2 September 2003
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will be conducting its annual Ferry Rescue Exercise (FEREX) on 3 Sep 03 between 1000hrs and 1300hrs. The objectives of the exercise are to test the effectiveness of the Ferry Mishap Contingency Plan (FMCP) and instill in all supporting parties the highest state of readiness to respond prior to the Kusu Pilgrimage between 26 Sep and 24 Oct 03.
Other agencies involved in this annual exercise are: Singapore Police Force, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Police Coast Guard, Republic of Singapore Navy, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Community Development and Sports, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Singapore Cruise Centre and Berlian Shipping Pte Ltd.
This annual exercise will see about 50 "passengers" being evacuated from a regional passenger ferry, Pinang Express, which will role-play a vessel in distress (please refer to the exercise scenario).
The seaward operations will be carried out at a location about 0.5 nautical miles north of Padang Buoy, approximately 1.5 km south of Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT), while the landward exercise will be held at the ferry terminal.
Last year, about 134,000 devotees visited the Kusu Island during the pilgrimage period.
Exercise Scenario
A regional ferry, Pinang Express, approaches the TMFT from Tanjong Pinang, Indonesia, when suddenly a fire breaks out in its engine room. At the time of the incident, there are 50 passengers onboard. The Master of the craft sends out a distress call and requests immediate help from the MPA. The MPA immediately activates the Ferry Mishap Contingency Plan (FMCP) and designates the TMFT as the casualty landing point. An Emergency Operations Committee, led by MPA and comprising representatives from supporting organisations, assembles at the MPA Port Operations Control Centre to plan and coordinate the rescue operations.
End of Release.
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