragraphs 4.4.8.20 (for lifeboats), 4.1.5.1.8 (for life-rafts) and 5.1.2.2.9 (for rescue boats) respectively of the LSA Code, as long as the approval is for international voyages.

Marking of ship’s name on the outside of canopy and underneath the bottom of liferafts as well as on its valise upon change of ship’s name (SOLAS 74, Regulation III/41.9)

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

Markings on inflatable liferafts for Singapore ships shall comply with the provisions of paragraphs 4.2.7.1 and 4.2.7.2 of Chapter IV of the LSA Code:

1. The liferaft shall be marked with:

   • maker’s name or trade mark;

   • serial number;

   • date of manufacture (month and year);

   • name of approving authority;

   • name and place of servicing station where it was last serviced; and

   • number of persons it is permitted to accommodate over each entrance in characters not less than 100mm in height of a colour contrasting with that of the liferaft.

2. Provision shall be made for marking each liferaft with the name and port of registry of the ship to which it is to be fitted, in such a form that the ship identification can be changed at any time without opening the container.

Equivalent life-saving arrangement

(Ships constructed either SOLAS 1960 or SOLAS 1974, non amended)

Refer to the IMO SLS 14/Circ.15 of 23/02/1975.

The Government of Singapore has accepted the following equivalent arrangement under the provisions of Regulation 5, Chapter I of SOLAS, 1974:

“Every cargo ship of 500 grt and upwards, but less than 1,600 grt except tankers, may be equipped as follows:

1. on each side of the ship, one or more liferafts of sufficient aggregate capacity to accommodate all persons on board,

2. a rescue boat of an approved type which is capable of being launched on one side of the ship,

3. an efficient mechanical device capable of launching and recovering the rescue boat”

Magnetic compass

(SOLAS 74 Regulation V/12(b)(i))

All ships must be equipped with 2 magnetic compasses in binnacles (one standard and one steering compass) at suitable locations on ship’s centre line.

The steering compass can be located at the emergency steering position provided a gyro-compass with rudder angle indicator is fitted at the normal steering position, and provided that standard compass bearings can be taken at the normal steering position.

If an emergency steering position is not fitted, but above arrangements are available, the steering compass is not required provided a spare compass is supplied.

(SOLAS 74 Regulation V/12(f))

The magnetic compass shall comply with the following:

1. the graduation on the card shall be marked in single degrees and shall start from North (0 or 360 degrees) and read in clockwise direction as viewed from above,

2. the card may also be marked in points, half-points and quarter-points,

3. the lubber mark shall be readable by a per on of normal vision,

   1. either at a distance of one metre,

   2. or the size of the card shall not be less than that of the standard steering compass,

   3. or a liquid compass card diameter shall not be less than 150 mm.

BNWAS

(SOLAS 74 Regulation V/19)

(Shipping Circular No 21 of 2010)

MPA Singapore reminds that according to SOLAS Regulation V/18.2 (approval, surveys and performance standards of navigational systems and equipment and voyage data recorder), the BNWAS fitted is required to conform to performance standards adopted by the IMO MSC and that performance standards for BNWAS have been established and were adopted by the IMO MSC on 20^th May 2002 by IMO Resolution MSC.128(75).

MPA Singapore requires that all BNWAS, including those fitted prior to 1 July 2011, are required to be type-approved to conform fully with the performance standards for BNWAS specified in MSC.128(75). Those fitted prior to 1^st July 2011 which are not compliant to MSC.128(75) shall be replaced accordingly upon the phase-in dates.

(Email from MPA dated 13/06/2011)

MPA of Singapore considers that motion sensors or Passive Infra-Red (PIR) devices (even if they are labelled by their manufacturer as “bridge watch alarm systems”) do not meet the performance standards (MSC.128(75)) or the intent of the SOLAS regulation on BNWAS and therefore are not accepted to be installed (instead of a BNWAS) on board Singapore flag ships.

(Email from MPA dated 01/02/2013)

Pending amendments to the SOLAS regulations or performance standards for BNWAS (resolution MSC.128(75)), and on a case by case basis if the ship owner applies for it, the MPA may consider allowing the BNWAS not to be connected to the vessel’s auto-pilot on existing vessels where there have been difficulties to interface a type-approved BNWAS (fully compliant with the performance standards in resolution MSC.128(75)) with the ship’s heading or track control system to effect the automatic function, subject to the following conditions:

1. the ship’s master to ensure that the BNWAS is in operation at all times when the ship is underway, irrespective of whether the vessel is on “auto-pilot” or “manual” steering mode in order to comply with SOLAS Regulation V/19.2.2.3; and

2. the safety management system on the vessel shall provide for procedure to ensure that the above condition is complied with at all times when the vessel is underway.

ECDIS

(SOLAS 74 Regulation V/19)

Refer to the Shipping Circular No. 25 of 2015 in the attached file “ShippingCircularNo25-2015”.

MPA authorises Recognised Organisation (RO) to carry out type approval and certification for any ship transiting to ECDIS.

VDR

(Administration email dated 03/07/22)

The Administration accept IACS’s Unified Interpretation (UI) SC 295  for the phrase of “installed on or after 01 July 2022” for the application of Resolution MSC.494(104) – Amendments to the Performance Standards for Shipborne Voyage Data Recorders (VDRs) (Resolution MSC.333(90)). This is an interim acceptance to apply IACS’s UI SC 295 while pending MSC Committee to consider and approve UI for the phrase “installed on or after 1 July 2022”.

LRIT

(Shipping Circular No. 04 of 2020)

Pole Star Space Applications Limited (“Pole Star”) is appointed as Singapore Registry of Ships’ recognised Application Service Providers (ASP) and operator of the Singapore LRIT National Data Centre with effect from 1 March 2020.

The Administration has also appointed Fulcrum Maritime Systems Ltd (Fulcrum), part of CLS Group, Kemilinks International Pte. Ltd. and Pole Star Space Applications Limited (Pole Star), as authorised testing ASPs to conduct conformance testing for Singapore ships, in accordance with procedures and provisions set out in MSC.1/Circ.1307.

In accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1307, when a ship undergoes a transfer of flag, the Test Result is considered as remaining valid if the ASP which conducted the conformance test under the previous flag is also recognised by the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS).

For further information, refer to the attached file “sc_no_4_of_2020.pdf”.

LRIT Conformance test during change of flag survey

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

LRIT conformance test may not be completed before Recognised Organisation (RO) complete the change of flag survey due to the following reasons: network interference, signal instability and lead time required to obtain the conformance test results etc.

Considering the above, Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized to issue a short-term cargo ship safety radio certificate and/or a short-term cargo ship safety equipment certificate, valid up to a period of one month upon satisfactory completion of the change of flag survey, pending the LRIT conformance test report to be verified to the satisfaction of Recognised Organisation (RO), subject to the following conditions:

1. AIS are confirmed to be in good and operational condition.

2. The master to notify port and coastal states and provide LRIT data manually, if so requested.

3. Appropriate entries are made into the logbook.

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to verify the LRIT conformance test once completed and to issue a full-term safety equipment certificate by means of remote survey, provided remote survey to be carried out in accordance with applicable remote survey procedures and relevant requirements, and to the satisfaction of attending class surveyor.

Exemption for ships with AIS operating exclusively in sea area A1

(Administration email dated 20/05/2026)

Pursuant to SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 19-1.4.2, ships fitted with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) and operated exclusively within Sea Area A1 and with the ship’s Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate duly reflects that the ship is certified to operate within Sea Area A1, compliance with the provisions of SOLAS Regulation V/19-1 (LRIT equipment) is not required, and no separate application for exemption is necessary. With immediate effect from 20 May 2026, Recognised Organisation (RO) is not required to submit a separate application for exemption.

Acceptance of equipment for use on Singapore registered ships

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized to approve and accept the equipment for use on Singapore ships on behalf of the Administration when:

1. The equipment is approved and fully certificated to the applicable IMO requirements by any of the ROs. Such approved equipment shall bear the marking of the RO that carried out the type approval. The marking shall be traceable to the certification and test documentation for the equipment; or;

2. The equipment is approved by Recognised Organisation (RO) or by a duly authorized Notified Body under the Marine Equipment Directive 96/98/EC (EC MED) and issued with valid and appropriate MED Certificates, and marked accordingly; or:

3. The equipment is approved by another SOLAS/ MARPOL contracting government whose approval process is recognised by the Administration.

(Email from the Administration dated 11/06/2012)

The approved equipment as listed in MEPC.5/Circ.9 dated 31 August 2005 is deemed as acceptable for use on Singapore registered vessels. The equipment contained in the annexes of this MEPC circular is non-exhaustive as non-entry of equipment may not necessarily mean that such equipment has not been approved by Governments.

(Letter, To whom it may concern, from the Administration, ref: FSC 2.6 - No.2 (2013), dated 28^th January 2013, “Equipment Type-Approved by Nippon Hakuyohin Kentei Kyokai (HK), Japan”)

See the attached files “MPA_APPROVAL_LETTER-HK_APPROVED_EQUIPMENT”, “APPENDIX1_TO_MPA_APPROVAL_LETTER” and “APPENDIX2_TO_MPA_APPROVAL_LETTER”.

The Government of Singapore accepts, for use on Singapore-registered ships for the purpose of relevant IMO Conventions regulations as may be amended, provided that the equipment remains in good order and satisfactory in service, the equipment as listed in above referenced Appendix 1 and 2.

Recognised Organisation (RO) surveyors are reminded to use this approval letter and two appendices for checking whether equipment provided on board is covered by them – surveyors need not further submit an application for another approval letter for any equipment already included in these appendices.

Acceptance of lifeboats requiring to comply with MSC.323(89) (newbuilding vessels)

(Email from the Administration dated 24/03/2014)

For Singapore registered vessels, MSC.323(89) is effective for LSAs (Life-Saving Appliances) installed on or after 01-July-2013.

To be considered as acceptable and be covered in the Administration’s approval letter, lifeboats installed on or after 01-July-2013 will be deemed as having met the requirements of MSC.323(89) IF the following conditions are achieved:

The above clarification with respect to MSC.323(89) is applicable to lifeboats only or lifeboats-cum-rescue boats.

The specified test standards generally stated on approval certificates for LSAs as “MSC.81(70) as amended” is unclear as to which actual amendments to MSC.81(70) a product is compliant with and as such the equipment is not to be accepted without official clarification from the approval or Notified Body issuing the approval certificate.Some certifying bodies have already begun to issue for other LSAs that are compliant with MSC.81(70) as amended up to and including MSC.323(89).

Extended liferafts on Singapore Registered Ships

Untitled

(MPA-RO Technical Committee dated 24/07/2018)

MPA’s requirements for the use of liferafts with extended servicing interval (30 months) on Singapore ships: - manufacturers are to first obtain approval on the specific type/model from MPA; and - ships wishing to use these approved type/models onboard are to apply for a “Letter of equivalence” from MPA.

The extended servicing inflatable liferafts are to be serviced at an approved servicing station authorised by the liferaft manufacturer at intervals not exceeding 30 months for the first 10 years of their service lives, and thereafter at the frequency required by SOLAS regulation III/20.8.1.1.

Attending surveyors are requested to verify compliance.

Untitled

(Administration email dated 09/10/2019)

MPA has given his approval in principle for extending the servicing of:

• SURVITEC GROUP ESR / ESP (Extended Service Intervals) inflatable liferafts manufactured by SURVITEC GROUP (see attached file “Survitec Group Ltd.pdf”),

• VIKING S30 EPS (Extended Packing Service) / ESI (Extended Service Intervals) inflatable liferafts manufactured by Viking Life-Saving Equipment A/S, Esbjerg V., Denmark, (see attached file “Viking - Viking Approval for 30 months EPS ESI type liferaft 20250325”)

up to a maximum period of 30 months.

Any shipowner or operator wishing to use SURVITEC GROUP ESR / ESP liferafts and VIKING S30 EPS / ESI liferafts on their ships and would like to have the extended servicing intervals of 30-month schedule shall be advised to write to MPA for a letter of equivalent arrangement for the extended servicing interval.

Stowage of lifeboat(s) on cargo ships

Singapore registered cargo ships shall comply with SOLAS Regulation III/11.1. Cargo ships that had deviated from SOLAS Regulation III/11.1 will have a general arrangement with accommodation superstructure located at the forward and with lifeboat(s) and its launching appliances stowed at the stern. Cargo area is between the accommodation superstructure and the lifeboat(s).

The Administration do not accept Singapore registered cargo ship’s lifeboat(s) and its launching appliances to be stowed away from the accommodation and service spaces as it would pose risk to the personnel as they need to pass through the cargo area to reach the lifeboat(s) for evacuation in the event of emergency.

Recognised Organisation (RO) is requested to verify for compliance with SOLAS Regulation III/11.1 for newly constructed and existing cargo ships that will be registering with Singapore registry.

For cargo ships that are already in Singapore registry, Recognised Organisation (RO) is requested to verify compliance at next periodical cargo ship Safety Equipment survey. Recognised Organisation (RO) should notify for non-compliance observed onboard Singapore ship via email to shipping@mpa.gov.sg.

Use of wire-rope grips in lifesaving equipment

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

Wire-rope grips for the falls of life-saving appliances, such as bulldog grips, are not acceptable for any primary load-bearing terminations. This includes falls for lifeboats, rescue boats and davit-launched life-rafts as well as hanging off pendants and recovery strops. Where wire rope grips are found to have been used on primary load-bearing terminations, suitable arrangements must be made for their replacement. It is to be applied to both new and existing vessels.

