Singapore

Security boardings at Singapore

The following circular has been issued addressed to ships trading to Singapore:

"Port Marine Circular No. 10 of 2005 1 Apr 2005:

Boarding Of Vessels By Security Teams
1. With immediate effect, all vessels entering or leaving the port of Singapore may be boarded by a team of police officers and authorized representatives of the Port Master for the purposes of protecting the port and vessels from security threats. The owner, agent or Master of the vessel to be boarded will be given advance notice, subject to operational exigencies. The teams will, as far as practicable, board arriving vessels with pilots at the pilot boarding grounds. For departing vessels, the teams will, as far as practicable, board with pilots at the anchorages or berths.

2. In the interests of maritime and port security and safety of navigation of vessels, the teams will be armed and remain on board the vessels and disembark with the pilots, generally. Whilst on board, members of the team will station themselves at such places as will be communicated to the Master for the purposes of ensuring the safe passage of the vessel. Masters are advised not to be alarmed as these persons are trained specialists who will take all necessary precautions for the safety of the vessels and crew. Masters may verify the identities of the team members by contacting the security control centre at Tel: 6773-7457 or VHF Ch 26.

3. Any Master of a vessel, who, without lawful excuse, refuses to allow any member of such teams to enter such vessels shall be guilty of an offence under Section 53(2) of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Act, Cap. 170A, and shall be liable on conviction for each offence to a fine not exceeding SGD 1,000. The requirements under this circular shall be in addition to and not in derogation of any and all existing requirements for entry, departure and movement of vessels within the port, whether by law or otherwise.

4. Any enquiries relating to this circular may be directed to Capt Henry Heng at Tel: 6325-2477".
Contact: security@bimco.dk