Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

MPA operates the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and co-ordinates maritime search-and-rescue (SAR) operations.

MPA operates the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and co-ordinates maritime search-and-rescue (SAR) operations.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is responsible for co-ordinating maritime search and rescue (SAR) operations within Singapore's maritime search and rescue region (SRR).

24-hour emergency contact

• VHF Channel 16
• VTIS working channels 7, 10, 14, and 73
• Tel (+65) 6226 5539 or (+65) 6325 2493
• Fax: (+65) 6227 9971
• Telex: 20021
• Email: pocc@mpa.gov.sg

Port Operations Control Centre (POCC)

The Port Operations Control Centre (POCC), which is part of the MPA, is the operational headquarters for a maritime SRR that covers both the island of Singapore and over 1 million square kilometres of the South China Sea (see Singapore SRR map).

Operating 24 hours, the POCC operates a shore-based Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) facility to monitor distress alerts and calls from ships, and co-ordinate SAR operations. It also disseminates Maritime Safety Information (MSI) through the VHF, NAVTEX and SafetyNET systems.

Distress monitoring

Operated by the POCC, the GMDSS monitors distress alerts and calls from ships round the clock via:

• VHF Channel 16
• VHF DSC Channel 70
• COSPAS-SARSAT system
• Inmarsat services (Sentosa LES).

Singapore POCC’s designated MMSI number is 005630002.

MSI Broadcast

Routine broadcast of navigational warnings, weather bulletin and other information related to safety of navigation is conducted via:

• VHF Channel 9
  • Timing of broadcast: Once every two hours commencing from 0100h (UTC).
• NAVTEX
  • POCC transmitter identification character is “C”.
    • Timing of broadcast: 0020–0030h; 0420–0430h; 0820–0830h; 1220–1230h; 1620–1630h and 2020–2030h (UTC).
    • The weather bulletin is broadcast twice daily at 0020h and 1220h (UTC).
• SafetyNET
  • Broadcast is conducted on an ad hoc basis.

Note that broadcast of urgent information may be conducted outside the routine broadcast schedule.

SAR Co-operation Plan

The POCC administers the SAR Co-operation Plan submitted by all ferries and passenger ships operating within the Singapore's maritime SRR.

EPIRB database

Singapore POCC maintains a database of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) fitted on board Singapore registered ships.