For existing vessels, Recognised Organisation (RO) is requested to check onboard ships at the next Safety Equipment Survey and report any non-compliance found to the Administration for further instructions (see ASMS2 item SGP024).

When non-compliance is found, Recognised Organisation (RO) to assess the condition of the falls of the life-saving appliances and wire-rope grip arrangements; and the Company to submit proposed rectification plan with the Master’s risk assessment.

The attending surveyor should write an email to notify the Administration of the non-compliance sighted on-board and inform the Administration of the actions taken. The Administration will follow up with ship owner upon receiving the notification from Recognised Organisation (RO) and may instruct Recognised Organisation (RO) to insert a statutory recommendation (if required).

Dispensation for single voyage with reduced navigational bridge visibility

(MPA-RO Technical Committee Meeting dated 19/04/2024)

With effect from 01 October 2024, Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to process and issue short-term certificate on behalf of the flag Administration to Singapore-registered ships with reduced navigation bridge visibility not in compliance with SOLAS Regulation V/22.1.1 and V/22.1.2 due to the carriage of deck cargo (e.g. windmill blades).

Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue a short-term Cargo Ship Safety Equipment certificate and/or a short-term Cargo Ship Safety Construction certificate with a validity of not more than (two) 2 months upon satisfactory review of the documents submitted by the Singapore-registered ships operators, owners and/or company, and confirming that the reduced navigation bridge visibility is within the limitation as defined in Reduced navigation bridge visibility and the conditions stipulated hereafter.

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall only issue the short-term certificate to Singapore-registered ships with reduced navigation bridge visibility that is within the limitation (as marked with “√”) in Reduced navigation bridge visibility. Recognised Organisation (RO) shall not issue short-term certificate that is outside the limitation (as marked with “X”) in Reduced navigation bridge visibility.

To avoid Singapore-flagged ships with excessive blind sectors and obstruction of the view of the sea surface and to ensure safe navigation, as well as to avert any PSC intervention, Recognised Organisation (RO) shall take into account the limitation stated in the matrix table above in Reduced navigation bridge visibility with the control measures stipulated here after while processing the application.

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall review and accept the proposed arrangement submitted by the Singapore-registered ship owner, manager and/or company to compensate the reduction of navigation bridge visibility as required by SOLAS Regulations V/22.1.1 and V/22.1.2 to allow the vessel to undertake the intended voyage, on the condition that the local competent authority of the loading and discharging port has accepted/approved the ship with the reduction of navigation bridge visibility and the control measures put in place.

The authorisation grant to Recognised Organisation (RO) to issue the short-term certificate from the reduction of navigation bridge visibility is subjected to the following conditions verified to the satisfaction of attending Recognised Organisation (RO) surveyor, the Company and the Master:

1. The master shall take into account of the reduced navigation bridge visibility and take necessary precaution in planning and executing the intended voyage safely and implement the risk control measures as per risk assessment;

2. Additional lookout to be deployed at ship’s forward and establish two-way communications whenever deemed necessary by the master to compensate for the loss of bridge visibility;

3. At least two individual remote cameras are to be installed (with main and emergency power source) at compass deck and/or at forward with two separate monitoring to be provided at overhead conning location for continuous monitoring to achieve the view of blind sector (The second monitor/camera as additional redundant in case the first camera/monitor failure). The arrangement is verified to the satisfaction of the attending class surveyor;

4. Blind sector diagram to be posted at main navigation bridge (reduced of navigation bridge visibility) for OOW’s attention;

5. Company/Master to develop & established appropriate procedures for the reduction of navigation bridge visibility and the Master to ensure all OOW/Bridge team are fully aware of the new navigational procedures for this single trip voyage;

6. If the unit intends to transit in congested waterways, the company should have adequate measures (such as, engaging tugs etc.) in place for assisting the unit for safe passage which includes the broadcasting of safety messages to warn other vessels in the vicinity;

7. The vessel loading shall comply with approved cargo stowage and securing arrangement and comply with the approved structural strength and stability;

8. If there is any deviation to the stipulated conditions in the approval, damage or deterioration that requires early attention during the voyage, the company/master shall immediately take appropriate control measure, and report to class and MPA;

9. It remains the responsibility of the Company and the Master to ensure that the ship execute safe navigational with all the appropriate measures put in place for the intended voyage;

10. Master / Pilot exchange to be adequately carried out and ensure that the current arrangement is accepted by pilot/port authority; and

11. The Master shall comply with any conditions that may be imposed by Recognised Organisation (RO) and the competent authority of the loading and discharging port.

Ban of PFOS in Fire Fighting Foams

(MPA-RO Technical Committee dated 08/10/2025)

The Administration temporarily allows ROs to assess and accept the accredited laboratory and recognised standards (e.g. CEN/TS 15968) to be used for sampling and testing presence of PFOS of extinguishing media installed before 1 January 2026, where the maker's declaration or laboratory test reports are not available.

Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate

GMDSS - INMARSAT standard-C ship earth stations

Performance standards - IMO Resolutions A.663(16) and A.807(19)

(Messages SV 1.4.7/12 dated May 97 and 1.4.9/4 dated February 98)

INMARSAT standard-C ship earth stations installed in compliance with the revised chapter IV of the 1988 SOLAS amendments shall comply with performance standards adopted by IMO.

In accordance with the performance standards for INMARSAT standard-C ship earth stations capable of transmitting and receiving direct-printing communications adopted by IMO Resolution A.663(16), paragraph 3.2 states that it should be possible to initiate and make distress calls from the position from which the ship is normally navigated and from at least one other position designated for distress alerting.This means that thre should be at least two locations from which a person can initiate and make distress calls, one from the position from which the ship is normally navigated and another one from a designated position. The ship owner or operator or installation design must define this secondary position in accordance with the distress operating procedure of the ship.

IMMARSAT-C ship earth stations installed on ships on or after 1 February 1992 in compliance with the revised Chapter IV (GMDSS) of SOLAS 74 are to conform to the performance standards not inferior to the following performance standards:

1. IMO Resolution A.663(16) for stations installed before 23 November 1996

2. IMO Resolution A.807(19) for stations installed on or after 23 November 1996

Station installed on ships before 1 February 1992 may be exempted from full compliance with resolution A.663(16) provided that they are compatible with stations conforming to resolution A.663(16).

GMDSS - Radio personnel

(Letter SV 4.2.3/9 dated March 98)

Ships fitted with GMDSS equipment are required to carry personnel qualified for distress and safety radiocommunication purposes, any one of whom shall be designated to have primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress incidents. These personnel are required to hold appropriate certificates specified in the radio regulations. The carriage requirements of radio personnel are as follows:

Exemption for full compliance with GMDSS sea area A1 for voyage within 30 miles limits from the port limits of Singapore

(Message SV 4.2.3/8 March 99)

Ships trading within 30 miles from the Singapore ports limits and proceeding no more than 20 from the nearest lands may be exempted from full compliance with the requirements of GMDSS sea area A1 (SOLAS Regulations IV/7 and IV/8) provided they are equipped with the following:

1. A VHF radiotelephone installation working at least on channel 6, 13 and 16 subject to coast station keeping a watch on channel 16,

2. A satellite (406 MHz) EPIRB or a VHF (Channel 70) EPIRB,

3. At least two two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus,

4. A NAVTEX receiver,

5. A radar transponder (not required at this stage).

The initial Exemption Certificate is issued by the Director of Marine. The certificate may be renewed by Recognised Organisation (RO) after a satisfactory radio survey. Reference is made to the initial exemption approval on the newly issued certificate.

Transponders - Port entry requirement

Refer to the Port Marine Notice No 175 of 2011 in the attached file “PortMarineNotice175of2011”.

With effect from 1 January 2012, power-driven vessels not under tow shall, at all times while the vessel is within the port, ensure that there is installed and maintained in operation on board the vessel a transponder.

The approved transponders to be fitted must be one of the following types:

1. A transponder that complies with the requirements of an Automatic Identification System (AIS) in Regulation 19(b)(iv)(5) of Chapter V of the international convention for the Safety Of Life At Sea 1974 as amended from time to time; or

2. A transponder that is approved for use within the port by the MPA or the port master.

Revised maritime frequencies and channelling arrangements

(MPA Circular No29, superseding previous circular No23)

Initially, High Frequency (HF) radiocommunication equipment capable of operating narrow-band direct printing (NBDP) should be updated by the first radio survey after 1 January 2017. In order to avoid any unnecessary updates of HF radiocommunication equipment that is already capable of operating NBDP, the Maritime Safety Committee advise that HF radiocommunication equipment capable of operating NBDP should be updated by the first radio survey after 1 January 2024.

In line with the above, Singapore ships equipped with HF NBDP radiocommunication equipment need not be updated until the first radio survey after 1 January 2024.

For VHF equipment, in view that GMDSS's important channels are not amended and that there are many other existing VHF channels that can still be used for communication between the new and existing VHF equipment. The VHF radio communication equipment is deemed suitable for continued use onboard, unless otherwise required by the ship’s port of call operating the upgraded VHF channels or until such time when replaced or repaired which involve its replacement, shall then comply with the new channelling requirements.

For further information please refer to attached file “sc_no_29_of_2016.pdf”.

EPIRB

(MPA-RO Technical Committee Meeting dated 08/03/2019)

The Administration accepts the Unified Interpretation (MSC.1/Circ.1576) regarding the annual test of the EPIRBs which shall be carried out within the “time window” of the prescribed survey, but not later than the date of completion of the survey for endorsement / renewal of the relevant Certificate.

(Administration email dated 03/07/22)

The Administration accept IACS’s Unified Interpretation (UI) SC 295  for the phrase of “installed on or after 01 July 2022” for the application of Resolution MSC.471(101) - Performance Standards for Float-free Emergency Position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) Operating on 406 MHz. This is an interim acceptance to apply IACS’s UI SC 295 while pending MSC Committee to consider and approve UI for the phrase “installed on or after 1 July 2022”.

GMDSS - Delays affecting availability

(Administration email dated 20/03/2024)

In accordance with attached MSC.1/Circ.1676, there is delays affecting the availability of new GMDSS equipment compliant with MSC.496(105) (Amendments to SOLAS Regulations IV/10.1), therefore the Maritime Safety Committee, at its 105th session Committee invited Member States to consider permitting until 1 January 2028 the continued installation of:

• shipborne VHF radio installations conforming to performance standards not inferior to those specified in the annex to resolution A.803(19), as amended;

• shipborne MF and MF/HF radio installations conforming to performance standards not inferior to those specified in the annex to resolutions A.804(19), as amended and A.806(19), as amended; and

• Inmarsat-C ship earth stations conforming to performance standards not inferior to those specified in the annex to resolution A.807(19), as amended and the installation dates for the relevant Performance Standards for equipment has been amended to 1 January 2028.

The Administration has permitted the continued installation of new GMDSS equipment in accordance to MSC.1/Circ.1676 until 1 January 2028.

GMDSS Modernization (COMSAR.1/Circ.32/Rev.3)

(Administration email dated 13/01/2025)

Considering the outcome of MSC 109, clarifying that for operating in sea area A3, a single MF/HF radio installation may be accepted both as a primary MF radio installation and a duplicated MF/HF radio installation, the Administration accepts the implementation of the requirement in COMSAR.1/Circ.32/Rev.3 to Singapore-registered ships.

Passenger Ship Safety Certificate

Refer also to Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate, Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate and Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate, as relevant.

Servicing and age limit of inflatable liferafts

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

With immediate effect, liferafts on Singapore passenger ships shall be serviced only at MPA-approved liferaft servicing stations. Shipowners and operators of Singapore passenger ships shall engage only MPA-approved liferaft servicing stations that are authorized to service the make/type of liferafts for their Singapore passenger ships.

The age limit of inflatable liferafts carried on Singapore passenger ships will be capped at 15 years from the date of manufacture of the liferafts. Liferafts should be promptly replaced when they reach this age limit.

Servicing of liferafts should only carried out by OEM/RO approved service providers in foreign ports. In the absence of OEM/RO approved liferaft servicing stations, an application for the extension of liferaft servicing interval should be submitted to Administration.

Alterations to passenger ships

(Shipping Circular No.9 of 2017)

Before making any changes to the structural arrangements, machinery, equipment and other items on their passenger ships, Owners are required to obtain consent from the Administration or Recognised Organisation (RO) who will determine whether a survey is required; and to report to the Director or Recognised Organisation (RO), after completing such alteration or change to their passenger ships.

For further information, refer to attached file “SC_no_9_of_2017 - Alterations, defect reporting & lightweight survey on passenger ships”

Five-yearly lightweight survey for passenger ships

(Shipping Circular No.9 of 2017)

All passenger ships engaged on international voyages are to undergo a periodic lightweight survey at intervals not exceeding five (5) years to verify any changes in lightship displacement and longitudinal centre of gravity. The ship is required to be re-inclined whenever, in comparison with the approved stability information, a deviation from the lightweight displacement exceeding 2%, or a deviation of the longitudinal centre of gravity exceeding 1% of L (see note) is found or anticipated.

If a lightweight survey has not been carried out on a Singapore passenger ship in the last five (5) years, the owner or master must arrange for the ship to undergo a lightweight survey at the first scheduled Passenger Ship Safety renewal survey. MPA or Recognised Organisation (RO) is to be notified to witness the lightweight survey and if required, the re-inclining test. After conducting the lightweight survey or inclining test, the survey and/or test report (as the case may be) must be submitted to MPA or Recognised Organisation (RO) for approval before the stability information of the ship is updated based on the approved lightweight data.

