Flag State Control Inspections

Introduction

MPA surveyors may inspect and audit a Singapore-registered ship and the safety management system of its company under the authority of:

• Section 206 of the Merchant Shipping Act; and
• Section 22 of the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act

Objectives of flag state inspections

Flag State control inspections:

• Support the quality shipping objectives of MPA.
  
  
• Enforce high standard of compliance with international and national rules and standards for Singapore-registered ships.
  
  
• Verify the actual condition of Singapore-registered ships conform to the certificates they carry. The scope of the verification includes:
  
  
  • Hull, equipment and manning;
  • Safety management; and
  • Security systems
    
    
• Ensure that the ship’s crew can effectively:
  
  
  • Co-ordinate their activities in an emergency situation;
  • Perform functions vital to safety; and
  • Prevent or mitigate pollution
    
    
• Monitor the work performed by recognised organisations and nominated surveyors that act on behalf of the MPA.

Inspection Process

• Qualified surveyors from MPA conduct flag State control inspections
  
  
• The master receives an inspection report upon the completion of an inspection
  
  
• The master is required to rectify any deficiencies in accordance with the conditions stated in the inspection report

Detention of Ships

The Director of Marine may detain a Singapore-registered ship if it is unsafe or has violated any requirements or regulations under:

• Section 113 of the Merchant Shipping Act; and
• Section 23 of the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act

Appeal

The shipowner or company may appeal against a detention within 30 days from the date of notification. The appeal should not cause the detention to be suspended. A shipowner or company that wishes to appeal should state the reasons and provide supporting evidence in writing to the Director of Marine.

Flag State Control Contact 

More contact details can be found here.