An initiative for safe navigation: A handy pamphlet for users of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore

The Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) remains one of the busiest and most important shipping lanes in the world. It is a vital sea line of communication, carrying about one third of the world's traded goods and used by ships voyaging from West to East. Safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment in the SOMS are of paramount importance.

Today, a pamphlet entitled 'Safe Passage: The Straits of Singapore and Malacca', was officially launched at the 93rd session of the International Maritime Organization Maritime Safety Committee, held in London. The Safe Passage pamphlet is the result of an initiative pursued within the Co-operative Mechanism, a framework established in 2007 which the littoral states of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore and users of SOMS, pool their respective resources and expertise in an effort to enhance navigational safety and protection of the marine environment in the SOMS.

The Safe Passage pamphlet was first proposed by the international shipping association, BIMCO in 2012. It is intended to be a handy tool for users of the SOMS on navigational guidelines and best practices to be observed, and the importance of adhering to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).

The Safe Passage pamphlet also presents useful information on collision prevention measures, night signals for vessels crossing the Traffic Separation Scheme in the Singapore Strait, local rules for ships transiting the SOMS, advice on anchoring and weather conditions affecting visibility such as haze and heavy rain.

The Safe Passage pamphlet will be made available from today, as a PDF download from the Co-operative Mechanism's website and BIMCO's website (www.cooperativemechanism.org.my & www.bimco.org). Users of the SOMS are encouraged to get a copy.

Since its inception in 2007, the Co-operative Mechanism has coordinated many projects to promote safety of navigation and environmental protection. The completion and launch of the Safe Passage pamphlet complements the many good systems and tools that have been put in place by the Co-operative Mechanism. It also underscores the close co-operation between the three littoral states of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore and the organizations representing the users of the SOMS such as ICS, BIMCO and INTERTANKO. Please refer to Annex A for more information on the Co-operative Mechanism.

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Jointly issued by BIMCO, the Directorate-General of Sea Transportation of Indonesia, the Malaysia Marine Department of Malaysia, and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore

About BIMCO
BIMCO is a shipping association providing a wide range of services to its global membership of stakeholders who have vested interests in the shipping industry, including ship owners, operators, managers, brokers and agents.

The association's main objective is to facilitate the commercial operations of its membership by means of developing standard contracts and clauses, and providing quality information, advice, and education. BIMCO promotes fair business practices, free trade and open access to markets and is a strong advocate for the harmonization and standardization of all shipping related activity.

Accredited as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) with all relevant United Nations agencies and other regulatory entities, BIMCO actively promotes the application of international agreed regulatory instruments.

For media clarification, please contact:
Ms. Gemma Wilkie
Communications Director
BIMCO
gw@bimco.org
Ph: +45 4436 6836

About the Directorate-General of Sea Transportation, Indonesia
As the largest archipelagic country in the world, Indonesia has put the sea transportation as one of the artery for national economies. In this regards, The Directorate General of Sea Transportation (DGST), Ministry of Transportation Republic of Indonesia has responsible for Sea Transport, Sea Port, Maritime Safety and Security and also Marine Environmental Protection in all over Indonesian waters. As a part of TTEG founder & recently launched the Cooperative Mechanism with other Littoral States, DGST is also fully committed to its long term maritime policy in accordance to assure a safe, secure and efficient shipping in a clean ocean in The Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

For media clarification, please contact:
Public Relation and International Cooperation
Legal Division – Directorate General of Sea Transportation
Ministry of Transportation
Karya Building, 14th Floor
Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No. 8
Jakarta Indonesia
Phone/Fax: +62 21 3450982
Email: pr.intcoop.dgst@gmail.com

About the Malaysia Marine Department
The Malaysia Marine Department (MMD) under the Ministry of Transport Malaysia was established to strengthen the maritime transportation system based on the compliance of safety standards at national and international level. MMD is responsible for ensuring safe, secure sea lanes of communication, and marine conservancy towards a sustainable development of Malaysia's maritime industry. MMD continues to spearhead Malaysia's maritime interest at both, the national and international levels. Moving forward, MMD with the other littoral States is committed to participate actively with the shipping industry at the international level, in particular on the Cooperative Mechanism to enhance safety of navigation and environmental protection in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

For media clarification, please contact:
Director General
Marine Department Malaysia
P.O. Box 12, Foreshore Road
42007 Port Kelang
Selangor, MALAYSIA
Tel: +6 03 3346 7777
Fax: +6 03 3168 5289
E-mail: kpgr@marine.gov.my
Website: www.marine.gov.my

About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.