SOLAS Codes

HSC Code

(Message SGP 026066 dated 22 April 2009)

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized to issue HSC Safety Certificate, under Agreement terms (item 3.7.1 of the Appendix, see Appendix 1 to the Agreement).

Permit To Operate (PTO) HSC

(Email from the Administration dated 27/04/2012)

The previous authorization for Recognised Organisation (RO) to issue a PTO HSC (in addition to the HSC Safety Certificate, as per 2000 HSC Code requirements) is revoked.

The PTOs issued by MPA are valid for one year and subject to annual renewal, whereas the PTOs issued by Recognised Organisation (RO) are valid for 5 years without annual audits / endorsements.

In this regards, for the PTOs that were issued by Recognised Organisation (RO), which are valid for five years, MPA allows these PTOs to remain valid, provided, like MPA, Recognised Organisation (RO) carries out annual PTO audits, performed according to the checklist, as in the attached file “Permit To Operate(HSC)”.

(At each HSC periodical survey (within 3 months before or after the anniversary date of the HSC Safety Certificate), the annual PTO shall be concurrently carried out by a duly certified Recognised Organisation (RO) auditor. The “Permit to Operate Checklist” (as in the attached file “Permit To Operate(HSC)”) shall be completed and attached electronically to the survey report. Findings and outcome of the PTO audit shall be reported accordingly.)

Once these PTOs expire, MPA will take over the issuance of the PTOs. Alternatively, MPA may take over the issuance of the PTO at the forthcoming anniversary date of the permits.

For any new or renewal of PTO, the owners are to apply through MPA directly.

POLAR Code

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

With effect from 1 January 2017, Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to perform the statutory certification and services in relation to the “Polar Code”, applicable to Singapore ships and companies operating Singapore ships, on behalf of the Director.

NOISE Code

Noise levels on board ship

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

1. The Administration will be applying noise limit to Singapore registered new ships below 1600GT. Refer to Noise limit to new ship below 1600GT

2. For High Speed Craft complying with the 2000 HSC Code, the noise levels shall not exceed the requirement specified in Chapter 4.10 of the Code.

Noise limit to new ship below 1600GT

(MPA Shipping Circular No.28/2017)

The Administration will be applying noise limit to service, working and accommodation spaces of Singapore registered new ship below 1600GT that is keel laid on or after 01^st July 2018.

New ship shall on completion of the construction, or as soon as practicable thereafter, measure the noise levels in spaces specified in section 4.2 under the operating conditions specified in sections 3.3 and 3.4 of the Noise Code.

New ship that change to Singapore registry after delivery, should carry out the noise measurement survey on their first scheduled statutory renewal survey to ensure that standards in para.3 of circular No.28/2017 can be complied with.

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall witness the noise measurement survey to ensure that the noise levels in all spaces are as far as practicable within the requirement specified in section 4.2 of the Noise Code and does not exceed the noise limit for spaces specified in para.3 of this circular. After completing the noise measurement survey, a noise measurement survey report shall be made for each new ship and endorsed by the classification society. The noise measurement survey report shall be made available on board the ship.

For further information, refer to attached file “sc_no_28_of_2017”.

IBC Code

Criteria for acceptance of Chemical Tankers Type 2 and 3

(MPA-RO Technical Committee dated 24/07/2018)

The same procedures regarding handling of multiple load line E-Certs as per Handling of Multiple Load Line certificates issued in Electronic format shall be adopted for ships issued with “Type 2” and “Type 3” chemical tankers. In this case, the Master is required to record in the deck log book, the following information: - date of change; - the certificate number of the certificate of fitness in use.

Exemption from carriages of toxic vapour detection equipment required under Chapter 13.2.3 of the IBC Code

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

In view that the toxic vapour detection equipment for the product “Non-edible industrial grade palm oil” is not available, in accordance with the provision of Chapter 13.2.3 of the IBC Code, Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to exempt the vessel from the requirement of toxic-vapour-detection equipment by 13.2.1, subject to but not limited to the following to be verified by Recognised Organisation (RO):

1. Vessel complies with the requirements of 13.2.3, 14.2.4 and 16.4.2.2 of the IBC code;

2. Entry shall be made on the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk, drawing attention to the provisions of 14.2.4 and 16.4.2.2;

3. Vessel has a proper procedure for enclosed space entry taking into account 16.4.2.2 of the IBC Code; and

4. This exemption will cease to be valid when the toxic vapour detection equipment is available for products listed as “T or FT” (toxic or flammable toxic vapours) in column “k” in the table of Chapter 17 of the IBC code.

IP Code

(Shipping Circular No.4 of 2023)

Ships that have complied with Resolution MSC.418(97) and are certificated to the Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships, 2008 (2008 SPS Code) before 1 July 2024, are considered as eligible for certification to the IP Code by meeting only the requirements of regulations lll/1, lll/2 (except for paragraph 2.1.7), V/7 and V/8 of the IP Code.

Ships that meet the conditions in above paragraph and wishes to continue to carry industrial personnel shall be certificated to the IP Code by the first intermediate or renewal survey, whichever occurs first, after 1 July 2024 for cargo ships, and by the third periodical or first renewal survey, whichever occurs first, after 1 July 2024 for high-speed cargo crafts. Shipowners are reminded that the full requirements of the IP Code shall apply if the ships are not certificated to the IP Code by the above timeline.

Cargo ships and high-speed cargo crafts, irrespective of date of construction, which prior to the 1 July 2024 have not been authorised by the Administration to carry more than 12 industrial personnel based on Resolution MSC.418(97), shall comply with the full requirements of the IP Code prior to the carriage of more than 12 industrial personnel on board.

(Administration email dated 02/05/2024 and Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

The Administration has received enquiries with regard to paragraph III/2.2 of the IP Code on the installation of transfer appliances and whether the installation of personnel transfer arrangement is to be mandatorily applied to ships subjected to the IP Code after 1 July 2024.

In consideration that it would not be practicable for the IP Code vessel to be fitted with transfer arrangements that are suitable for use with all offshore platforms e.g. on a MODU where the height far exceeds that of the IP Code vessel itself and further recalling the discussions at the IMO Subcommittee Ship Design and Construction where the IP Code was developed, the Administration is of the view that the IP Code was written without the intention to require personnel transfer systems to be installed on board the IP ships themselves.

The above instruction is to be applied to both new IP Code vessels as defined in SOLAS XV/3.1 and existing vessels that are eligible to apply the “grandfathering clause” as defined in SOLAS XV/3.2 that is due to EIF on 1 July 2024.

IGC code

Filling Limit (FL) beyond 98% limit specified

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to grant acceptance for the gas carriers to have an increased filling limit (FL) of 99.0% of the reference temperature when carrying ethane or LPG as cargo under the provision of Chapter 15.4.1 of the IGC Code, provided that the vessel complies with the risk control measures as per risk assessment, subject to but not limited to the following conditions being verified to the satisfaction of Recognised Organisation (RO):

1. The filling limit (FL) for the cargo tanks shall in no case exceed 99.0% at the reference loading temperature;

2. The conditions in chapter 15.4.1.1 to 15.4.1.3 shall be complied with when the vessel is under 15° list and 0.015 L trim as required by Chapter 8.2.17 of the IGC Code;

3. The cargo tanks, hull structure and ship’s stability shall be designed and constructed to take the additional cargo weight;

4. The risk reduction recommendations/measures as identified from the risk assessment study shall be implemented onboard the vessels;

5. The information as required by Chapter 15.6 of the IGC Code shall be documented and permanently kept on board by the master; and

6. The vessel shall comply with the filling limit restrictions that may be subjected by the port Authority or terminal operators.

The Administration also accepts the above arrangements as an equivalent arrangement under chapter 1.3 of the IGC Code, subject to the conditions that Recognised Organisation (RO) have verified and is satisfied with the arrangement.

IGF Code

Fire protection in regulation 11.3.2.1

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

According to regulation 11.3.2.1 of the IGF Code as amended by Resolution MSC.567(109), a A-60 class division is required for escape routes located on the open deck facing the fuel tanks. The use of heat analysis will be considered by the Administration on a case-by-case basis to provide protection equivalent to an A-60 class division for escape routes located on the open deck, as provided for in the amended regulation 11.3.2.1 of the IGF Code.

For Singapore-registered ship constructed before 1 January 2028 which do not have A-60 protection for their escape routes facing the fuel tanks, Recognised Organisation (RO) shall seek Administration’s acceptance on conducting a heat analysis to provide protection equivalent to an A-60 class division. If the heat analysis fails, the affected vessels would need to install A-60 class division for the escape routes facing the fuel tanks by the next scheduled dry docking.

Fire protection in regulation 11.3.3

(MPA-RO Technical Committee dated 19/03/2026)

Taking into 2.2.15, 11.3.1 of the IGF Code and IACS UI GF 17 on the interpretation of “other rooms with high fire risk”, all Singapore-registered ships shall comply with Regulation 11.3.3 of the IGF Code for the bulkhead separating the Fuel Preparation Room (FPR) and the Tank Connection Space (TCS) with a cofferdam of at least 900 mm and A-60 class insulation.

Other options may be further explored and assessed accordingly to ensure compliance with IGF Code and safety is not compromised. Omission of the cofferdam may be considered on a case-by-case basis, where it can be demonstrated that the FPR does not present a high fire risk and that an equivalent level of safety is achieved.

Others

Cargo securing manual

(Message SG 23 /002 dated 8 April 1996)

The Society is authorised to review and approve the cargo securing manual on behalf of MPA.

Alternative fuels

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

All Singapore-registered ships are to comply with the respective guidelines when using the associated fuel(s):

1. MSC.1/Circ.1621 - Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships using Methyl/Ethyl Alcohol as Fuel

2. MSC.1/Circ.1666 - Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships using LPG Fuels

3. MSC.1/Circ.1679 - Interim Guidelines for the Use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Cargo as Fuel

4. MSC.1/Circ.1687 - Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships using Ammonia as Fuel

5. MSC.1/Circ. XXXX - Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships using Ammonia as Fuel (Pending MSC 111’s approval)

6. MSC.1/Circ. XXXX - Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships using Ammonia as Fuel (Pending MSC 111’s approval)

All Singapore-registered ships using hydrogen or ammonia cargo as fuel should comply with the respective interim guidelines in (e) and (f) respectively, pending MSC 111’s approval in May 2026.

When necessary, Alternative Design and Arrangements (ADAs) will be considered with justified reasons as proposed by the Owner / Recognised Organisation (RO) to address any gaps. For vessels undergoing change of flag to Singapore, all vessels are to comply with the relevant interim guidelines and to highlight any ADAs for Administration’s review and approval.

For the use of the alternative fuels, upon completion of the relevant surveys, Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate (SC Cert) may be issued and submitted to the Administration, paying special attention to the following:

• Under Section 2.2 of SC Cert, include the type of fuel used;

• Section 5 and 6 of SC Cert would be applicable if the vessel is subject to an alternative design and arrangements, which deviates from the interim guidelines;

• Under comments of SC Cert, include a note specifying which equipment using the specific type of fuel.

Refer also to Alternative fuelled and new technologies ships.

MARPOL 73/78

Annex I. IOPP certificate

Regulation 12A

(Email from the Administration dated 11/12/2014)

The MPA’s interpretations on the application of Regulation 12A of the revised MARPOL Annex I when carrying out modification to the existing fuel oil or non fuel oil tank for the carriage of low sulphur fuel oil are as follows:

1. For ship that is delivery before 1^st August 2010 as specifies in Regulation 1.28.9 of the revised MARPOL Annex I:

   These ships when carrying out modification to the existing fuel oil tanks or conversion of non fuel oil tank for the carriage of low sulphur fuel is not considered as a “major conversion” as defined in Regulation 1.9 of the revised MARPOL Annex I.

   Therefore, these ships are not required to comply with Regulation 12A of the revised MARPOL Annex I.

2. For ship that is delivery after 1^st August 2010:

   • Ship carrying out fuel oil tank modification, the fuel tank have to comply with Regulation 12A.6,.7 or.8 of the revised MARPOL Annex I. However, Recognised Organisation (RO) may apply the alternative method “accidental oil fuel outflow performance standard” as specifies in with Regulation 12A.11 if the vessel is unable to comply with Regulation 12A.6, .7 or .8 of the revised MARPOL Annex I.

   • Ship carrying out conversion to the non fuel oil tank in lieu of compliance with paragraphs 6, 7 or 8, Recognised Organisation (RO) may apply the alternative method “accidental oil fuel outflow performance standard” as specifies in paragraph 11 to comply with Regulation 12A.

   • The application of Regulation 12A.11 is subjected to the acceptance of this Administration.

Stability instrument

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

Recognised Organisation (RO) have been authorized to grant the waiver from the installation of stability instrument to 30 mile limit tanker as required by regulation 28.6 under the provision of regulation 3(6) of MARPOL Annex I.

Ship-to-ship (STS) Operations

(Shipping Circular No.16 of 2024)

The ship’s STS operations Plan is to include a notification to MPA Shipping Division via email at shipping@mpa.gov.sg with the information in Annex B to Shipping Circular No.16 of 2024, prior to carrying out the mid-ocean STS operations.

Annex II. NLS certificate

Regulations for the control of pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in bulk

Reserved.

Annex IV. ISPP certificate

Regulations for the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships

Reserved.

Annex V

Annex VI

IMO Data Collection System for fuel oil consumption of ships

1. (Shipping Circular No. 8 of 2018)

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized to perform the following statutory services:

• Reviewing of SEEMP Part II and issuance of Confirmation of Compliance, (MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 5, para. 4.5)

• Verification of reporting data, (MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 22A)

• Issuance of Statement of Compliance (MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 6)

• Submission of reported data to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database ((MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 22A, para. 9)

For further information, refer to attached file “sc_no_8_of_2018 - IMO DCS.pdf”.

