Shipping Circulars
No. 31 of 2005

23 Sep 2005

Applicable to:Shipowners, shipmanagers, masters and officers of Singapore ships.

Cargo ships are required by Reg III/32.3 of SOLAS 74 to carry 3 immersion suits for each lifeboat carried. With effect from 1 July 2006, the prescribed 3 immersion suits for each lifeboat will be changed to an immersion suit for each person on board. This change is applicable to all cargo ships regardless of their dates of construction.

2.For cargo ships built before 1 July 2006, the new prescribed requirement has to be complied with not later than the first safety equipment survey on or after 1 July 2006.

3.Notwithstanding the requirement to carry immersion suits, ships, other than bulk carriers from 1 July 2006 onwards, which are constantly engaged on voyages in warm climates are exempted from carrying immersion suits. For Singapore ships, voyages in warm climates refer to voyages between the latitudes of 20N and 20S.

4.We have reviewed our designation of warm climates and with immediate effect, voyages in warm climates shall refer to voyages between the latitudes of 30N and 30S.

5.Shipowners of ships engaged on voyages between the latitudes of 30N and 30S may seek an exemption from carrying immersion suits from the Classification Society which issues the ship's Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate except that this exemption will cease to be valid on or after 1 July 2006 for bulk carriers.

6.Any queries relating to this circular should be directed to Mr. Tan Leong Beng at 6375 6207.

Khong Shen Ping
DIRECTOR OF MARINE
MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE