Singapore: MPA urges shipping, port community to exercise caution during festive seasons

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Tuesday (23 December) issued Port Marine Circular No. 174 of 2025 on safety measures during the upcoming festive seasons: 

EXERCISING SAFETY AND VIGILANCE DURING FESTIVE SEASONS

This is to bring attention to the shipping and port community on the importance of exercising extra caution, navigational prudence and best practices during the upcoming Christmas and New Year festive season.

Festive seasons are time where there will be increased traffic and passenger ridership in the port of Singapore.

Safety remains our key priority and together we can work to increase awareness of safe practices and to inculcate a safety-first culture at sea. The shipping, port and craft community are encouraged to observe the following:

• Conduct risk assessment prior to commencement of activities. Monitor weather reports, don appropriate Personal Protective Equipment where applicable.
• Carry out pre-departure safety briefings to ensure crew and passengers are aware of the locations of life-saving and fire-fighting appliances, as well as emergency procedures.
• Exercise caution and with due diligence when operating crafts at sea, ensure persons don lifejacket when there is a risk of falling overboard.
• Observe safe navigation practices.
• Strict adherence to company’s and/or shipboard drug and alcohol policies.
• Strict adherence to Singapore Port Regulations and the International Regulation for the prevention of Collision at Sea (COLREGS).

We request your assistance to bring to the attention of your Masters, Crew, and boat owners on the content of this email.

Please call Capt. Hazel Leo at Tel: +65 6325 2465 or Marine Safety Control Centre (MSCC) Duty Officer at +65 6325 2488/2489 for clarification on this Port Marine Notice.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 24 December, 2025