2. IMO DCS Reporting Format for Singapore Flagged Vessels

(Administration (MPA) email dated 17/03/2020)

The Administration has no objection for the ship to report using the standardised format as set out in MEPC.282(70).

3. (MPA-RO Technical Committee dated 24/07/2018)

the SEEMP Part II must be developed in accordance with Resolution MEPC.282(70) - 2016 Guidelines of the development of a SEEMP, and a mere reference to the ship’s Safety Management System is not acceptable.

4. (MPA-RO Technical Committee Meeting dated 08/03/2019)

With regard to a ship not being able to obtain an approved SEEMP Part II by the time a change of Management/Flag/Class survey is completed, due to the time required for review and approval, the Administration requires the RO to write to them to request for extension on a case by case basis.

5. (Implementation of Amendments to Appendix IX of MARPOL ANNEX VI - Resolution MEPC.385(81))

(Administration (MPA) email dated 11/11/2024)

The Administration does not enact an early implementation of Amendments to Appendix IX of MARPOL ANNEX VI - Resolution MEPC.385(81). Instead, the Administration will implement the amendments on the entry-into-force date of 1st August 2025.

Owners and Operators will need to ensure that:

• The Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) has undergo revision and verification by the ship’s recognised organisation (RO) to incorporate a description of the methodology intended for collecting data with enhanced granularity before 1 January 2026. Those planning to retrofit flow meters or employ other methodologies should complete these actions within the same time frame;

• Data will be collected with the existing level of granularity throughout the entire year of 2025, and therefore, the data reported at the beginning of 2026 will be based on this existing level. Data will be collected and reported with the enhanced level of granularity from 1st January 2026 and beyond; and

• Ships delivered on or after 1st August 2025 should collect data at the enhanced level of granularity from the date of delivery and the data reported at the beginning of 2026 will be based on Appendix IX of MARPOL Annex VI in the annex to resolution MEPC.385(81), as this provides consistent data collection and reporting for such ships on or after the entry-into-force date.

Owners and Operators wishing to pursue early implementation (before the entry into force date of 1st August 2025) may approach the Administration to request for approval, which would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If permitted, the early implementation would be subjected to the following conditions:

• The SEEMP should undergo revision and verification by the RO to incorporate a description of the methodology intended for collecting data with enhanced granularity before 1st January 2025 or the delivery date for ships delivered on or after 1st January 2025. Those planning to retrofit flow meters or other methodologies should complete these actions within the same time frame; and

• Data will be collected and reported with an enhanced level of granularity throughout the entire year of 2025 and beyond.

6. (MPA-RO Technical Committee Meeting dated 23/04/2025)

In instances involving vessel transfers to the Singapore Registry of Ships, Recognised Organisation (RO) and companies should seek to address all data retrieval requirements directly prior to the transfer. If a resolution could not be achieved, Recognised Organisation (RO) is to inform the Administration before proceeding with the transfer. A statement of compliance should not be issued for cases with insufficient data, the Administration is to be informed early for necessary intervention.

7. (MPA-RO Technical Committee Meeting dated 23/04/2025)

Ships with CII rating of ‘E’: Recognised Organisation (RO) would be expected to report to the Administration, on an annual basis, ships attaining CII rating of ‘E’. For these vessels, Recognised Organisation (RO) is also expected to verify the accepted corrective and preventive action plans (CAPA) prepared by the ships / companies. When verifying CAPA, Recognised Organisation (RO) should pay particular attention to ships that have been rated ‘E’ consecutively (i.e. over subsequent years) since assessment year 2023. For such cases, Recognised Organisation (RO) should verify that ships / companies have taken steps to implement their CAPAs, and issue ISM non-compliances for companies that failed to do so. For such cases, the Administration is to be informed.

8. (MPA-RO Technical Committee Meeting dated 19/03/2026)

Requirements for vessels with CII “E” ratings for three consecutive years are similar to those with CII “E” ratings for two consecutive years, with the possibility of issuing a non-compliance (NC) or major non-compliance (MNC) when conducting the ISM DOC AVA and / or SMC AVA.

If the vessels did not implement the proposed corrective actions or found recycling ineffective corrective actions, Recognised Organisation (RO) should issue a NC/MNC for the DOC/SMC audit accordingly. The ISM DOC AVA and SMC AVA are to be carried out after completion of the respective Company Audits (CA) and Shipboard Verification (SV) for company / vessel.

SEEMP ROs (i.e. ROs issuing the Statement of Compliance) are requested to convey the information to impose the audits and verifications requirements to the affected companies and / or vessels. This includes the CA, SV, ISM DOC AVA and SMC AVA, and to keep the respective ISM DOC RO and SMC RO in copy for them to carry out the required actions. The SEEMP ROs are also requested to provide details on the list of affected vessels and the corresponding status of these audits and verifications by 1 December 2026.

The Administration is open to carry out CA and SV remotely. If a given ISM DOC AVA or SMC AVA had been carried out remotely, the next AVA shall be carried out physically.

IMO 2020 Sulphur Limit and Installation of EGCS

(Administration email dated 21/11/2019)

Use of EGCS

MPA accepts the use of exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) on board Singapore ships, as an equivalent arrangement to comply with regulation 14 of MARPOL Annex VI. The EGCS shall be surveyed and certified in accordance with the 2015 Guidelines for EGCS (resolution MEPC.259(68)) and an approval letter (via email) to be obtained from MPA.

Issuance of short term IAPP certificate pending nitrate analysis result

MPA, on a case-by-case basis, can agree Recognised Organisation (RO) to issue a short term IAPP certificate along with Supplement to the IAPP certificate indicating the use of EGCS as an equivalent arrangement for a validity period of one (1) month, provided that an indicative test for nitrate analysis is carried out with result falling within the limit as stipulated in the 2015 Guidelines for EGCS (resolution MEPC.259(68)).

There is no specified requirements/standards for the indicative test kit. This indicative test can be conducted using any available portable test kit that is able to indicate the nitrate content of the sample. The indicative test analysis result (mg/l) should be submitted to MPA for review and acceptance prior to issuing the short term IAPP certificate.

Upon satisfactory completion and review of the lab test results for the analysis of nitrates, Recognised Organisation (RO) may proceed to issue the full term IAPP certificate. A copy of the nitrate analysis lab test report must be sent to MPA together with a copy of full term IAPP certificate and Supplement issued.

EEXI and CII

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to carry out the survey and certification requirements as adopted by Resolution MEPC.328(76) regarding the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) in Regulation 23 and 25, Operational Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and CII rating in Regulation 28, and enhancement to Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) in Regulation 28.

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised for the approval of Onboard Management Manual (OMM) for power limitation.

(MPA-RO Technical Committee dated 08/10/2025)

Upon completion, Recognised Organisation (RO) is requested to submit documents to the Administration related to CAP Audit, reports of Company Audit, Shipboard Verification, ISM DOC Additional Verification Audit, SMC Additional Verification Audit and SMC Certificate. Refer to the CII FAQ in the attached files.

Bunker tankers

(Administration emails dated 05/01/2023 and 08/02/2023)

Application on Singapore Registered Bunker Tankers operating outside Singapore port waters

For bunker tankers of 4000 DWT and above operating outside of Singapore port waters, the verification of attained EEXI in accordance with regulation 23 and 25 of MARPOL Annex VI shall take place at the International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) certificate first annual, intermediate or renewal survey, whichever is the first, on or after 1st January 2023.

For bunker tankers of 5000 GT and above operating outside of Singapore port waters, the following shall be complied with:

• The Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) shall be amended and submitted to Recognised Organisation (RO) for review on or before 1st January 2023 to comply with regulation 26.3 of MARPOL Annex VI.

• The ship shall comply with regulation 28 (Operational Carbon Intensity) of MARPOL Annex VI on or after 1st January 2023.

Bunker tankers as specified above, including those that operating outside Singapore port waters on occasional basis (e.g. once or twice in a calendar year) shall comply with the applicable regulation(s) and there is no exemption provision in MARPOL Annex VI.

Application on Singapore Registered Bunker Tankers operating exclusively within Singapore port waters

Bunker tankers that operates exclusively within Singapore port waters are not required to comply with the amendments to Chapter 4 of MARPOL Annex VI through Resolution MEPC. 328(76).

Therefore, for those Singapore Port Limit Tankers delivered before 1st January 2023 and opted for IAPP Certification Survey, Recognised Organisation (RO) should, at the first annual, intermediate or renewal IAPP survey, whichever comes first, on or after 1st January 2023 complete the following:

1. add a footnote in IAPP certificate: “For plying within Singapore Port Limit only”;

2. add a note in Recognised Organisation (RO) Class status report: “For plying within Singapore Port Limit only”; and

3. inform the MPA FSC by email (MPA-SG_FSC@mpa.gov.sg) once the IAPP Certificate is endorsed /issued so the vessel will be tagged for no port clearance.

Corrective Action Plan (CAP)

(MPA-RO Technical Committee dated 19/09/2024)

The CAP should be approved by the Administration or RO. And the audit verification should be done by the RO that have accepted the CAP.

Company audits

(MPA-RO Technical Committee dated 08/10/2025)

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to conduct the company audit for SEEMP Part III on behalf of the Administration.

The Administration has no objection for the periodical company audits to be combined with the annual DOC audit if it is within the DOC audit window or as a standalone audit. The periodical company audit should remain as a distinct verification process.

Change of management company

(MPA-RO Technical Committee dated 08/10/2025)

Recognised Organisation (RO) is to notify the Administration in case of change of company when corrective actions for improving the ship’s CII rating have been prescribed by the previous company. In that case, the proposed verification requirements would be maintained in the interim, to prevent companies from circumventing those actions through transfer of management.

Use of Electronic Record Booka

(Shipping Circular No.10 of 2020)

Singapore registered ships (SRS) are permitted to use electronic record books under MARPOL after entry into force of the MARPOL, on 1 October 2020.

The electronic record books shall comply with resolution MEPC.312(74), as may be amended.

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to approve electronic record books on board SRS. Upon satisfactory approval, Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue a “Declaration of Electronic Record Book” to the ship on behalf of the Singapore Administration accordingly. This form will be implemented in Certificate Editor/ASMS2. Any change of the electronic record books on board an SRS, including version upgrade, shall warrant the issuance of a new “Declaration of Electronic Record Book”.

The electronic record book shall only be officially used after the ship is issued with a “Declaration of Electronic Record Book”.

As there will be ports that may not accept the use of electronic record books, SRS calling these ports shall maintain appropriate hardcopy MARPOL records. Printouts of electronics records are accepted by the Administration as “certified true copies” of the entries made in the electronic record book, provided that each entry is physically signed by the Officer in charge and each completed page is ohysically signed by the Master.

For further information, refer to the attached file “SC 10_2020.pdf”.

BWM Convention

Issuance of BWM Certificate

Untitled

(Shipping Circular No.10 of 2017)

Further accession to the BWM Convention, the Administration authorize Recognised Organisation (RO) to issue the International BWM certificate to all Singapore-registered ships after satisfactorily conducting the surveys required in accordance with regulations E-1 and E-2 of the Convention. The IBWMC issued shall contain the following statement: "The validity of this certificate begins from 8 September 2017".

“Statement of Compliance” (SoC) for the BWMC already issued to Singapore-registered ships are to be replaced with an IBWMC no later than 8th September 2017, with the validity date in accordance with BWM.2/Circ.40. No additional survey is required, provided the SoC was issued in compliance with BWMC survey requirements and there has been no modification or change of condition since the issuance of the SoC.

For further information, refer to attached file “sc_no_10_of_2017 - Update on the implementation of BWMC 2004”.

Untitled

(E-mail dated 18/07/2017: BWM plan and IBWMC according to Regulation D-1”)

A physical initial survey has to be carried out for D-1. Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue full term maximum 5 years IBWMC valid from 8 September 2017 and impose a 3 months Memoranda if the BWMP is still not approved as a control measure.

In this case, the following annotation is added on the IBWMC:

"The validity of this certificate begins from 8th September 2017 provided the BWM plan on-board will be approved not later than 8th December 2017 (ref: IMO BWM.2/Circ.40)"

Commissioning testing of BWM systems

(Shipping Circular No.9 of 2019)

The commissioning test shall be carried out for BWMS that is installed on board applicable Singapore Registered Ships (SRS)* of 400GT and above after 8 September 2019. Applicable SRS of less than 400GT may undergo the commission test voluntarily (see Clarification on the “installed date” where commissioning test is to be carried out).

The commissioning test shall be carried out to the satisfaction of the attending Recognised Organisation (RO) surveyor after a complete installation of the BWMS, and after all ballasting equipment (e.g. pumps and piping) has been fully tested as appropriate.

The representative ballast water samples collected for the commissioning test should be analysed using at least an appropriate indicative analysis method (see MPA position pertaining to “commissioning test”). The commissioning test is considered to be successful if the analysis indicates that the sample does not exceed the D2 standard and the self-monitoring equipment of the BWMS indicates correct operation of all sensors and related equipment.

A written report including methods and detailed results of the commissioning testing should be provided to the attending Recognised Organisation (RO) surveyor for verification before an International Ballast Water Management Certificate (IBWMC) can be issued.

The arrangement for conducting the test and any commercial dealings pertaining to the commissioning test shall be between the shipowners / manager / shipyard / contractor or manufacturer. The Administration of Singapore MPA does not carry out approval of any specific testing facility. The testing facility engaged to conduct the commissioning test shall be independent of the manufacturer of the BWMS and accepted by Recognised Organisation (RO) which issues the IBWMC.

