Singapore’s emphasis on ensuring competent piloted services in the busy port waters has seen results in declining pilotage incidences over the years, and an annual award to recognise pilots for their good work will see 14 recipients this year.
“Over the years, we have seen a decline in pilotage incidents. In 2014, there were 4 pilotage incidents and it reduced to one in 2015. There is no report of any pilotage incident this year,” the MPA spokesperson told Seatrade Maritime News.
The decline in pilotage incidents came on the back of increased piloted movements, with MPA data showing 167,230 piloted movements in 2012, rising to 176,102 in 2015 and 104,523 in the January-July 2016 period.
An Annual Incentive Award (AIA) for pilots was introduced by Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) in 1998. The objective of the AIA is to encourage pilots to achieve better performance, improve efficiency and adopt high safety standards. Since its introduction, 62 Class A pilots had received the Award.
Ahead of this year’s award on 30 August at the International Safety@Sea Conference, there will be 14 more will recipients, out of 165 operational Class A pilots who qualified for the award.
The AIA presentation and conference are part of the MPA-organised International Safety@Sea Week 2016 that will run from 29 August to 2 September.
With pilotage being one of the crucial services of Singapore port, MPA has ensured a stringent regime and requirement for the training of pilots. The trainings include written examination, assessment on the Full Mission Ship handling Simulation (FMSS) at MPA’s Integrated Simulation Centre (ISC) located in Singapore Polytechnic.
“All pilots will go through a practical assessment and oral examination conducted by MPA prior to any licence issuance. PSAM Academy, a training arm of PSA Marine, offers courses in practical pilotage, ship-handling, shipboard emergencies, crisis management, tug handling and other marine related subjects for pilots and the maritime industry at large,” the MPA spokesperson said.
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