Approved Dockmaster Scheme for Shipyards

The Approved Dockmaster Scheme (ADS) gives shipyards the convenience and flexibility to plan and conduct vessel movements at short notice, maximising manpower and logistic resources such as tugs and mooring crew. The approved dockmaster, being familiar with the layout, tidal regime and procedures of the terminal, will enhance overall efficiency and operational safety.

Shipyards wishing to take part in the ADS are required to enter into an ADS Agreement with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). The area of operation, or ‘defined area’, will be stipulated in the ADS agreement between the MPA and the shipyard.  The shipyards can then apply for their employee to baean approved dockmaster provided he meets the requirements listed below.

Fees will be charged for application processing, the practical assessment, lecture and oral examination.

All newly approved dockmasters will be restricted to conducting vessels not exceeding 270 metres in length for 1 year. After achieving a satisfactory record, they will be eligible for upgrading to unlimited length of vessel within the defined area. They will cease to be an approved dockmaster when they leave the shipyard’s employment.

General requirements

To qualify as an approved dockmaster, the applicant must:

• Have at least a Certificate of Competency Class 4 (Home Trade Master).
• Be certified medically fit to perform the task of a dockmaster.
• Pass an eye-sight test (STCW convention).
• Be an employee of the shipyard.

Candidates selected under the scheme must:

• Pass a practical assessment by a PEL officer from the MPA.
• Pass an oral examination by the Pilotage Committee.

Ex-PSA Marine (PSAM) pilots who have left the Pilotage Service Provider (PSP) will be required to undergo the Familiarisation Programme for ex-PSAM pilots (see below).

New entrants (including ex-PSAM pilots who have left the PSP for more than 3 years) will be required to undergo the Familiarisation and Training Programme for new entrants (see below).

Familiarisation Programme for ex-PSAM pilots

The objective of this familiarisation programme is for ex-PSAM pilots who have left the pilotage service for less than one year, to qualify as an approved dock master under the ADS.

Movement schedule

• Ex-PSAM pilots, who have left the service for less than 1 year are required to observe six movements as follows:
  • Docking - 2 moves
  • Un-docking - 2 moves
  • Others - 2 moves
• Ex-PSAM pilots, who have left the service for 1 to 3 years are required to observe 24 movements as follows:
  • Docking - 8 moves
  • Others - 8 moves (inclusive of double-banking moves

Note: At least 50% of the movements must involve vessels of about 75% of the maximum size of vessels calling at the shipyard.

Familiarisation and Training Programme for new entrants

The objective of this training programme is to prepare new entrants, including ex-PSA pilots who have left the service for more than 3 years to qualify as an Approved Dockmaster under the ADS.

Movement schedule

• The applicant is required to observe a total 100 movements as follows:
  • Docking & undocking - 40 moves
  • Shifting (from berth to berth) - 30 moves
  • Double banking (berth alongside another vessel) - 30 moves

Note: At least 25% of the movements must involve vessels of about 75% of the maximum size vessels calling at the shipyard.

Lectures

Applicants are also required to attend a one-day lecture conducted by a PEL officer from the MPA. The subjects are:

• Practical ship handling.
• Usage, safety aspects and types of tugs
• Tide and its effects
• Emergency procedures and incident reporting
• Reporting procedures in port