If the commissioning test cannot be successfully carried out due to the equipment’s system design limitation, a short term IBWMC may be issued for a period of not more than three (3) months. This is to allow time for the commissioning test to be carried out to the satisfaction of the attending Recognised Organisation (RO) surveyor. No authorisation from MPA is required for such cases provided that the attending Recognised Organisation (RO) surveyor ensures the following:

• reasons for the commissioning test not being completed successfully are recorded in the ballast water record book;

• the attending Recognised Organisation (RO) surveyor is provided with arrangements for the commission test (e.g. date, time, location);

• the ship’s ballast water management plan (BWMP) has incorporated appropriate contingency measures in line with the “Amendments to the Guidelines for ballast water management and development of ballast water management plans (G4)” (Resolution MEPC.306(73));

• the ship’s Master and the designated ballast water management officer are aware of the “Guidance on contingency measures under the BWM Convention”, BWM.2/Circ.62, as may be amended, in particular on the communication between the ship and the port State; and

• the ship’s Master and the designated ballast water management officer are aware of the reporting requirements to the competent port Authority as per regulation E1.7 of the BWM Convention when the vessel is calling a foreign port and shall comply with any additional requirements that the port State may impose.

If the commissioning test is not completed within the three (3) months of the short term IBWMC, MPA’s approval for an extension is to be sought.

For further information, refer to attached file “sc_no_9_of_2019”.

MPA position pertaining to “commissioning test”

(MPA email dated 24/11/2019)

1. MPA SC 09/2019 clearly states that for the purposes of “commissioning test”, the test shall be indicative in nature. This is to fulfil the intent of the commissioning tests in establishing that the systems are correctly installed onboard. A direct measurement, which is directly comparable to the D-2 standard may not be required, if this needs the ballast water sample to be sent to the lab.

   As such it is expected that the test shall be done onboard and there should be no need for the samples to be taken to lab ashore.

2. MPA accepts all methods of test as listed in the BWM Circ 42/Rev 1 and also accepts any indicative test tools used. MPA requirement is that the vendor engaged to conduct the tests is to be accepted by Recognised Organisation (RO) and is independent of the manufacturer i.e that manufacturer cannot conduct the analysis of the samples. MPA will accept any indirect methods for the evaluation of organisms. This may include methods estimating the total concentration of organisms without requiring incubation, such as ATP or similar.

Clarification on the “installed date” where commissioning test is to be carried out

(MPA email dated 06/01/2020)

Reference is made to paragraph 4 of Shipping Circular 9 of 2019 (see Commissioning testing of BWM systems) issued on 1 July 2019.

Commissioning test shall be carried out for BWMS that is installed on board SRS of 400GT and above. The “installed date” shall make reference to para. 1 of the BWM.2/Circ.66/Rev.1 (Unified interpretation (UI) of Appendix I (Form of the International Ballast Water Management Certificate) of the BWM Convention):

“For the purpose of completing the International Ballast Water Management Certificate, the date when commissioning has been completed in accordance with section 8 of the BWMS Code (resolution MEPC.300(72)) should be used.”

Paragraph 2 of the UI is pertaining to the BWMS installation deadline and not for commissioning testing. As such for SRS, irrespective of the contractual delivery date for the BWMS, commissioning test is required to be carried out if the equipment is installed onboard after 08th September 2019.

However, commissioning testing for BWMS is not required in the following cases:

• IBWMC annotated for D2 certification - BWMS already installed and commissioned before 08 September 2019;

• IBWMC annotated for both D1 and D2 certification - BWMS already installed and commissioned; and D1 will be removed on compliance date; and

• IBWMC annotated for D1 only, but BWMS is already installed and commissioned pending D2 to be annotated on/before compliance date for the ship after an additional survey carried out.

Early implementation of the revised Guidance for commissioning testing of BWMS finalised by PPR 7

(Administration email dated 29/04/2020)

PPR 7 had revised the “Guidance for commissioning testing of BWMS”.

The revised guidance requires representative samples to be analysed for the two size classes of organisms (i.e. >= 50 ·m and >= 10 ·m to < 50 ·m) as specified in the D-2 standard. In addition, PPR 7 had agreed that testing for bacteria (indicator microbe) need not be carried out during the BWMS commissioning testing.

Awaiting approval of the revised guidance PPR 7, Recognised Organisation (RO) is requested to apply it to applicable Singapore Registered Ships (SRS) that will be undergoing BWMS commissioning testing.

For further information, revised guidance PPR 7 is in attached file “Revised Guidance for commissioning testing of BWMS finalised by PPR 7.pdf”.

BWM Plan

Recognised Organisation (RO) approve the Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP) taking into consideration IMO resolutionMEPC.127(53) “Guidelines for ballast water management and development of ballast water management plans (G4)”, on behalf of the Administration.

The BWMP, approved in accordance with Resolution A.868(20), shall remain valid until the plan requires revision upon the installation of a ballast water management system.

Incorporation of contingency measures in BWMP

(Shipping Circular No.10 of 2019)

Singapore Registered Ships (SRS) managers are required to incorporate ship-specific “contingency measures” into the BWMP, which should subsequently be submitted to Recognised Organisation (RO) for approval.

Recognised Organisation (RO) is requested to verify that such “contingency measures” are incorporated in the BWMP of applicable SRS at the earliest opportunity but not later than the date when the D2 becomes mandatory for the ship. For existing SRS certified for D2 only, the contingency measures are to be incorporated in the BWMP by the next scheduled survey of the BWM Convention. Any change of Flag survey which is conducted out of scheduled-survey due range, shall not be regarded as the next scheduled survey. If a change of Flag survey is conducted within the survey due range and the BWMP does not have “contingency measures” incorporated in accordance to this circular, an application for temporary acceptance is to be submitted to MPA via Recognised Organisation (RO).

The inclusion of the “contingency measures” in the BWMP is also applicable for SRS of less than 400 GT, floating platforms, floating storage units (FSUs) and Floating Production Storage and Offloading Units (FPSOs) by 8 September 2024 or upon installation of BWMS onboard. SRS falling under this category should present an approved BWMP as required by the Convention for verification by Recognised Organisation (RO) during the next statutory survey. The Administration is to be informed immediately by Recognised Organisation (RO) if any applicable SRS is observed without an approved BWMP onboard.

The “contingency measures” developed shall take into account IMO BWM.2/Circ.62 on “Guidance on contingency measures under the BWM Convention”. SRS managers are advised to include as many practical and safe contingency measures in the BWMP as possible, so that the Master can be guided accordingly in the event of a BWMS failure.

All proposed “contingency measures” including ballast water exchange if considered, is to be approved to the satisfaction of the RO’s. The “contingency measures” shall be a part of the BWMP. The complete BWMP (if already approved earlier) need not be reapproved and the ship specific “contingency measures” could be approved as an appendix or an addendum to the BWMP.

Having ship-specific “contingency measures” incorporated in the BWMP does not permit a SRS to discharge unmanaged ballast water without authorisation of the port Authority. Discharge of unmanaged ballast water from SRS is only permitted if authorised by the port Authority. The port Authority shall also be informed of the defective BWMS.

For further information, refer to attached file “sc_no_10_of_2019”.

Temporary storage of treated sewage and/or grey water in ballast water tanks

(Shipping Circular No.07 of 2024)

Temporary storage of TS/GW in BW tanks should only be used as an option in specific port and area which restricts the discharge of TS and/or GW and where the ship does not have dedicated tanks with dedicated tanks with adequate storage capacity for TS/GW.

The ship owners/managers/operators/masters of Singapore-registered ships are advised to implement the guidance in BWM.2/Circ.82 by developing ship-specific change-over procedures incorporated into the ship’s BWMP.

These procedures are to be submitted to Recognised Organisation (RO) for review and approval to ensure compliance with guidelines.

BWM Systems

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BWMS are required to be type approved under Resolution MEPC.174(58) or preferably Resolution MEPC.279(70). BWMS installed on Singapore-registered ships on or after 28 October 2020 should be approved under the Resolution MEPC.279(70).

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The country of manufacture of the BWMS has to approve the BWMS. If the country of manufacture does not approve the equipment, the Administration need to be informed of the reason for the non-approval for case by case acceptance.

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(MPA email dated 06/11/2019 ; 30/09/2020 ; 13/07/2022)

The list of BWMS (not approved by the country of manufacture) accepted onboard Singapore Registered Ships is as below:

1. Qingdao Headway Technology – Range from - HMT 50 TILL HMT 5000ex

2. Alfa Laval Tumba AB - PureBallast 3.0/3.0 Ex, PureBallast 3.1/3.1 Ex

3. Alfa Laval Tumba AB-PureBallast 3.2, 3.2Ex, 3.2Compact and 3.2Compact Flex

4. Wartsila Waters System Ltd - AQ-50-UV to AD-1000-UV

5. Hyde Guardian – flowrate 60 – 6000m3/hr

6. Trojan Marinex – Model 150 – 1500Ex

7. Sunrui BWTS Model - BalClor BWMS Model BC-150 to BC-8000)

8. Scienco/FAST inTank BWTS (module range EC01-EC16 and DM065-DM250)

Statement of Fact

(SC 08 of 2020 and Administration email dated 14/03/2020)

For Singapore-registered ships (SRS), Recognised Organisation (RO) may, at the request of the shipowners, provide a “Statement of Fact” to certify that the Convention does not apply to the ship due to its design or if the vessel is carrying permanent ballast, after verifying the arrangements onboard.

Administration’s explicit approval prior issuance of a “statement of fact” to SRS is not required, as the “statement of fact” is not issued on behalf of the flag Administration.

When modifications are carried out to an SRS, Recognised Organisation (RO) is responsible to ensure that any modifications to SRS shall be reviewed and carried out in compliance with relevant Statutory requirement or class rules.

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall notify the Administration when any deviation from statutory requirement have been observed.

For further information, refer to attached file “SC_no_8_of_2017 - BWMC 2004”.

Ships operating exclusively in Singapore and Malaysia waters

(Memo in attached file “MMD-Memo for BWM”)

The implementation of Ballast Water Management Convention Reg.A-3.5 (Exceptions) for Singapore and Malaysia flagged ships trading exclusively within Singapore and Malaysia waters as an interim measure, which begins from 01 Nov 2022 and valid till 07 September 2024, is subject to the following conditions:

1. The ship shall be issued with an International Ballast Water Management Certificate (IBWMC) and compliance with the D-1 discharge standard;

2. The ship shall carry onboard an approved ballast water management plan and ballast water record book (BWRB);

3. The ship shall carry an approval letter from their respective flag to be operating under regulation A-3 (Exceptions); and

4. When Singapore or Malaysia flagged ship is operating beyond 50 n.m from Singapore, the ship  shall conduct ballast water exchange at designated locations and record the operation in the BWRB.

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall apply/recommend to the respective flag for approval of the application of Reg.A-3.5 (Exceptions) of the BWMC. The respective flag issues the approval letter upon reception of application.

Electronic Ballast Water Record Book

(Refer to Addendum No. 3 in Agreement for international conventions, codes and national legislations)

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to approve electronic ballast water record books on board SRS. Upon satisfactory approval, Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue a “Declaration of Electronic Ballast Water Record Book System” to the ship on behalf of the Singapore Administration accordingly.

Tonnage 69

Tonnage certificate

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized to issue ITC 69 to Singapore flag ships

Issuance of new certificate due to change in GRT

(Administration email dated 03/10/2019)

A new tonnage certificate is to be issued when the gross tonnage of a Singapore registered ship is changed due to modification/alteration (i.e. installation of exhaust gas cleaning system).

COLREG 72

Navigation lights

Change of flag and provisions of Resolution MSC.253(83)

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized to issue dispensation for non-compliance of performance standards for navigation lights, navigation light controllers and associated equipment set out in the Annex of Resolution MSC.253(83), that faces issue during change of flag survey.

Recognised Organisation (RO) to issue a short-term certificate and/or statutory condition for a period of not more than six (6) months, pending installation of the Navigation Lights, Navigation Light Controllers and Associated Equipment in accordance with Annex of Resolution MSC.253(83), provided that the vessel complies with the risk control measures as per risk assessment, subject to but not limited to the following conditions:

1. The Master ensures the Bridge team is aware of the limitation of the current navigation equipment;

2. Entries are made into the vessel’s logbook every watch confirming the satisfactory operation/condition of the Navigation Lights; and

3. The risk assessment shall be in place and appropriate risk control measures are taken to mitigate the risk for the safety of the vessel and its crew onboard.

For further extension of short-term certificate and/or statutory condition i.e. beyond six months, Recognised Organisation (RO) shall consult the Administration.

Dispensations from COLREG, Rule 21(c), Rule 23(a)(ii) / Rule 30(a)(ii), Section 2(i)(i), 3(a) and 3(b) of Annex I

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to issue dispensation for ships of special construction and purpose such as MODUs, offshore support vessels, anchor handling, tug boats, utility vessel, ferry boats and cargo ships for following COLREG Requirements, under Rule 1(e) of the Regulations, provided due diligence is exercised by the shipyard to design and construct the vessel to comply as close as possible with the requirements of COLREG:

1. Rule 21(c) – Location of stern light, provided that a searchlight be provided to illuminate the after deck of the ship when necessary to give other ships a warning of the ship’s after end. This search light shall be exhibited in such a manner so as not to interfere with the safe navigation of other vessels in the vicinity.

2. Rule 23(a)(ii) / Rule 30(a)(ii) – Carriage of second masthead light / anchor light, subject to a searchlight is provided to illuminate the after deck of the ship when necessary to give other ships a warning of the ship’s after end. This search light shall be exhibited in such a manner so as not to interfere with the safe navigation of other ships in the vicinity.

