Written Reply to Parliamentary Questions on Safety of Existing Fleet of Singapore-Registered Vessels and Their Compliance with Statutory Requirements

Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     whether he can provide an update on the safety of the existing fleet of Singapore-registered vessels; and

b.     how does the Ministry assess the ability of the eight ship classification societies to continue to ensure that Singapore-registered vessels comply with all statutory requirements.

Reply by Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat:

1.     Safety is a key focus of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). It has put in place measures to promote safety at sea for Singapore-registered vessels, based on international regulations and procedures. As the Singapore flag administration, MPA has appointed and authorised eight classification societies that are members of the International Association of Classification Societies to survey, inspect and ensure Singapore-registered vessels comply with the applicable statutory requirements. These classification societies have a rigorous set of classification rules, and are assessed by MPA based on their competency, expertise and adequacy of resources over several geographies. 

2.     MPA has a framework in place to monitor and ensure that appointed classification societies carry out their work and surveys well. If a classification society fails to meet the requirements under the framework, MPA could suspend or cease its appointment. 

3.     Singapore-registered vessels have a high safety performance record with a consistently low detention rate in all major Port State Control (PSC) regimes worldwide. All Singapore-registered vessels are surveyed regularly by an authorised classification society, with at least one survey annually, to verify that their structure, equipment systems, fittings, arrangements, and materials are fully compliant with international conventions.