3. Section 2(i)(i) of Annex I – Vertical spacing of lights, provided, allowing a closer vertical spacing of not less than 1 meter rather than the requirement of 2 meter.

4. Section 3(a) of Annex I – Horizontal spacing between two masthead lights, provided the distance between two masthead lights shall not to be less than 10 meters.

5. Section 3(b) of Annex I – Horizontal position of side light may be placed at a distance of up to 30% of the breadth of the vessel inboard from the side, subject to following:

   • Small tug/supply boats, pilot or work boats with narrow superstructure and their operational requirements made it impracticable to fit the side lights at or near the side of the vessel.

   • The side lights shall not be obstructed by the ship’s structure or equipment such as derricks under any condition of trim and list of the vessel.

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall include a statutory memo in the survey status for the above dispensation(s).

In addition, a copy of the email shall be placed on board the vessel, and it serves as an official dispensation and may be shown to the competent authorities, if required.

AFS Convention

General

Refer to the Shipping Circular No. 19 of 2022 in the attached file “sc_no_19_of_2022” and to the Port Marine Circular No. 4 of 2010 in the attached file “20100226-pc10-04-IAFS conv - SG ships”.

Specific requirements, in terms of Port State Control, for ships less than 400 GT (ships flagged with an AFS Convention State)

Ships of less than 400 GT but 24 metres or more in length are required to carry a declaration on anti-fouling system, signed by the owner or its authorized agent.

The declaration on anti-fouling system shall be drawn up in the form corresponding to the model set out in the AFS Convention and accompanied by appropriate documentation (such as a paint receipt or contractor’s invoice) or contain appropriate endorsement.

Ships or craft of less than 400 GT and below 24 metres in length will be subject to PSC inspections carried out on in accordance with IMO’s Guidelines for inspection of anti-fouling systems on ships (set out in MEPC 49/22/Add.1 Annex 10). Owners should note that PSC officers may take appropriate documentation, such as paint receipts, into account in evaluating whether the ship complies with the AFS conventionR

Miscellaneous Technical requirements

Non-convention ships

Merchant Shipping (Non-Convention Ships) Safety Regulations

(Cargo ships less than 500 grt)

Refer to the attached file “Singapore non-convention ships”.

Transponders - Port entry requirement

Refer to the Port Marine Notice No 175 of 2011 in the attached file “PortMarineNotice175of2011”.

With effect from 1 January 2012, power-driven vessels not under tow shall, at all times while the vessel is within the port, ensure that there is installed and maintained in operation on board the vessel a transponder.

The approved transponders to be fitted must be one of the following types:

1. A transponder that complies with the requirements of an Automatic Identification System (AIS) in Regulation 19(b)(iv)(5) of Chapter V of the international convention for the Safety Of Life At Sea 1974 as amended from time to time; or

2. A transponder that is approved for use within the port by the MPA or the port master.

In-use fuel oil sampling point for ships of less than 400GT

(Administration email dated 26/04/2022)

The Administration had amended Pollution Prevention of the Sea (Air) Regulations to give effect to the amendments of MARPOL Annex VI adopted by Res.MEPC.324(75).

Singapore-Registered Ships (SRS) of less than 400GT shall be fitted or designated with sampling point(s) as required by regulation 14.10 of the PPS(Air) regulations.

• SRS less than 400GT constructed* on or after 1 April 2022, the sampling point(s) referred to in regulation 14.10 of the Prevention Pollution of the Sea (Air) regulations shall be fitted or designated before the ship is put into service or before the Cargo Ship (Non-Convention) Safety Construction Certificate is issued for the first time.

• SRS less than 400GT constructed* before 1 April 2022, the sampling point(s) referred to in regulation 14.10 of the Prevention Pollution of the Sea (Air) regulations shall be fitted or designated not later than the first renewal survey of the Cargo Ship (Non-Convention) Safety Construction Certificate on or after 1 April 2023.

  Recognised Organisation (RO) is requested to include a statutory memo in the ship’s survey status to require the installation or designation of in-use fuel oil sampling point as required by regulation 14.10 of PPS(Air) regulations to be carried out not later than the first renewal survey of the Cargo Ship (Non-Convention) Safety Construction Certificate on or after 1 April 2023.

2008 SPS code

Clarification of the paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 concerning the application of the provisions relating to the regulations 21, 22 and 23 of the SOLAS Chapter II-2

(Letter from MPA dated 25/10/2011)

Regulations 21 (“Casualty threshold, safe return to port and safe areas”), 22 (“Design criteria for systems to remain operational after a fire casualty”) and 23 (“Safety centre on passenger ships”) of the SOLAS Chapter II-2 are applicable to ships certified to carry special personnel in compliance with the 2008 SPS Code, except that ships certified to carry not more than 240 special personnel need not comply with regulations 21 and 22.

Vessels with Dynamic Positioning Systems

(MPA-RO Technical Committee dated 24/07/2018)

The Director of Marine has granted his authorisation for Recognised Organisation (RO) to carry out the issuance of Flag State Verification and Acceptance Document (FSVAD) to Singapore vessels, installed with Dynamic Positioning (DP) system, which comply with the Guidelines for vessels with dynamic positioning systems (MSC/Circ. 645).

MPA informs that it is acceptable for Recognised Organisation (RO) to issue Dynamic Positioning Verification Acceptance Document to the revised MSC.1/Circ.1580 on behalf of Singapore.

For information: It is recommended that the Guidelines (MSC/Circ.1580) be applied to vessels and units constructed on or after 9 June 2017. For vessels and units constructed on or after 1 July 1994 but before 9 June 2017, the previous version of the Guidelines (MSC/Circ.645) may continue to be applied, however it is recommended that section 4 “Operational Requirements” of the Guidelines (MSC/Circ.1580) be applied to all new and existing vessels and units, as appropriate.

Ships engaged on Singapore 30-mile limit voyages

Exemption for full compliance with GMDSS sea area A1 for voyage within 30 miles limits from the port limits of Singapore

Refer to Exemption for full compliance with GMDSS sea area A1 for voyage within 30 miles limits from the port limits of Singapore.

Safety regulations applicable to tankers of 500 GRT and upwards engaged on Singapore 30-mile limit voyages

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

Tankers of 500 grt and upwards constructed on or after 1 January 2003 engaged on Singapore 30-mile limit voyages shall be subjected to SOLAS 74 regulations and be issued with Safety Certificates under these regulations.

Exemption from the fitting of speed and distance measuring device

(Email from MPA dated 29/10/2012)

Exemption of Singapore-flagged vessels which are restricted to 30 mile limit voyages, from the fitting of the speed and distance measuring device to indicate speed and distance through the water as required by SOLAS Regulation V/19.2.3.4 will no longer be granted by MPA.

Special limits passenger ships

Refer to the merchant shipping (special limits passenger ships) safety regulations in the attached file “SpecialLimitsPassengerShipsRegulations”.

The templates for the certificates are available in ASMS Certificates Editor.

Standards for Port Limit Bunker Tankers - “Equivalence performance”

(Administration email dated 04/10/2020)

As per the Singapore Port's requirement, all steel-hulled bunker tanks operating in the Port of Singapore are to comply with the standards for port limit under tankers.

The document (in attached file “SFPLBT.pdf”) is normally to be completed by the Classification Society of the ship before the Owners can apply for the oil tanker to operate as a port limit bunker tanker in Singapore.

With regards to the "equivalent performance" as specified in para 1.1 of the standards, the Bunker Services department has clarified that:

- The "equivalent performance" is in relation to "twin screw with bow thruster".

- The "equivalent performance" is provided to drive innovation or novel concepts which can meet the intent and purpose of twin screw with bow thrusters.

- The "equivalent performance" cannot be taken a conventional single screw ship.

the “equivalent performance” is in relation to “twin screw with Bow thruster”. Essentially it is provided to drive innovation or novel concepts that can meet the intent and purposes of a twin screw with bow thrusters, for example Azimuth thrusters. As such equivalent performance should not be taken as a conventional single screw vessel being able to meet other manoeuvring requirements of the standards for port limit bunker tanker.

Safety crew and accommodation

As stated in Appendix to the Agreement (paragraph 10), Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to perform statutory certification services for crew and accommodation.

The model of this certificate (“Crew Accommodation Certificate”) is available in ASMS Certificates Editor under “Specific & National Certificates” for the Singapore flag.

For easy reference, refer to the Merchant Shipping Act Chapter 179 version 1998 in the attached file “Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) Regulations” and to the Singapore Country File (see Singapore Country File)

(Email from the Administration dated 10/12/2013)

The Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) Regulations is applicable to all new ship built on / after 1^st December 1997, regardless if the vessel is self propelled or non self propelled, which the accommodation is provided for all persons employed or engaged in any capacity on board a ship on the business of the ship. Persons on board who are not employed or engaged in any capacity on board a ship on the business of the ship would be defined as passengers. (This excludes persons temporarily employed on the ship in port.)

The applicability of the Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) Regulations is not linked to the Minimum Safe Manning Document nor the Crew Agreement, i.e. any exemption from requirements for Minimum Safe Manning Document or Crew Agreement do not imply exemption from crew accommodation requirements.

Applications for exemption from provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) Regulations will be considered by MPA on a case-by-case basis.

(Email from the Administration dated 21/05/2014, 22/05/2014 and 23/05/2014)

The Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) Regulations has been amended to incorporate the MLC requirements and the Regulations entered into force on the 1st of April 2014.

Diving systems

As per paragraph 17 of the Appendix to the Agreement (refer to Appendix 1 to the Agreement), Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to carry out surveys according to the code of safety for diving systems, 1995 (A.831(19)) and to issue diving system safety certificate.

Electronic log books

The Administration will accept the use of the electronic log book as equivalent to the manual deck and engine log books onboard Singapore registered ships, as a means of keeping a record of navigation and engineering activities and to improve the efficiency and accuracy of record keeping.

The electronic log book should meet the listed guidelines in Annex A of the Shipping Circular No. 7 of 2016 (refer to the attached file “ShippingCircularNo7-2016”) and IMO Resolution A.916(22) “Guidelines for the recording of events related to navigation”.

Existing automatic recording devices (e.g. engine speed logger) would be considered acceptable as part of the electronic logbook.

IGF Code

Ships below 500GT

(Administration email dated 15/08/2018)

The Administration would require Singapore Registered Ships of less than 500GT using gases or low flashpoint fuels to be voluntarily constructed and certified in compliance with the IGF Code.

IGC Code

Amendment to paragraph 3.2.5

(Administration email dated 23/08/2018)

The Administration has no objection to Recognised Organisation (RO) applying the corrected paragraph 3.2.5 of the IGC Code which deleted the words "Wheelhouse windows shall be constructed to not less than "A-0" class (for external fire load)", prior to its entry into force date.

Ship Recycling and IHM

(MPA-RO Technical Committee dated 24/07/2018)

Ship Recycling including SoCs for IHM and Ready for Recycling (EU regulation 1257/2013), HK SoC’s:

Singapore has not acceded to the above conventions and the issuance of such SoCs (Statement of Compliance) are at the discretion of Recognised Organisation (RO). However it cannot be issued on behalf of Singapore.

(Administration email dated 22/04/2019)

On Owners request, Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue a Statement of Compliance on behalf of Recognised Organisation (RO) in accordance EU SRR, regardless the ship is classed with Recognised Organisation (RO) or another RO.

(MPA-RO Technical Committee Meeting dated 02/12/2020)

As Singapore is non-signatory to the HK Recycling convention nor the EU Ship Recycling Regulation, the Administration will not be in the position to authorise its ROs to issue the EU IHM Statement of Compliance (SOC) on its behalf. However, in consideration of the needs of Singapore ships operating in the EU, a letter has been prepared for Singapore ships to be placed on board to indicate that the Administration has no objection for the Classification Societies, who are also its ROs, to issue the SOC (i.e including Recognised Organisation (RO)).

Recognised Organisation (RO) is to send a copy of the attached letter to the company/ship when issuing the SOC. The letter is to be annexed to the Recognised Organisation (RO) SOC. Refer to attached file “MPA Letter - SOC EU Recycling Regulations.pdf”.

(MPA-RO Technical Committee Meeting dated 07/09/2023)

The Hong Kong Convention would enter into force on 26 June 2025 and the Administration would request Recognised Organisation (RO) to work with SRS Owners to make preparations for the entry into force of the Hong Kong Convention and to obtain the SOC early before the entry into force date.

The Administration informed that Recognised Organisation (RO) may convert the certificates administratively: no need for an additional attendance to convert the Statement of Compliance (SOC) to the Hong Kong International Certificate (after Singapore had ratified the convention).

Wing-In-Ground Craft

(Refer to Merchant Shipping (Wing-in-Ground Craft) Regulations 2010 in attached file and Addendum No.2 to in Agreement for international conventions, codes and national legislations)

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized, after a survey of a Singapore WIG craft in accordance with the provisions of the WIG Craft Guidelines (Interim Guidelines for Wing-in-Ground (WIG) Craft adopted by the IMO as amended), to issue a WIG craft safety certificate, if the WIG craft complies with the provisions of the WIG Craft Guidelines.

ISM Code

Authorisations & Instructions

Reporting

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall, upon becoming aware of a situation onboard ship or within a company involving a major non-conformity, as defined in the Guidelines on the Implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code by Administrations (resolution A.1071(28) as amended), notify the Administration without undue delay, by electronic means or otherwise, of the name of the company or ship (as the case may be), the IMO number, the official number and a description of the major non-conformity, deficiency or issue.

Specific Instructions

IACS PR 9 Procedural Requirements for ISM

(MPA-RO Technical Committee dated 24/07/2018)

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MPA in general accepts the revised IACS PR 9 (Rev.3), with the exception on Annex 4 Para.2 (2).

If, at a scheduled audit, the auditor determines that the Company has not been operating ships of a particular type since a previous audit, then this ship type should be removed from all DOC’s.

If however, the Company continues to manage ships of a particular type within its fleet which are not Singapore registered ships, MPA’s approval is to be sought prior to the endorsement of Singapore’s DOC for this ship type.

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Also, in below scenario 7 extracted from Annex 5 of IACS PR 9, MPA’s approval is to be sought for further instructions prior to the conduct of additional audit on site.

Maritime Cyber Risk Management in Safety Management Systems

(MPA Shipping Circular No 15 of 2020)

This circular provides information on the requirement to incorporate maritime cyber risk management in the safety management systems (SMS) of companies operating Singapore-registered ships.

As affirmed in Resolution MSC.428(98), an approved SMS should take into account cyber risk management in accordance with the objectives and functional requirements of the ISM Code, MPA will require cyber risks to be appropriately addressed in the company’s SMS no later than the first annual verification of the ISM company's Document of Compliance after 1 January 2021.

For further information, refer to the attached file “sc_no_15_of_2020.pdf”.

Interim Document of Compliance

(Administration email dated 24/02/2022)

In accordance to section 14 of the ISM Code, an Interim Document of Compliance may be issued to facilitate initial implementation of this Code when:

• a Company is newly established; or

• new ship types are to be added to an existing Document of Compliance.

With effect from 1st March 2022, Recognised Organisation (RO) is requested to obtain approval from the Administration prior to the first issuance of an interim DOC for companies that wishes to manage Singapore ships. The Administration will assess the suitability of the applicant prior to agreeing with Recognised Organisation (RO) for the interim DOC audit to be carried out.

Recognised Organisation (RO) should provide the following information to the Administration to assess the suitability of the company:

• Name of Company

• Address of Company

• IMO Unique Company Identification Number

• Overview of the Company (To include information such as the organisational structure, location of all offices, number of employees, brief description of the business activities of the company)

• List of Singapore ships it intends to manage and tentative taking over management dates, if available. (To include Name of Ship, IMO number, Ship Type, Name of Class Society, Year Built and Gross tonnage)

• List of ships currently managed by the company (To include Name of Ship, IMO number, Ship Type, Name of Class Society, Year Built, Flag and Gross tonnage)

• List of ships managed by the company that was detained by Port State Control in the preceding 3 years (if any)

Recognised Organisation (RO) may continue the existing practice to issue the interim DOC upon satisfactory review of the safety management system documentation and need not seek prior approval from the Administration for the following scenarios:

• The company was previously issued with an interim or Full-term Singapore DOC prior to 1st March 2022, but has since lapsed and no longer valid (e.g. due to no SRS in management);

• For companies holding an existing Singapore DOC and are applying for new ship types to be added.

Dual fuelled bunker tankers and chemical bunker tankers

(MPA-RO Technical Committee Meeting dated 14/03/2024)

Dual fuelled bunker tankers need to be certified in full compliance to the IGF Code and/or any IMO guidelines that is being developed or applauded by the MSC, as applicable. The company that will be managing these bunker tankers are required to hold the relevant ISM Document of Compliance Certification to manage chemical bunker tankers and/or dual fuelled bunker tankers.

Recognised Organisation (RO) should ensure that the emergency drills referenced to the IGF Code are duly incorporated into the company’s Safety Management System before the issuance of interim DOC.

Emergency Power Supply Testing

(Administration email dated 11/07/2024)

With reference to the safety bulletin published in July 2024 by Tokyo MOU (TMOU) regarding the shipboard emergency power supply testing, the complete emergency system including the automatic starting arrangements shall be periodically tested, and the following shall be carried out:

• Ensure that any device such as “Sequential test” selector and/or “Routine Test Switch” (RTS), fitted to the ship for the purposes of testing the simulation blackout test are designed and wired in such a way as to use the actual circuit paths used to meet the requirements SOLAS is Chapter II-1, Reg 42.3.1.2 / 43.3.1.2, so as to test the system completely;

• Be aware that “Sequential test” selector and/or “Routine Test Switch” (RTS), may not meet the requirements of SOLAS Chapter II-1 Reg. 42.5.4 / 43.5.4 if it sends a signal to disconnect the inter-connector instead of automatically disconnecting on loss of main source of power, and do not meet Chapter II-1 Reg. 42.7 / 43.7 when not testing the complete system; and

• Update Company Safety Management Procedure (SMS) for emergency generator test procedures as appropriately to ensure the actual circuit paths required by SOLAS Chapter II-1, Reg 42.3.1.2 / 43.3.1.2, can be accomplished in a safe and practical manner, while assuring functionality of the system.

When any modifications of routine/sequential test switch circuit paths are required to ensure proper functionality, these modifications must be approved by Recognised Organisation (RO). Any amendments to the emergency generator testing procedure should be properly documented through the ship’s safety management system and preventative maintenance system.

(MPA-RO Technical Committee dated 19/09/2024)

A blackout test must be simulated during annual survey and surveyor’s professional judgement is required when it is not practical to do so. If the surveyor uses the “Sequence Test” or “Routine Test Switch (RTS)” (if provided), the testing should be ensured to be equivalent to the actual MSB power cut-out/outage.

During Safety Management Certificate (SMC) audit, the auditor should verify that the Company Safety Management Procedure for emergency test procedures includes periodic “Controlled blackout tests” and responsible crew is familiar with the testing procedures.

Use of appropriate equipment in distress situation

(Shipping Circular No.15 of 2024)

The Safety Management System procedures shall incorporate and reflect the “Revised GMDSS operating guidance for ships in distress situations” (MSC.1/Circ.1656). In addition, the flow-chart provided in MSC.1/Circ.1656 should be prominently displayed as an A4 poster on ships' bridges for quick reference.

Alternative fuelled and new technologies ships

(Singapore Country File see Singapore Country File)

The Administration requires companies to update and submit the company’s ISM SMS procedures incorporating and reflecting the Interim Guidelines on Training for Seafarers on Ships using Alternative Fuels and New Technologies (STCW.7/Circ.25) and other pending circulars STCW.7 Circulars.

Recognised Organisation (RO) is requested to check and ensure that crew training as per the updated SMS is completed prior to the issuance of the interim SMC during the conduct of the interim audit.

ISPS Code

Authorisations & instructions

MLC, 2006

Scope of authorisation

Specific requirements

Extract from MPA memo dated 28/05/13

Interim MLC has a maximum of 6 months validity with no provision for extension. RO is requested to contact MPA on the possibility of temporary exemptions on a case by case basis (MoM 18/03/15).

Full term certificate could be issued as long as the attending inspector was satisfied that the ship met national laws and regulations or other measures implementing the requirements of MLC without no minimum period of implementation prior to Initial MLC inspection (MoM 18/03/15).

Additional Guidance to Standard A.2.3 OF MLC (Hours of work and rest) - Singapore Country File (see Singapore Country File).

Additional Guidance - Maritime labour certificate, DMLC 15/08/16 and Overdue Inspections.

4. In the event of an overdue inspection, the maritime labour certificate will cease to be valid. The ship will be without a key statutory certificate that is a pre-requisite for it to continue trading and also a condition for maintaining registration with the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS). MPA shall be informed of the expiry of the ship by the owner and the RO. The owner shall arrange with the RO for an MLC inspection to be carried out at the ship’s present location immediately where possible. 5. We recognise that in certain situations, it may not be possible for the RO inspectors to board the ship at present location and carry out the MLC inspection. For such cases, the shipowner is to request permission, with reasonable justification, from MPA for a single voyage to the nearest port for the conduct of the MLC inspection. This request should be accompanied by evidence of compliance with the MLC as far as possible. If an approval is granted for the ship to make a single voyage to the location where MLC inspection can take place, all requirements under the MLC Act and subsidiary legislations should continue to be complied with. 6. Notwithstanding the above, failure to comply with Section 47 of the MLC Act on inspection and certification may result in the Director of Marine meting out punitive actions against the owner in accordance with the MLC Act.

Overdue Intermediate Inspection7. Subject to satisfactory completion of the MLC intermediate inspection, the maritime labour certificate is to be reinstated with the same validity as the previous certificate.Overdue Renewal Inspection8. Subject to satisfactory completion of the MLC renewal inspection, the maritime labour certificate is to be renewed with a validity of up to five years from the expiry date of the previous certificate.9. The maritime labour certificate constitutes prima facie evidence of compliance with the MLC. It is a statutory requirement, unless exempted, for Singapore ships to hold a valid maritime labour certificate. We wish to highlight that MLC compliance is a serious issue and that shipowners should give due consideration to the certification windows of all relevant regimes in voyage planning and arrange for the required inspections in time so as to ensure the validity of the certificate.

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MPA agreement dated 01/10/2011 with the appendix - Item 14 related to MLC, 2006 are attached.

Instructions to Recognized Organization dated 06.08.2013:

Exclusion of unmanned vessels:

10 We also wish to clarify that vessels with no ship crew and no other personnel working on board need not comply with the MLC. For example, dumb barges solely used to carry sand. Please note that the presence of shipboard personnel is not linked to the minimum safe manning document, or whether the vessel is self-propelled or non-self-propelled. Ships not issued with a minimum safe manning document may have workers engaged on board (for example, non-self propelled crane barges), and the workers may be defined as seafarers for purpose of MLC compliance on a case-by-case basis.

Exclusion of port limit vessels:

11 Please note that in consideration of industry feedback, MPA will no longer require vessels which navigate exclusively within Singapore port limits to comply with the MLC. Subsequently, such vessels will have to comply with full MLC requirements before leaving port, even on single voyages.

Previous requirements for crew accommodation and the applicability of the Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) Regulations to existing ships have been amended to incorporate the MLC Requirements (refer to Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) Regulations and Singapore Country File (files attached):

. Extracts of Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) Regulations:

PART I - GENERAL PROVISIONS

APPLICATION AND EXEMPTION

3.(1) Unless otherwise expressly provided, these Regulations —

(a) shall apply to all new ships, subject to sub-paragraph (c);

(b) shall not apply to any existing ship, subject to sub-paragraph (c), unless —

(i) the owner of the ship so requests; or

(ii) the crew accommodation in such ship is substantially altered or reconstructed and such alteration or reconstruction takes place on or after 1st December 1997;

(c) shall not apply to:

(i) ship of less than 500 tons other than a new MLC ship;

(ii) ship primarily propelled by sail but having auxiliary engines, other than a new MLC ship;

(iii) ship engaged in fishing or similar pursuits;

(iv) a tug other than a tug that is a new MLC ship; or

(v) a ship, exclusively engaged on special limit voyages, other than a new MLC ship.

3.-(2) Regulations 7(5) and 13(4B) and (12) shall not apply to a new MLC ship of less than 200 tons.

3.-(3) The requirements for minimum floor areas in regulation 10(5A), (5C), (5D), (5E) and (5H) shall not apply to a new MLC ship of less than 200 tons.

3.-(4) The Director may exempt any ship from any provision of these Regulations either unconditionally or subject to such conditions as he thinks fit if he is satisfied that —

(a) compliance with that provision is either impracticable or unreasonable in respect of that ship; and

(b) the health and safety of crew members on that ship will be protected.

PART II - PLANNING AND CONTROL OF CREW ACCOMMODATION

Plans

4.—(1) Subject to paragraph (3), before the construction of a ship is begun, a plan of the ship, showing the location and general arrangement of the crew accommodation, shall be submitted to the Director or an authorised organisation for approval.

4.—(2) Subject to paragraph (3), before —

(a) the construction of the crew accommodation in a new ship is begun; or

(b) the crew accommodation in an existing ship is substantially altered or reconstructed, detailed plans of, and information concerning, the accommodation, showing the allocation of each space, the disposition of furniture and fittings, the means and arrangement of ventilation, lighting and heating and the sanitary arrangements, shall be submitted to the Director or an authorised organisation for approval.

4.—(3) Where —

(a) permission is granted by the Director or an authorised organisation; or

(b) an alteration or reconstruction of the crew accommodation in a ship is temporary or is being carried out as a consequence of an emergency or an accident,

the plans referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) may be submitted to the Director or an authorised organisation as soon as practicable.

Surveys and certificates

5.—(1) The survey of ships, so far as regards the enforcement of the provisions of these Regulations, shall be carried out by a surveyor of ships or an authorised organisation.

5.—(2) A ship shall be surveyed on every occasion when—

(a) it is registered;

(b) its crew accommodation has been substantially altered or reconstructed; or

(c) the Director has reason to believe that its crew accommodation does not comply with the provisions of these Regulations.

5.—(3) After a survey under paragraph (2), a ship which complies with these Regulations shall be issued with a crew accommodation certificate by the Director or an authorised organisation.

5.—(4) The crew accommodation certificate issued under paragraph (3)—

(a) to a ship that is not a new MLC ship shall be in Form 1 set out in the Schedule; and

(b) to a new MLC ship shall be in Form 2 set out in the Schedule.

5.—(5) When a ship is exempted from any of these Regulations under regulation 3, an exemption certificate for crew accommodation in respect of the ship shall be issued by the Director or an authorised organisation.

5.—(6) The exemption certificate for crew accommodation issued under paragraph (5) —

(a) to a ship that is not a new MLC ship shall be in Form 3 set out in the Schedule; and

(b) to a new MLC ship shall be in Form 4 set out in the Schedule.

5.—(7) The certificates issued under paragraphs (3) and (5) shall be posted up in a prominent and accessible place in the ship.

PART III - CREW ACCOMMODATION REQUIREMENTS

General

6.—(1) The location, means of access, structure and arrangement in relation to other spaces of crew accommodation shall be such as to ensure adequate security, protection against weather and sea, and insulation from heat or cold, or undue noise or effluvia from other spaces and for new MLC ships shall further be in accordance with the requirements of the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) Act 2014 and shall be guided by any code of practice issued or approved under section 44 of that Act.

6.—(1A) In a new MLC ship, the materials used to construct internal bulkheads, panelling and sheeting, floors and joints shall be suitable and conducive to ensuring a healthy environment for the seafarers.

6.—(8) The construction of the accommodation shall comply with the relevant provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) Regulations (Rg 11) (as amended from time to time) as regards the fireprevention or fire-retarding measures.

THE SCHEDULE

Crew accommodation certificates (shall be supplemented by a Record of Crew Accommodation) have to be issued as follow (available in CERTIFICATE/RECORD EDITOR):

• FORM 1 - Regulation 5(4)(a) for MLC existing ships;

• FORM 2 - Regulation 5(4)(b) for new MLC ships.

Exemption certificates only authorized by Flag (case by case):

• FORM 3 for MLC existing ships exempted from any of these Regulations and attached to FORM 1 ;

• FORM 4 for new MLC ships exempted from any of these Regulations and attached to FORM 2.

Extracts from Singapore Country File

The Regulations (Crew Accommodation) have been amended with certain provisions in the Regulations only applicable to a certain group of ships. The grouping of ships and the relevant provisions to be considered are as follows:

(i) For non-MLC ships (Singapore ships for which the MLC does not apply to), and MLC ships (Singapore ships which the MLC applies) that are keel laid before 20 August 2013, the crew accommodation requirements that are already in existence prior to the amendments incorporating the MLC will continue to apply to these ships.

(ii) For MLC ships which are keel-laid on or after 20 August 2013, the provisions which had incorporated the MLC requirements will be applicable to these ships.

(iii) For MLC ships which are keel-laid on or after 20 Aug 2013, and are less than 500 gross tonnage or which are tugs, will now have to comply with the Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) Regulations.

Email to Recognized Organizations dated 28.05.2013 quoted below

- Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has issued following interpretation related to the application of MLC requirements to Singapore MODU units:

Quote

We have received several queries regarding the application of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) to Singapore-flagged offshore units. We wish to provide an update regarding this issue.

2 Please note that the MPA, together with its tripartite partners, has agreed that the MLC will not apply to Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs), as defined by the IMO MODU Code. We intend to adopt this policy position in administering the MLC, and this would subsequently be reflected in our legislation.

3 The IMO MODU Code defines a MODU as a vessel capable of engaging in drilling operations for the exploration for or exploitation of resources beneath the sea-bed such as liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons, sulphur or salt.

4 You may wish to note that for the case of offshore units that are not MODUs as defined by the IMO MODU Code (e.g. Floating Production, Storage and Offloading units), the application of the MLC to these units is still under consideration by the MPA.

Unquote

Shipping Circular No 3 of 2017 (Rev.3)

This circular provides information on the MPA requirements to provide compulsory financial security relating to Repatriation of abandoned seafarers and Work injury compensation, under Section 34A of the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) Act 2014, to meet the requirements of Regulation 2.5 and Regulation 4.2 of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC).

For further information, refer to attached file “SC_No_3_of_2017_rev3.zip”

Extract from SC No 4 of 2017

MARITIME LABOUR CONVENTION, 2006 – UPDATED REQUIREMENTS FOR MLC CERTIFICATION / Rev.1

• Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) Act 2014• Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Forms, Certificates and Fees) Regulations 2014

This MPA Shipping Circular supersedes MPA Shipping Circular No. 7 of 2014 (13 March 2014), as well as the transitional arrangements detailed in MPA Shipping Circular No. 14 of 2013 (6 August 2013), MPA Shipping Circular No. 8 of 2013 (1 July 2013) and MPA Shipping Circular No. 18 of 2012 (7 November 2012)

MLC Certification

3. The DMLC consists of Parts I and II, both of which Parts will need to be revised to include the ILO’s amendments of 2014 to the MLC. The DMLC Part I is prepared and issued by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and contains the national requirements on the MLC. The DMLC Part II must be prepared by the shipowner. It must contain measures to ensure compliance with the DMLC Part I.

4. A Maritime Labour Certificate must be issued to a MLC ship after verification, via inspection, that the MLC ship (including its DMLC Part II) is in compliance with national requirements (as detailed in the DMLC Part I) and applicable MLC requirements. MPA has authorised our Recognised Organisations (ROs) to conduct the inspections and to issue the Maritime Labour Certificate, on behalf of MPA.

5. Shipowners must carry and display a valid Maritime Labour Certificate and a valid DMLC in a conspicuous place on board their MLC ships where it is available to seafarers.

6. The Maritime Labour Certificate and DMLC are inspectable items for port State control officers.

Updated Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance Part I

7. Following from the ILO’s amendments of 2014 to the MLC, an updated mandatory ship-specific DMLC Part I has been prepared by MPA to replace existing MLC ships’ DMLC Part I. The updates are:

• addition of Item 15 relating to financial security for repatriation (Regulation 2.5); and• addition of Item 16 relating to financial security relating to shipowners’ liability (Regulation 4.2).

8. The other updates that are not related to the ILO’s amendments of 2014 to the MLC are:• addition of paragraph 7 in Item 4 relating to shore leave; and• editorial changes to the page numbers.

9. Shipowners are strongly encouraged to begin preparing or updating their DMLC Part II based on the sample copy of the updated DMLC Part I, which can be found at the Annex A of this circular.

Existing MLC ships in the SRS

10. For existing MLC ships carrying their existing DMLC Part I, MPA will issue the updated DMLC Part I to shipowners no later than the due date of the MLC ships’ first renewal inspection after 18 January 2017. Priority will be given to the MLC ships whose first MLC renewal inspections are closest to 18 January 2017. Shipowners must update their DMLC Part II to indicate their compliance with the updated DMLC Part I. This is to be done no later than the due date of the MLC ship’s first MLC renewal inspection after 18 January 2017. The shipowner’s appointed manager in Singapore will be notified accordingly for the collection of the updated DMLC Part I.

11. The entry into force of the ILO’s amendments of 2014 to the MLC on 18 January 2017 will not affect the continued validity of MLC ships’ existing Maritime Labour Certificates and DMLCs until the due date of the MLC ship’s first MLC renewal inspection after 18 January 2017. This is in line with the ILO’s Resolution on the transitional measures relating to the entry into force of the amendments of 2014 to the MLC, which can be found at Annex B of this circular.

12. As part of the implementation of the ILO’s amendments of 2014 to the MLC, there will be no fees payable for the replacement of the existing DMLC Part I with the updated DMLC Part I. The shipowner’s appointed manager in Singapore will be notified accordingly for the collection of the updated DMLC Part I.

MLC ships registering with the SRS on or after 18 January 2017

13. For MLC ships registering with the SRS on or after 18 January 2017, MPA will issue the updated DMLC Part I to shipowners. Shipowners must prepare their DMLC Part II to indicate their compliance with the updated DMLC Part I. A fee of $70 will be charged for the issuance of the updated DMLC Part I. The shipowner’s appointed manager in Singapore will be notified accordingly for the collection of the updated DMLC Part I.

14. In the event that the Maritime Labour Certificate and DMLC are lost, destroyed or so defaced that the particulars are no longer legible, the shipowner must report the loss, destruction or defacement to MPA within 14 days. A fee of $74.90 (inclusive of GST) will be charged for the replacement of the updated DMLC Part I in the event the updated DMLC Part I is lost or is required to be re-issued due to changes to the MLC ship’s details.

Early Endorsement of Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance Part II

15. Notwithstanding the clarification in paragraph 11 above, shipowners may wish to get the updated DMLC Part II on the MLC ship endorsed ahead of the MLC ship’s first MLC renewal inspections after 18 January 2017. A possible opportunity to do so is at the MLC ship’s subsequent MLC intermediate inspection after 18 January 2017.

16. Should shipowners wish to do so, our ROs will ensure, upon successful completion of the MLC intermediate inspection, that the Maritime Labour Certificate is re-issued so as to make reference to the updated DMLCs. The re-issued Maritime Labour Certificate is to have the same validity as the existing one.

17. Any queries regarding this circular should be directed to the Seafarers Management Department (Email: mmo@mpa.gov.sg; Tel: +65 6375 6224).

ANNEX A - SAMPLE OF THE MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY’S (MPA) UPDATED DECLARATION OF MARITIME LABOUR COMPLIANCE (DMLC) PART I

ANNEX B - Resolution on the transitional measures relating to the entry into force of the amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, concerning financial security requirements in respect of abandonment of seafarers and for shipowners’ liability.

Guidelines on the medical examination of seafarer and seafarer’s medical certificate

Refer to MPA Shipping Circular No 11 of 2021 in attached file “SC_no_11_of_2021.pdf”.

Amendments of 2018 to the MLC, 2006

Review of Seafarers Employment Agreement (SEA)

Refer to MPA Shipping Circular No 18 of 2020 in attached file “sc_no_18_of_2020.pdf”.

MPA will not be revising the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) Part I. However, shipowners are to review their policies, procedures and SEAs and any applicable collective bargaining agreements to ensure compliance with the 2018 amendments to the MLC, 2006.

Recognised Organisation (RO) will be confirming compliance with the new requirements during their MLC inspections on or after 26 December 2020.

Amendments of 2022 to the MLC, 2006

(Shipping Circular No.14 of 2024)

Notwithstanding the amendments, the Administration will not be revising the Declaration of Maritime Labour Convention (DMLC) Part I for Singapore-flagged vessels. However, shipowners are to review their policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the 2022 amendments to the MLC, 2006.

Recognised Organisation (RO) is to confirm compliance with the new requirements during MLC inspections on or after 23rd December 2024.

Seafarer Recruitment and Placement Service (SRPS)

(Refer to Addendum to Instrument of appointment and authorisation for statutory certification, survey, inspection and audit services in Agreement for international conventions, codes and national legislations)

(Shipping Circular No.16 of 2023)

All companies based in Singapore which are engaged in recruiting and placing seafarers shall conform to requirements set out in the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) Act 2014 and the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Seafarer Recruitment and Placement Services) Regulations 2014. These standards are applicable when the seafarer recruitment and placement services are operated in, or provided from, Singapore, and include those provided for Singapore-registered and foreign-registered ships. All such SRPS are also required to apply to the Director of Marine for a Certificate of Authorisation (COA).

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized for the audit of manning offices involved in seafarer recruitment and placement services.

With effect from 1st March 2024, all SRPS operating in Singapore will be subject to mandatory audit. There will be three (3) audit cycles:

• Initial audit to be carried out within three (3) months before or from the date of application for a COA (“Initial”).

• Intermediate audit to be carried out within the window from three (3) months before the 1st and three (3) months after the 2nd anniversary date of the COA (“Intermediate”).

• Renewal audit to be carried out within three (3) months before expiry of the COA (“Renewal”).

An inspection/audit report in the format provided in attached file “SRPS_report form” is to be used by Recognised Organisation (RO) after the surveyor has completed audit of the Seafarer Recruitment and Placement Service and are to be submitted by the SRPS to the Administration. All audit-related supporting documents are to be kept at the SRPS office for on-site inspection by the Seafarers Policy, Development and Welfare (SPDW) Department of the Administration, as required or upon request.

Appendix — Agreement governing the delegation of statutory certification services

Agreement for international conventions, codes and national legislations

See the attached file “Agreement_Singapore_RO SA_01102023.pdf”.

See the attached file “Recognised Organisation (RO) Addendum to Sep 2023 RO Authorised Agreement_06022024.pdf”

See the attached file “Recognised Organisation (RO) Addendum No.2 to Sep 2023 RO Authorisation_06112024.pdf”

See the attached file “Addendum No.3 to Appointment of RO 2025_Oct 2025_EBWRB_RO.pdf”

Agreement for non-mandatory instruments

See the attached file “Agreement_Singapore_RO SA_Non Mandatory Instruments_01102023.pdf”.

Appendix 1 to the Agreement

Applicable instruments and scope of authorisation for international conventions, codes and national legislations

See the attached file “Appendix 1_Singapore_RO SA.pdf”.

Applicable instruments and scope of authorisation for non-mandatory instruments

See the attached file “Appendix 1_Singapore_RO SA_Non Mandatory Instruments.pdf”.

Appendix — Attestation for ship above 17 years of age

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An attestation, in the format as in the attached file “Attestation”, is to be issued by the classification society of the ship after its surveyor has boarded the ship for a general inspection on the conditions of the ship.

A general inspection on board the vessel to the scope of an annual survey of the safety construction, load line, safety equipment, applicable annexes of MARPOL and periodical survey of safety radio installation.

Appendix — Specific Certificates: National and bilingual International certificates

List of National certificates

- Load Line Certificate - Form B

- Load Line Exemption Certificate - Form D

- Safety Certificates for Non-Convention ships (Construction, Equipment, Radiotelephony, Radiotelegraphy, Exemption)

- Port Limit PSSC and Exemption

- Singapore Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate (SOPP) and Form A and Form B

- Singapore Air Pollution Prevention Certificate and Supplement

- Crew Accommodation Certificate and Exemption for new and existing ships, according to Merchant Shipping Regulations (Cap.179, Reg29)